Cheer On the Petaluma Little Leaguers

The Little League World Series might get some big-league TV ratings in the North Bay this year. 

The All-Stars from Petaluma National Little League will go up against the world's best teams at the tournament in Williamsport, Pa., this week. The team left Sunday and plays its first game at noon Thursday against a team from New England.

"They are 26 of the happiest little faces in America today," a Petaluma parent, Becky Smith, told Patch Sunday morning. "They shared a dorm together in San Bernardino and grew close. They went out with banners and cheered each other on in the games, and they both won. So now they get to fly together. They're so excited."

Players ages 11 and 12 competed in the  at the Little League Western Region Headquarters Complex on Saturday. Now they'll be up against teams from Texas, Indiana, Nebraska, New England, British Columbia, Mexico, the Carribean, Germany, Uganda, Panama, Chinese Taipei, Japan and the Middle East.

Several players have Marin ties, according to the Marin Independent Journal. Second baseman Porter Slate’s parents grew up in Marin, and both sets of Slate’s grandparents live in Belvedere and Tiburon. Outfielder Dylan Moore also has family watching in Novato.

Follow their progress on Petaluma Patch's topic page set up for the team. If any of these players have roots in Novato, add a comment below so we can cheer them on. Feeling generous? You can help them pay for the trip.