Plymouth Twp., PA -
Uganda's Little League baseball team wasn't the best squad at the just-completed Little League world Series in Williamsport, PA. But they might have been the most popular.
And on Tuesday, the team of 11-year-olds came to Plymouth Twp., to take on a local team in what was billed as a "Goodwill" game.
The three inning exhibition drew hundreds of excited fans to East Plymouth Valley Park, where the teams entered together- in some cases arms-in-arm.
"It's really a very special moment for them," said Uganda's manager, Henry "Bouncer" Odong. "They can't even believe that you people are giving them the attention that you are doing!"
Just a few years ago, organized baseball didn't exist in Uganda.
Equipment was scarce in the impoverished nation, so were adult players to teach the kids.
But this year, Uganda's team not only qualified to go to Williamsport, they actually won a game, and came home with the Sportmanship award!
"Everything has been fun. Meeting new people. Making friends. Playing games," team member Tony Okello said.
The day began with a trip to a Norristown bat-making factory, where every member of both teams was given a new piece of lumber- personalized with their names.
The night before, the kids from Uganda stayed at a swanky hotel in the area. "It was great," said team member Ronald Olaa. "Lots of privacy."
While the kids from Africa were learning the nuances of baseball, their suburban American counterparts were learning what it's like to make friends with kids from half-a-world away.
Plymouth Little Leaguer Kyle Williams told us, "We're from different cultures, but we have a lot in common- like baseball."
On the sideline for it all, Richard Stanley, the local businessman who has funded much of Uganda's baseball program.
In the dugout, Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, who also lent his time- and money- to spread the game.
"They've come a long way- they really have," said Rollins, "especially what they come from."
The Ugandan team's whirlwind tour includes a Wednesday visit to New York City and the United Nations, where the kids will show off their medals to their country's diplomats.
As for the final score of this game-- no one kept count.
They didn't need to.
When sports helps kids make friends and break down barriers, everyone wins.
