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We may be stuck in a deep freeze, but in Hong Kong, it’s Little League baseball season. That's what brought together the young friends.
Weston resident Sam Hensinger, 10, and Wilton resident Chris Jones, 11, both moved to Hong Kong with their families in the summer of 2013. Although the boys had played Little League for their respective hometowns back in Connecticut, they had not met until they arrived for baseball tryouts in Tai Tam, Hong Kong.
“I looked across the field and spotted a Weston T-shirt," Chris said. "I couldn’t believe it.” The boys introduced themselves and were soon friends—and Little League teammates.
Chris and Sam traveled to Manila, Philippines, for the 2015 Kids Goodwill Games from Jan. 9 to 11. Representing Hong Kong Little League as members of the 12U Tai Tam Patriots, the pair faced teams from throughout the Philippines and other parts of Asia.
Although the Patriots faced tough competition competition from Bangkok, Thailand, and Alabang, Philippines, they pulled out a victory in their critical final game against Singapore, receiving a trophy for their efforts.
The most moving part of the tournament, however, came off the field as word spread about a team from a region of the Philippines that was devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan. The coach had sold his motorcycle so that his team could travel to Manila to play. Several teams organized donations of bats and other equipment for them to take home.
“It's fun to travel to other countries and play in baseball tournaments,” Sam says. “I love meeting kids from different parts of Asia who like playing baseball, too.”
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