Anyone up for a scoop of Peabody West Grand Slam “I just think it’s crazy that they named an ice cream after this team,”
said Matt Hosman, the 13-year-old pitcher-shortstop for the Peabody, Mass., team that advanced to the series, which starts Friday. The “grand slam” part of the special flavor from Cherry Farm Creamery in Danvers, Mass., commemorates Hosman’s grand slam homer in the regional final that got his squad to South Williamsport. Who knows They’re one of 16 teams from around the world that have arrived in this small, blue-collar community to take part in the 63rd World Series&mdashthe most recognizable youth sporting event in the United States. Whether coach or player, the reactions of the participants when they first arrive at the sprawling complex rarely change. “You walk around and you’re in a dream,” said a grinning Ric Ramirez, a fifth-grade teacher who volunteers as a coach for the team from Chula Vista, Calif. “My cheeks are pretty tired right now. … It’s baseball heaven.”
The eight international teams want to stop a streak of four straight U.S. wins. Hawaii won last year and in 2005, sandwiching titles by two Georgia clubs&mdashColumbus (2006) and Warner Robins (2007). A team from that victorious Warner Robins league is back in Pennsylvania again this year.