When you read this, nearly 20 Opp families will be World Series bound as the 12U All Star team heads out to Hammond, Ind.

To send them off in style, city officials hosted a reception Tuesday afternoon for a packed house of local residents, fans and officials.

Head Coach Robby Ross said fundraising efforts were so successful that the family of every team member will travel to watch the team play Aug. 9-16.

Ross said funds were raised to cover hotel costs and to provide each family with a small travel stipend. The group has 24 rooms in Indiana. It will be a four-hour plane ride for the team and a 14-hour car ride for families.

While there, the group recognized Tubby Hall, the Opp “father of Little League.”

“If you hadn’t blazed the trail, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” Ross said to Hall. It was a compliment he accepted with a smile as he handed over his cash donation for the team. For more photos, see Page 2.