Talkin' to the U.S. Little League Champs!

After their thrilling win over Oregon in the U.S. Little League Championship game we spoke to Georgia's winning pitcher J.T. Phillips and manager Randy Morris to get their thoughts on being the best team in the United States--and the support they've received from their hometown.

So, guys, how's it feel to be U.S. champs?
JT: It feels real good to be the last United States team standing.
Randy: Definitely. No matter what happens in the final it won't ruin how we feel. I assure you.

Coach, you said a few days ago your team felt very relaxed. Do you think your team played that way in the U.S. final?
Randy: I really do. I think we had some good at-bats. We had a little stretch where we got into a funk being over-aggressive. But I think the last two games we've played in a really relaxed way.

J.T., after you gave up that two-run home run early, I noticed your teammates came to the mound and had a word of encouragement for you. What'd they say?
J.T.: They just told me to calm down and concentrate on the mitt. I knew I just had to go and out throw strikes and throw the ball harder

And your stolen base in the 5th was a key part of the game. Was that called by your manager or did you come up with that yourself?
JT: I did that on my own. (Laughs)
Randy: Yes he did! (Laughs) I was nervous. I kept saying "Wait No! Stop...okay good job."

Was that stolen a base a turning point in the game?
Randy: Yeah I think it was big. Heads-up base running on his part. You can't coach that from 3rd base. I mean we can work on our jumps. I tell them when they see the ball hit the ground--to know they can make it. That's just instinct.

Coach, how'd you feel when Jace Fry hit the ball to deep center and it was caught? Were you relieved to get out of that inning tied?
Randy: Oh, I was holding my breath that it wasn't going out. Because that would have been huge. Could have been a whole different outcome to the game. That was probably one time I was happy the fences were moved back. (Laughs)

Have you guys heard much from back home?
Randy: Oh yeah. We've gotten a ton of emails. I think I've gone through a ton of batteries on my cell phone while being here. I probably have 40-50 voicemails waiting on me. The support has been unreal. I can't even describe it.

Comments

[Joyce Mathews]

I can't tell you how impressed I was with the style that the team, coaches and parents had!! You make us all proud. All of you played/viewed/coached as a team, conducted yourselves with the utmost respect for the other teams and each other. It was a true pleasure to witness your victory. It was an excellent game !! Both teams played outstanding ball. As a past president of a Little League, that is always something wonderful to witness. Thank you for that!! I watched all the games and never once saw the GA team do anything that wasn't above board. All of you should be extremely proud of yourselves, as we are of you !! Congratulations!!!

[jimi overton]

You guys rock . Go Georgia go.Well be looking for ya next year.Do it again.Good job to the Coaches to.And thanks for what you guys do.
Jimi

[jb avery]

kyle is cute

[stephanie]

kyle carter is the best pitcher i have ever seen!!!! even better than the pros if you ask me. kyle, i hope you see this!

[stephanie]

hey, its me again. i forgot to add this. i know he probably always hears this but, i think he's really cool. i'd love to meet him, but i know i can't coase i live by williamsport. not geargia

[pariseeeeeee]

kyle carter is so fineee =]
im best friends with himm
so fuckk off everyoneee whose obsessed with himmmmmm.
holaa atchaaaaaa gerl
yeahh thats what he said to meee like 5 minutesss ago..
so be jealoussssssss

[pariseeeeeee]

pshhhh hes never gunna go out with any of youuuu so get over ittttttttt.
hes in love with jenaaaaa so get over itt