BIG HIT: PRESIDENT OBAMA WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION LITTLE LEAGUE TEAM FROM CHULA VISTA
February 6, 2010 – As snow fell on the nation’s capitol, Chula Vista’s Park View Little League players, coaches and family members received a warm welcome at the White House from President Barack Obama. Each player on the world champion team was greeted personally by the President.
“He said that he was proud of us for representing the United States,” said catcher Daniel Porras Jr., according to the Union-Tribune. Players presented the President with a team jersey imprinted with his name.
The visit was arranged following a request by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California), who noted that the team is the first in 48 years to win the championship representing San Diego.
The Park View Little League All Stars Team rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat Chinese Taipei team 6-3 to win the championship on August 30, 2009. Along the way, the team shattered the homerun record with 19 homeruns set by Tokyo of 15. Throughout the Series, team members acted with good sportsmanship, determination, and heart. After winning the game, the team graciously invited Chinese Taipei to join them in a victory lap around the field.
Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) gave the baseball stars a tour of the Capitol ground floor.
The team’s trip to Washington D. was paid for by Southwest Airlines and AT&T.
On the team’s Facebook page, Park View's Tony Garcia summed up the visit this way: “Park View Little League at the top! Having a blast at Obama's house!”