Epic Run

For Maine-Endwell, a Little League team from a rural area in central New York, the summer of 2016 has been like a movie. The upstarts from upstate have won 22 straight games, and are now just two victories away from a Little League World Series championship. We spent the week with the boys of Maine-Endwell in Willamsport, Pa., to capture sights and sounds from their epic run.



Photos by Jared Wickerham/The Players’ Tribune

Our team has a great chemistry and we all have great relationships with each other. That’s what makes our team special. Jack Hopko

Comissioner Manfred told us he’s rooting for us because he grew up in upstate New York near where we’re from. It was really cool to meet someone from a major sport. Jude Abbadessa and Billy Dundon

Our main superstition is that we all put on Old Spice Swagger before games. We always say, ‘Us on three,’ before we go out on field. And our team’s motto is, Be legendary. These little routines pull the team together. Michael Mancini

The Little League World Series is a really cool atmosphere. There are players from all over the world here. It’s fun to learn what they all do in their home countries. Ryan Harlost

When we’re not playing, we’re spending our time playing Ping-Pong with other teams in the recreational room, swimming in the pool, and bottle flipping. We’re having fun. James Fellows

We just try to go out and play as a team every game. We pick each other up when we’re down. That’s been the secret to our run. Conner Rush

We all come from a great community that’s been so supportive. Having so many fans in the stands rooting for us gives us the confidence to do well. Jayden Fanara

“I hope the memories last forever because I know they will with me.” Coach Joe Mancini leaves a closing note for his legendary team. (0:30)

We’ve learned here that we can do anything if we put our minds to it. If we work hard, there’s nothing we can’t do. Justin Ryan and Jordan Owens