Fargo Youth Baseball Attempts to Defend Midwest Regional Title; Make Little League World Series

AFTER MAKING HISTORY A SEASON AGO, THE NEW FARGO 12U YOUTH BASEBALL TEAM HOPES TO REPLICATE IT.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR)–The Little League World Series means everything to the youth baseball players in North Dakota.

“You know, if we made it to the world series, there is nothing much else I would want to do in life, you know,” said Cash Kringlie.

Kringlie is a part of the Fargo 12U youth baseball team that is heading back to the Midwest Regional in Indiana. A season ago, history was made with Fargo becoming the first team to represent North Dakota at the Little League World Series. This years team, however, is a completely new team.

“This team has had a lot of growth,” said head coach Grant Gigstad. “There was not a lot of competitive experience before this summer and they have come a long way this summer. It has been a good experience with them.”

For the kids on this squad, repeating history would be a lifelong dream… and they are ready for the challenge ahead.

“I think we are really excited,” said Kringlie. “We earned it. I think we just want to go out there and have fun while trying as hard as we can.”

That sentiment was echoed by teammate Cooper Rust.

“It would mean a lot to our team and everybody,” said Rust. “We need to just get that momentum. That is all we need and that is what we are all going to do.”

One player on last year’s team, Blaise Ostrom, has a younger brother on this years team. They’ve coined Blaise ‘The Mentor’. He is hoping his experience from last year will fuel this year’s team to repeat history.

“Be yourself and have fun,” said Ostrom. “Don’t worry about what my team did because that is in the past. Be respectful, know that you represent Fargo and your family. It is not about us though. It is about these guys out and I think they can do the same thing. I am hoping they can win though–win a game in the World Series would be awesome.”

Lewie Ostrom is that younger brother. He shares what the experience was like last year as he hopes his team can do the same.

“It was amazing,” said Lewie. “I was shocked that they won. I still owe my brother candy, but it was a fun experience. It would just be very fun going for a second time. I got to be a spectator, now I want to be a player. It would be a good time.”

The Midwest Regional begins Friday, August 2. The first opponent for Fargo, North Dakota is one all fans are looking forward to.

Last year, it was North Dakota defeating South Dakota in the Midwest Regional Championship to go to the Little League World Series. This year, that is the first round matchup. This team understands that no matter the sport, no matter the age…North Dakota vs. South Dakota is a top-tier rivalry for both states.

“It is going to be a tough battle,” said Lewie Ostrom. “I just do not get why we have to go to Indiana just to play to South Dakota.”

“We are excited because if we win, then we prove that we are the better team,” said Kringlie. “Especially last year, the Fargo team beating South Dakota to go to the Little League World Series. I hope we can replicate their success.”

If this team is fortunate enough to reach the Little League World Series, the player introductions are one of the best traditions. A few guys to give us a sneak peak of what the world would see/hear:

Lewie Ostrom: “I am Lewie Ostrom and I have three thumbs.

Cash Kringlie: My name is Cash Kringlie and I absolutely suck at bowling.

Cooper Rust: My name is Cooper Rust and my favorite baseball player is Ken Griffey Jr.

North Dakota vs. South Dakota in the Midwest Regional first round begins Friday, August 2 at 3 P.M. Central Time. The game will air on ESPN+

Tune in to KVRR Sports Extra on Friday night…we will show the highlights!