Parents pay the tab when kids reach the Little League World Series

Updated
Toms River baseball team wins
Toms River baseball team wins

Toms River National of New Jersey's road to the Little League World Series was paved with hard work, clutch play -- and plenty of support at home. Larry Ciervo, whose, son, Jeff, plays on the squad, estimated he spent $2,000 alone on lodging and food during the team's recent ten-day trip to Bristol, Conn., for the Mid-Atlantic Regional. By the time the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., is over, the tab will likely spill over $3,000. "I try not to add the numbers and think about that," Ciervo said. "It's definitely a financial commitment once you start traveling and adding up hotels and dinner. It definitely affects you there."

Toms River opens the Little League World Series on Saturday, August 21 against Hamilton, Ohio, leading off what could be a stay until Aug. 29, the day of the championship game. Little League began covering the transportation, sleeping quarters and food for the players from the moment Toms River qualified, Ciervo said. A bus took the team Tuesday morning to South Williamsport after Toms River defeated Council Rock-Newtown, Pa., 8-5, in the regional title game on Monday.

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