Lamar, which opens Little League World Series play on Wednesday, had kids and parents that stuck with the Little League system because they believed that Williamsport was in their future.

Richmond is located 30 minutes southwest of Houston along the Brazos River near Sugar Land. It has a population of about 13,000 and was the birthplace of the late Pat Zachary, who pitched for the Reds, Mets, Dodgers and Phillies in the 1970-80s.

The team of 12-year-olds from Richmond is the third squad from the Houston area in the last four years to qualify for the international youth baseball tournament.