SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The 2008 Little League champs from Waipi‘o returned to South Williamsport, but this time they took in the sights from the top rows of Lamade Stadium.

It was worth the 15-hour flight, said 13-year-old Caleb Duhay, the winning pitcher in the title game.

"Sometimes I feel like I want to get out there and play," Duhay said yesterday during a rain delay in the international title game.

Much of the last year has been a whirlwind of autographs and media attention, according to the eight players and parents who made the long trip. Their local Little League bought each player a championship ring.

Little League also requested a mold of Duhay's his right arm for display at the Little League museum. He is the first former player to be part of such an exhibit, his father Billy Duhay said.

The young men are still playing baseball, though most of them are in high school and on separate teams. Those who made the journey back this year also visited with the team from Chula Vista, Calif., which is playing in the 2009 title game.
"It just so much easier this year because I can just relax, and not be stressed out in the dugout," said Kiha Akau, a coach for Hawaii last year.