It was worth the wait.
More than five months after defeating Taiwan to win the Little League World Series, the boys from Park View Little League in Chula Vista finally got to meet President Barack Obama.
"I don't even know how to describe it," star pitcher Luke Ramirez said. "To meet the most important man in the United States -- it's insane."
The players and their families traveled to the White House in a driving snowstorm on Friday. They met with the president for about 30 minutes inside the East Room. He asked each player what position they played, then shook each of the players' hands and greeted each family member, too.
"He said he was very proud of us when we represented the USA and beat Taipei," said Daniel Porros Jr.
The players presented Obama with an autographed Park View jersey, and they also signed jerseys to be presented to first daughters Sasha and Malia. In fact, some of the boys got to see the girls from afar.
"We got to see them pass by, but they were all protected by security," said Porros.
From the White House it was on to tour Capitol Hill. The players and their families were bundled up in layers and heavy clothing. For some of them, it was the first time they had seen a snowfall.
The trip to Washington culminates a whirlwind five months after which the boys won the World Series in Williamsport, Penn. They then returned home to a heroes welcome that included a rally of more than 10,000 fans at Southwestern College. The players each was also were honored at rallies at their schools and made an appearance on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.
