R.I. Little League Coach's Speech Following Tough Loss

After Rhode Island’s heartbreaking loss to Illinois in Monday’s Little League World Series elimination game, coach David Belisle delivered a tear-jerking speech to console his players.

The squad from Cumberland fell to a team from Chicago, 8-7.

After the final out, Belisle gathered his players on the outfield grass and told them they should be proud.

“You had the whole state jumping,” he said. “Want to know why? They like fighters. They like sportsmen. They like guys who don’t quit. They like guys who play the game the right way.”

Belisle called his team’s run a “precious moment” that was the highlight of his coaching career.

ESPN posted a video of the speech that went viral.

Here’s a transcript of David Belisle’s speech:

Everybody, heads up high. Heads up high.

Let’s talk for a moment, guys. I got to see your eyes.

There’s no disappointment in your effort in the whole tournament, in the whole season. It’s been an incredible journey.

Look at the score ... It came to the last out. We didn’t quit. That’s us. Boys, that’s us.

The only reason why I’ll probably end up shedding a tear is because it’s the last time I’m going to end up coaching you guys. But I’m going to bring back with me ... and you guys are going to bring back something that no other team can provide but you guys. And that’s pride. Pride. You’re going to take that for the rest of your lives.

What you provided for a town in Cumberland ... You had the whole place jumping! You had the whole state jumping! You had New England jumping! You had ESPN jumping! Want to know why? They like fighters. They like sportsmen. They like guys who don’t quit. They like guys who play the game the right way.

We got down to the nitty-gritty. We’re one of the best teams in the world. Think about that for a second. The world!

We need to go see our parents because they’re so proud of you. We’re going to celebrate and tomorrow we’re going to come home to a big parade.

I love you guys ... You’ve given me the most precious moment of my athletic and coaching career and I’ve been coaching a long time. A long time. I’m getting to be an old man. I need memories like this.

You’re the boys of summer.

And here’s the video of David Belisle’s speech:

Photo credit: ESPN