Cody Walker's biggest fan was waiting for him when he and the rest of the Little League World Series champions stepped off the plane back home in Georgia.
``Where's my boy?'' Brenda Reis asked Tuesday after waiting a long time for the kids from Columbus, Ga., to return.
About 20 family members and friends wearing powder blue T-shirts with Southeast scripted in red across the chest made the trip to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. They greeted the team one day after its 2-1 win over Kawaguchi City, Japan, in the final game of the series in South Williamsport, Pa.
When Reis finally got close to Walker, she rushed toward the offensive hero and hugged him around the neck.
Walker hit a two-run homer off Japan ace Go Matsumoto, to lift the U.S. champions to the world title. The win gave the U.S. back-to-back titles with different teams for the first time since 1982-83 when Kirkland, Wash., and Marietta, Ga., did it.
Marietta was the only other team from Georgia to ever make it to the tournament.
``This is Cody's last time playing in Little League,'' Reis said. ``That's why I'll never forget this moment, ever. I'm going to savour it.''
Long Beach, Calif., was a repeat champion in 1992-93, though the first victory was awarded after the Philippines squad was stripped of the title for using overage players.
For now, Walker said he is just trying to enjoy the experience.
``Everything hasn't soaked in yet. When we get back to Columbus, then that's when everything will sink in,'' he said.
When the team gets settled back on its home turf, the players will be welcomed at a party at the Columbus Civic Center.
Kyle Carter, who had 11 strikeouts and sealed the title victory, said the run to the title has built a strong rapport among the teammates.
``We're better friends now,'' he said. ``This has been real fun.''
Lithia Hamilton waited along with her husband, Tracy, for their son Brady, who plays first base and centre field. After driving three hours from Pennsylvania to Baltimore before flying to Atlanta and waiting at the airport, she said she doesn't regret any moment.
``I wouldn't trade this for the world,'' Hamilton said. ``This almost takes my breath away, knowing that my son is a part of something special.''
© The Canadian Press, 2007
