LAKE MARY, Fla. – After a hard-fought season that ended just short of a championship, Lake Mary All-Stars Coach Jonathan Anderson says there’s still a lot to be proud of when it comes to this year’s run.
On Wednesday, Lake Mary lost 5-4 to South Carolina in the Southeast Region in Warner Robins, Georgia, missing out on a second consecutive Little League World Series berth.
[VIDEO: Hometown fans cheer on Lake Mary All-Stars]
News 6 Sports Director Jamie Seh spoke to Anderson over Zoom as he shared his thoughts on the team’s journey and the lessons learned.
SEH: How are you doing today after the season ended?
ANDERSON: Good, good. After what happened last year and the speech I gave in the dugout, I believe things happen for a reason. Maybe one of the boys needed this loss to fire them up for something big in baseball or life. Maybe it’s for me. We just don’t know yet. But the loss was needed. Maybe it’s like two years ago when a loss lights a fire under the next team to work harder and get over the hump.
SEH: What will you remember most about this group of boys you coached?
ANDERSON: They were fantastic. The best part is the memories — the car rides, being up in Georgia with the van and the band. The boys are yours then. They’re not with their parents; they’re with each other, bonding and making lifelong memories. That’s the coolest part.
SEH: How would you describe this team in a few words?
ANDERSON: Exceptional. They hit well and played flawless defense. I don’t think we made an error all season. They were prepared and disciplined. It just wasn’t our turn; it was Irmo’s turn. We gave up just a few runs all tournament until that last inning. Sometimes, at this age, when you call their number, they’ve got it, sometimes they don’t. Everyone did what they were supposed to do. It just wasn’t our year.
SEH: How difficult was it to coach the boys after the loss, seeing them so upset?
ANDERSON: It was tough because in their minds, it was almost over. Then it got taken from them. We told them you have to take it; it’s never given to you. Maybe they took their eyes off the prize for a moment, and Irmo saw the opportunity. I told them this happens for a reason. Something later in life will make sense of this loss. You have to keep your head up, win with class, lose with class, and get better.
SEH: How proud are you of how the team represented Lake Mary Little League this summer?
ANDERSON: Extremely proud. Me, Kyle and Wes are so proud of how the boys handled themselves. They were crying but dusted themselves off, clapped hands, and told the other team ‘great game.’ That’s what it’s about — bonding, having fun, and making friends for life. These boys could be friends forever, play together in high school or college. They trust each other in wins and defeats.
SEH: It seems like the Lake Mary Little League has become a family. Is that right?
ANDERSON: Yes, 100%. We come together in wins and losses, at watch parties, cheering on our hometown teams. We compete during the season, but in the All-Star season, we are one. We support each other.
SEH: How resilient is Lake Mary Little League, given you won last year and came close this year with a new team?
ANDERSON: We have a great board of directors putting coaches in place and selecting all-star players. The coaches are here to develop the kids and show them hard work can lead to winning. Little League is about getting 18 outs every game. Anything can happen. This tournament is why we love the game — because of moments like these.
SEH: What’s next for Lake Mary Little League?
ANDERSON: We’ve got kids waiting in the wings — 11- and 10-year-old all-stars ready for their chance. Lake Mary will be back. We’ll dust ourselves off, make adjustments, and be there again.
You can watch the full interview at the top of this story.