Guilderland Cal Ripken Baseball preparing for World Series

ALTAMONT, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- An already historic run for the Guilderland Cal Ripken 12U baseball team has a chance to become even more memorable.

The Bulldogs are currently preparing for a trip to Branson, Missouri, after qualifying for the Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series. They punched their ticket Monday by claiming the Middle Atlantic Regional Championship - a feat they've been chasing for a few years now.

"From eight years old - winning our first state championship - the goal was always to try to get to the World Series," said Guilderland head coach Adam Neary. "Twice we came up short, losing in the semifinals of the Mid-Atlantic region to the team that ended up going to the World Series. So, we knew we could do it.'

After going 3-1 in pool play, Guilderland - playing in front of a home crowd at Keenholts Park - earned a bye straight to the semi-final round.

The Bulldogs defeated Pennsbury - the lone team they lost to in pool play - to draw Atlantic Shore, New Jersey, in the championship game. Fueled by a first-inning, three-run home run from right fielder Mason Vanderwarker, Guilderland prevailed, 3-2, to take the title.

"The culmination of the 12U season ending on our field to win the Mid-Atlantic region and go to the World Series...it's the dream," said Neary. "It's a dream come true for the kids, the coaches, the families [and] the community. Since that Monday, we've gotten letters, emails, Facebook messages; it's kinda become everywhere in town, and it's exciting to be a part of it."

This group of Bulldogs is the first-ever from Guilderland to earn a World Series appearance, and they're looking to make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"We're gonna have to play with a chip on our shoulder, 'cause I'm sure there's a lot of states that have been here before," said center fielder/right fielder Cameron Manikas. "We're just gonna have to go out there and have fun; play our own game."

"I feel like we'll be [right] there," added Vanderwarker. "We are a good team. We have a lot of good confidence. It's gonna be a lot of fun just representing Guilderland."

The World Series begins August 6, and Guilderland will open play against Hawaii.

The team is looking for some financial help for their trip to Branson. To donate, head over to the link here.