Greenville’s North State Little League baseball team has accomplished one spectacular feat after another. The representatives from the southeast region took down South Dakota and California in consecutive no-hitters, propelling them into Wednesday’s game against Texas.

Never before had an American team thrown consecutive no-hitters. North State’s performance on the field has captivated audiences around the world. So, too, has the enjoyment of the experience the team has earned. Drew Fields, great-grandson of famed Washington football coach J.G. “Choppy” Wagner, showed off his dance moves to an international audience. Many others made friends from all over the world.

The Little League World Series marked the experience of a lifetime for the boys from Greenville. There are many former Little Leaguers who go on to accomplish great things at some of baseball’s highest levels. But, for even more, this is the pinnacle of their athletic careers.

North State represents the entire state of North Carolina. The scoreboard on ESPN’s broadcast says “North Carolina” when the North State boys are playing. When they make plays, broadcasters remind viewers that they’re from Greenville.

These boys are another in a long list of top-notch representatives for eastern North Carolina. Beaufort County had its fair share in recent months, too. East Beaufort’s 16U all stars earned a trip to compete in Florida in the Babe Ruth Softball World Series. Other fans along the way hardly knew how to pronounce “Beaufort,” but the girls made sure they did by the time they left. They finished the World Series as runners-up.

Chocowinity’s 12U all-star baseball team didn’t have to travel all around the state this summer. However, the players did show off their talents to teams from the other side of North Carolina during the state Little Tar Heel League tournament.

Most importantly, all of these eastern North Carolina teams have played on a grand stage with sportsmanship. It’s not simply great athletes who are raised around here. They’re great people all around.