Revere softball players savor a journey

PITTSFIELD – Parents, players, coaches and families traveled from all over the country for the Babe Ruth U16 World Series.With the exception of the host team, all but one of the other nine teams had to fly to take place.That one team that came by ground was the squad from Revere. For the seven departing members of the squad that posted an 0-4 record in pool play, being in Pittsfield for a week in early August wasn’t such a bad place to be, either.When asked if they were disappointed by the fact that they only had a three-hour bus ride to get here, the answer was in unison and came without debate or discussion.The opportunity to play in the World Series was one that each and every one savored. They’d have been willing to play in the parking lot at Fraser Field or any open area on the North Sore.”I’ll go home with a lot of good memories, that’s for sure,” said Kristina Gravellese. “I met great people, like Grandma Peggy.”Ali Neese had a housing experience that she won’t soon forget. In fact, just thinking about it brought out an ear-to-ear grin. Neese and teammate Cassandra Zullo were housed along with the entire team from Pennsylvania.”They were so great and I loved them all,” said Neese. “I’ll be staying in contact with all of them.”So much so, in fact, that Neese raced from the post-game group to get a good seat, hold up her sign and watch her roommates play host Pittsfield in the final game of pool play on Monday evening.Most of the teams in Pittsfield carried just 11 or 12 players. Revere suited up 15 players.”We did have a lot of players, and getting everybody in wasn’t easy,” reflected Kelleigh Price. “I’d have to say that everybody handled that really well and the coaches did a great job with it.”The fact of playing against some of the most talented young players around wasn’t lost on the Revere players, either. Three of the four losses Revere suffered came by a total of six runs. A break here or there, and Revere very well could’ve advanced to the double-elimination round.Despite that, Revere skipper Mike Polsonetti embraced this opportunity and relished the experience.”I lose six kids, but we carried so many kids,” said Polsonetti. “That’s okay, though, because it gives (us) that many more coming back. These kids are all great and I’ve known most of them since they were 10- and 11-year-olds.”It’s been an honor and privilege to coach these kids. It’s tough to say goodbye to them. I think once they collect their thoughts and realize where they’ve been, they’ll all be very happy.”