Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West All-Stars slaughtered Washington’s Lynnwood Pacific in five innings Thursday in the first round of the Little League World Series.
Pierce Jones hit three home runs and a triple leading the team to a victorious 12-2 win.
The team heads to the next round of the series and will play again Sunday at 1 p.m. CT.
“I think it was just a good game and I hope I can carry on to the next one,” Jones told ESPN after the game Thursday.
The league made in to Williamsport in 1983 but lost the first game. The league's founder, Joseph Haley, coached that team and his son, Bill, is now director of the league.
"He'd be really proud, he'd be proud of the kids, proud for their parents. Just getting here its been quite a road," Bill Haley said.
"This is awesome I'm so excited I'm losing my voice and to make history this is unbelievable," parent Tammy King said.
The team became the first Chicago team to compete in the Little League World Series in three decades and has generated support from baseball professionals and fans back home and in the stands.
Fans in Chicago gathered at Jackie Robinson Field Thursday for a watch party put together by city leaders and the Chicago White Sox.
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Spectators included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Bears player Chris Zorich, and members of that 1983 team.
"I know how they feel and they need that support," former Little League player Shawn Hammock said.
"I try to compare them to us, and I think it would be a good battle, but that's a good team," former player Norrice Quarles said.
They also lined up by the dozens to purchase Jackie Robinson West T-Shirts, which will help pay for the travel expenses for the players’ parents.
“It feels great to see that the boys get so much support from just people everywhere we go every store we go into,” said Sheree Hondras, whose son plays on the team.
