SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
By the end of the game, the vast majority among the 7.280 fans at Volunteer Stadium were squarely behind the ultimate underdog, Uganda, the first team from Africa in the Little League World Series.
“This was the biggest crowd I have ever seen,” manager Paul Odong said. “Even at home, people don’t care.”
They cared here and cheered every moment, though Uganda lost 9-3 to Panama. Uganda has become the darling of this tournament for the tales of how they practice barefoot and, although comfortable with shoes donated by Little League, they prefer the natural way on the practice field. Few from Uganda could make the 22-hour trip.
“These kids come from very poor families,” Odong said. “Back home, they didn’t have baseball shoes that cost $10. If families cannot afford $10, they cannot afford to come here.”
But the kids made it, and that’s what counts. Denied entry last year because of visa and passport problems, Uganda began writing history. Justine Makisimu singled on the very first pitch for the first African hit.
“To hit the ball was the best thing,” Makisimu said.
In the sixth inning, Daniel Alio sent the crowd into a frenzy with a mammoth two-run homer to center.
“I thought I wouldn’t hit it out. I thought it would be best to make contact,” said Alio, who added “making friends” was the best part of the experience.
Both balls were retrieved and awarded to the players by Little League CEO Steve Keener who also presented Odong with a ball signed by Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz.
The only major leaguers the players know are Jimmy Rollins and Derrek Lee, both of whom visited Uganda, where the kids play Uganda team plays baseball on a football field. And doesn’t see much baseball on television.
“TV is for rich people,” Odong said.