Vine Ingle Junior League World Series Champions Welcomed Home in Macon

The Vine Ingle Boys were greeted by families, friends, and more Macon natives as they arrived home from Taylor, Michigan Monday evening

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Vine Ingle Junior League Baseball team received a hero’s welcome Monday night after capturing the U.S. championship at the Junior League World Series in Taylor, Michigan.

Hundreds of Macon residents gathered at Northway Church to celebrate the Southeastern Georgia champions, who clinched the title Saturday with a thrilling 7-6 walk-off victory over the Southwestern team from Texas. The game ended on an error that secured the championship trophy for Vine Ingle.

Head coach and vice president Lance Foster, along with assistant coaches Chip and David, addressed the crowd, reflecting on what the win means for the team and the community.

“I mean, it’s surreal. I think it’s what every player and coach dreams of, making it to the Little League World Series,” Foster said. “It takes a little bit of magic. This is something that will stay with me the rest of my life.”

“A few years ago, we decided we wanted to bring the junior program back. We had a great turnout, got a chance to go to the World Series last year with this group, and I’ll never forget Opening Day ceremonies, they talked about running it back, and not only did they come back, but everybody that saw us last year came back as well.

“It’s been incredible. It’s a total effort of coaches, our community, our board, and the kids believing in it. They’re phenomenal ballplayers, but even better individuals.”