Dreams of glory follow young Peabody team

Forman and his twin brother, Mitch, who also played in the league, are among the many residents of this North Shore city who have placed their hopes and dreams on 12 local boys who are set to compete in the Little League World Series beginning Friday.

The Peabody Western Little Leaguers staged a dramatic come-from-behind win in Bristol, Conn., Saturday to clinch the title of New England Region Champions. They arrived in Williamsport, Pa. yesterday afternoon, stepping off a bus onto the largest stage of their young lives, one that will be shared by eight other teams from across the country and eight international teams from as far away as Japan. All of the games will be televised on ESPN or ABC.

Yesterday the Forman brothers called league president Dave Cravotta after seeing a request for donations on the league’s website. They offered to help the player’s parents defray the costs of attending the regionals in Connecticut and the trip to Williamsport. And they offered cake. The brothers, who grew up in Peabody, own and operate Boston Coffee Cake, a Haverhill-based bakery.

“When we played, those were our greatest years as kids,’’ Mark Forman said. “We all dreamed of going to the World Series, but these kids, they’re actually there. We feel like we are part of their experience.’’

Danny Marchese, one of their teammates in the ’70s, coaches the current team.

“Wow, I haven’t heard from those guys since we were kids,’’ Marchese said yesterday in a telephone interview, traveling with the team aboard a bus towards Williamsport. “You know, every step of the way, the community has been behind us. They are so supportive; and the kids, they see that, and they really do appreciate what the residents of Peabody have done.’’

Donations also have come from outside of Peabody, from car dealerships, firefighters unions, banks, and other businesses. And banners are going up across the city of 51,000, wishing the players good luck in Williamsport.

In Peabody Square, Al Forbes, owner of the Sports Collectibles memorabilia store, said that while many residents are talking about the team, their enthusiasm has not yet hit fever pitch.

“They’re waiting for them to win more games, and then I imagine everyone in town will be talking about them,’’ said Forbes, 69.

Manager David Batchelor, whose son Austin pitches and plays shortstop, said from the bus yesterday, “The town is obviously very excited, and it’s great to have their support.’’

Batchelor, a captain in the Chelsea Police Department, is in charge of about 65 officers, but while he has been involved in the run to Williamsport, a lieutenant, with the chief’s blessing, has taken over his responsibilities. “All of the parents have had to go through this, trying to manage their schedules to be able to see the games in person. This only happens once in a lifetime.’’

After arriving in Bristol last Thursday and going undefeated in the New England Regionals, they stayed at their hotel for an additional day and left early yesterday for Williamsport. Depending on how they do, the players could be away from home for almost two more weeks.

Their first game is set for Friday night, against McAllister Park American Little League from San Antonio, the Southwest Regional Champions.

Most of the parents plan to leave for Williamsport on Thursday morning, forming a caravan for the 7-hour trip.

Mike Correale, whose son Matt “The Rat’’ scurries the outfield for Peabody Western, said he spent about $3,000 on the Bristol trip, and may have to spend about that much to see the team in Williamsport.

“It’s worth it, because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime shot that a lot of kids don’t get,’’ said Correale, 52, who works for National Grid. “I was lucky because I have almost six weeks of vacation, but I have about six days left. If it goes any longer, I’ll have to take time off without pay.’’