Goodlettsville Little League boys on verge of Little League World Series

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — For the first time in eight years, Goodlettsville’s U-12 baseball all-stars are on the doorstep of the biggest stage: the Little League World Series.

The team is no stranger to that spotlight: in 2016, the team reached the semi-finals. In 2012, they became the first and only Tennessee squad to reach the Little League World Series final, where they lost to Japan.

“We have the best three coaches that got us prepared and I think we’re going to win the Southeast Region and win the world championship,” Johnny Cuthill, shortstop, said.

“We practice for that moment. I think that we’ll just know what to do immediately and not have anything to worry about,” catcher Easton Spain added.

“I feel like we’re probably the most prepared team,” said right fielder, Jackson White.

Unlike many other Little League All-Star teams, this Goodlettsville group has played with each other for most of their young lives. Chemistry is their core foundation.

“This group’s played together since they were five years old,” explained assistant coach Brandon Kiser. “They’re like family, they’re like brothers, which is a big deal when you’re on the field. You’re in the heat of the moment.”

On Tuesday morning, the team will get a police escort and community send-off as they head down to Georgia for the Southeast Region tournament.

“The community has been amazing up until this point,” manager Kevin Spain said. “Our district tournament, I think we had a 1000 people here and 1000 people watching at home [on a livestream].”

⏩ Read today’s top stories on wkrn.com

If Goodlettsville wins at least four games in their upcoming tournament, they’ll punch their ticket to Williamsport. That’s no easy feat, but Goodlettsville believes their defense, pitching, and strong fundamentals have set them up for a magical August.

“When we go to the World Series, we’re going to bring it back for y’all I promise! Thanks for supporting us and tune to ESPN and watch us win baby, let’s go!” centerfielder Jayden Lee said.

Goodlettsville’s first test will come Thursday against Alabama at 6 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.