Lincoln Chafee: “during the August recess, 14 youngsters from Cranston, RI, achieved something that no Rhode Islanders had ever achieved…”

“during the August recess, 14 youngsters from Cranston, RI, achieved something that no Rhode Islanders had ever achieved before. On August 22, the Cranston Western Little League All-Stars were crowned the National Champions at this year's Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Mr. President, I know we are dealing with important matters here. But this is an important matter also. This wonderful team of youngsters from our State first had to win the State championship. Then they went to the national championships in Williamsport where they defeated--can you believe it--California 5 to 1. Three days later in front of 17,000 fans and a national television audience they defeated the team that had previously defeated them, namely the heavily favored Panama City, FL, team which put them into the world championship game. That was against Chinese Taipei. I think for anyone who follows the Little League baseball knows that the Chinese Taipei team was always an outstanding one and, indeed, they did win against the Cranston Western All-Stars. This was truly an amazing accomplishment.”