Philadelphia's Taney Dragons Ready To Begin Pursuit Of Little League World Series Title
By Jan Carabeo
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (CBS) -- For the first time ever, little leaguers from Center City Philadelphia steal the spotlight in Williamsport.
"I never thought we could make it here, but it's not a dream, it's reality now," Erik Lipson, of the Taney Dragons, said.
PHOTOS: Taney Dragons Little League World Series Practice
They've arrived.
And thousands came out to welcome the Taney Dragons to the home of the Little League World Series on Wednesday evening.
"I think they're great and I think they're going to go far," Martha Nicholson said.
The team has been an inspiration.
As the first urban Philadelphia team to make it to Williamsport, they've proven that even with few resources, success is possible.
"Even if you've played on a tough field, the bad hops that you take, that will help you get better for the good fields," Mo'ne Davis, of the Taney Dragons, said.
Then there's Mo'ne Davis.
Only the 18th girl ever to play in the World Series -- and she's the team's ace pitcher to boot.
READ: Meet Mo'ne Davis, The Girl Who Pitched Her Team Into The LLWS
But she says there's more room for improvement.
"I'll need to get more base hits," she said.
In their Mid-Atlantic champ uniforms, the Dragons took some of their first cuts in the Williamsport batting cages Wednesday.
Side-by-side with some of their competitors.
"Every team here is pretty good," Davis said.
READ: Clayton Kershaw Responds To Mo'ne Davis' Pitching Challenge
"I'm not ruling anything out with this group," manager Alex Rice said.
And for the Taney Dragons, they say some of their favorite moments of the tournament so far have been meeting kids and coaches from all around the world.
After all, they're just kids.
A picture here, a friendly race there, while they await their turn on the field -- all the while inspiring the next generation.
You can cheer on the Taney Dragons from Philadelphia City Hall on Friday afternoon.
The city will hold a rally for the Little Leaguers at 2 p.m.
Their game will be broadcast on a big screen in the City Hall courtyard.
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