It wasn’t the ending the town hoped for, but the Saint James-Smithtown Little League team gave their community a run to remember.

On Friday night, fans packed Bull Smith’s Tavern in Smithtown, where excitement and team pride filled the air. The local team was just one win away from a spot in the Little League World Series, and while they ultimately came up short, their journey captured the hearts of Long Islanders.

Baseball fans decked out in red and blue gathered to cheer on the team at a lively watch party. Even the town’s iconic bull mascot joined in the celebration.

“It’s awesome,” said Nicole Swinson, of Smithtown. “It’s such a sense of community. It’s just really exciting to be a part of it.”

“It’s a true testament to this community,” said Brian Erni, president of the St. James-Smithtown Little League. “We are really galvanized around these kids. They’ve come out in droves for these watch parties.”

Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim echoed the sentiment, praising the team’s professionalism and the pride they’ve instilled in Smithtown.

“Everybody, including myself, is just so excited for these kids. They’re real professionals and we’re so proud of them,” Wehrheim said.

For many young fans watching, the team’s success was more than a game — it was inspiration.

“It’s crazy they made it this far and they worked so hard for this,” said Henry D’Ambrogio, a young baseball fan from Smithtown.

Despite falling just short of the World Series, the team’s effort and sportsmanship left a lasting legacy.