Morning show appearances part of 'amazing' run for Taney team

The Taney Dragons only had positive adjectives for their Little League World Series experience.

Appearing on NBC's Today show, star pitcher Mo'ne Davis called playing in the series "amazing." The Center City team made it to the U.S. semifinals before losing to a squad from Chicago, one game short of the national championship.

The team, which won the Mid-Atlantic championships to advance to the World Series in South Williamsport, captured the attention of the city and country. They were fan favorites, drawing huge crowds and big television ratings.

The Dragons were welcomed back to Philadelphia on Sunday with a rally at LOVE Park. But they quickly headed off to New York City for media appearances, including interviews on "Today" and "Good Morning America."

On "Good Morning America," Davis said she had been "very excited" for the tournament and said "it was fun playing on the fields" during the series.

During the tournament, the 13-year-old became the first Little League player featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

"It's really cool," to appear on a magazine she's read since she was younger, Davis said on Today.

"I liked the picture," she added.

Davis' fame may also push more girls on to Little League squads.

"I think there will be" more girls playing next year, she said. "There should be."

On "Today," the team also noted the quality of their opponents, answering as a group that they were surprised the Chicago team beat a previously undefeated Las Vegas team to win the U.S. championship. But South Korea's win of the series title wasn't unexpected, they said.

It was "great" to see Chicago's Jackie Robinson West team, another inner-city squad, become the U.S. champions, Davis said on "Good Morning America." The Dragons became close friends with the players over the course of the series, she said.

Manager Alex Rice said the players and their families had spent the past months together, advancing through the post-season.

"It's been an amazing summer," he said on "Today."

But the Dragons were less enthusiastic about the prospect of heading back to class.

When Today host Matt Lauer asked who was ready for school to start, not one hand went up.