PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city recognized the success of its Little League all-star team on Tuesday.

 

The team loaded onto the city's ladder truck that was driven around the downtown with them on the back, with sirens blaring and hands waving, led by a police escort, another fire engine, and the fire chief. The trip ended at City Hall where Mayor Linda Tyer was waiting to greet them all.

 

"We are all so proud of them," Tyer said.

 

One by one the players got off the truck, slapping hands with Fire Chief Robert Czerwinski and the mayor, while parents snapped photos and took video. City Councilors Peter White, Earl Persip, Peter Marchetti, Melissa Mazzeo, Kevin Morandi, and Christopher Connell, and City Clerk Michele Benjamin were on hand with high fives and words of congratulations.

 

The group them filled the City Council chambers where at the state of the City Council meeting, Tyer read a proclamation honoring them.

 

"Pittsfield is fortunate enough to be the home to a variety of sports teams with talented, dedicated, hardworking young athletes. The Pittsfield American Little League all-star team is an excellent example of this talent," Tyer said, and detailed the team's path to becoming state champions and representing the city on a national level.

 

"This team symbolized the values of perseverance and teamwork."

 

The team had a magical run as it came just one game short of going to Williamsport, Pa., and representing all of New England at the Little League World Series. The team worked its way all the way to Bristol, R.I., representing Massachusetts and went 3-0 into the final game. But, in a rainy final game, broadcasted on ESPN, Pittsfield was knocked out of the tournament.

 

During that run, they were local heroes and all eyes were on the team. Signs had popped up throughout the downtown rooting for the team. The Beacon Cinema held watch parties. And buses were organized to transport residents to the game and back. The youth had become the talk of the city.

 

And while the team may have not won the entire tournament, the city is still very proud of the team.