Thirsty Beaver hosts viewing party for CWLL

Matt Metcalf
Posted 8/27/15

Many family members and supporters of the Cranston Western Little League team made the trip out to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series, which began last Thursday.

But for those …

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Thirsty Beaver hosts viewing party for CWLL

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Many family members and supporters of the Cranston Western Little League team made the trip out to Williamsport, Pa., for the Little League World Series, which began last Thursday.

But for those who couldn’t be there in person, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung ensured that they were provided a fan-friendly venue to cheer on their local team.

Family and fans packed into the Thirsty Beaver in Cranston on Friday night for the team’s opener against Taylors, S.C.

Although the turnout of the game didn’t go as the fans would’ve hoped, the fan turnout at the Thirsty Beaver was overwhelming.

I spoke with Fung just prior to the start of the game as fans were pouring in.

“The Thirsty Beaver is packed and a lot of us have the champion New England shirts that we all bought from Dick’s Sporting Goods,” Fung said. “We’re here rooting for them hard. I can’t wait until the game starts. All of Cranston is excited.”

Cranston Western would go on to fall in the game, 7-1, as it couldn’t muster a hit off of fireballer Alex Edmondson, who struck out 15 in his second consecutive no-hit performance.

However, the noise level never dwindled throughout the game at the Thirsty Beaver, with fans staying true until the last out.

The support for the team has been outstanding, even throughout the district, state and regional tournaments.

“All of Cranston is jumping right now and they’re very proud of these boys,” Fung said. “I went down to Bristol and saw that championship game, and when that final out was made, we saw the joy on their faces and were right there with them then, and are right there with them now. We put together this watch party at the Thirsty Beaver to let them know that they have people cheering them on right here in good old Cranston.”

Cranston Western is no stranger to the big stage of Williamsport, though.

Back in 1996, it had a team make it there and win the U.S. title. Current Cranston Western assistant coach Larry Lepore was a coach on that team as well, which Fung noted was going to help a great deal alongside Manager Gary Bucci.

In June of 2014, the manager of that team, Mike Varrato, passed away. Prior to the season, Fung and the players dedicated the season to him.

“I watched that game back in 1996, too,” Fung said. “I know the manager of that team, Mike Varrato, is watching in heaven. That’s why the boys have MV on their hats all throughout. We’re proud of those boys in 1996, and hopefully history will repeat itself in 2015.”

Although the program does have a successful track record, the feeling of making it to Williamsport never gets old.

It’s simply a surreal feeling.

“We know they’re one of the top 16 teams in the world right now, playing their hearts out,” Fung said. “They’re representing not only all of Rhode Island, but all of New England. It’s Cranston pride that’s on the line, and they’re playing for all of us.”

Cranston Western would stave off elimination on Saturday night with a 6-3 win over Missouri, but would unfortunately be eliminated from contention on Monday night with a 10-3 loss to California.

However, win or lose, there’s no question that Cranston Western made the city proud.

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