The stories that surround the Little League World Series are usually as good as the event itself. They often involve local folks who love and support the event in so many ways. This year was no different, only with an aviation twist. It goes all the way back to when this young boy was asked the same question every Little League player answers when he gets to Williamsport. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I love sharing success stories about the young people from the West Branch Valley as they spread their wings and fly. This is one I found out about several weeks back, but figured I should sit on and share after the event. Sort of like when a pitcher is throwing a no-hitter, you don’t talk about it till after it’s completed.
When the New York Mets Delta Airlines flight touched down on the runway at Williamsport Regional Airport, Dylan Peace was at the controls. He was assigned first officer responsibilities to get the team here for the MLB-Little League Classic. How amazingly cool is that? What’s just as amazing is the fact that he wanted to be a pilot from the time he was knee-high to a grasshopper.
When Dylan was asked that question when he was kindergarten-age his answer was simple, he wanted to fly planes. It has been his lifelong passion and calling, and he has provided the hard work and determination in order to achieve it.
The 2012 Muncy grad got his chance to go wheels down at the airport, where he watched planes take off and land as he dreamed about his future. This, with the world watching ESPN for the arrival of the Mets team, and a large group of Dylan’s family watching to celebrate that special pilot on board. They weren’t all just cheering for Francisco Lindor and the Polar Bear; they were cheering for that special person in the cockpit.
The Peace family and the Webbs have known each other for generations. So, I’ve watched Dylan grow up before my very eyes. It always warms my heart and mind when our local kids have this kind of success. It also makes me want to give a tip of my cap to the folks at Bostley’s, then Ward Elementary School, all the way up to Muncy High School, who have prepared Dylan for his next step.
Some other great news from the Peace family is that Dylan and his wife, Courtney, are expecting their first child later this year. The couple now resides in Pittsburgh. Both father, Brian, and grandfather, Don, had ear-to-ear smiles when they shared this news.
A couple of other thoughts back to his younger days, if you guessed Dylan played his Little League baseball for Murray Motors, you were right on it. And a shout-out to Bill McCleary for mentoring and providing great guidance on the piloting path in his future.
I’ll finish this week with a tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American flag on it to Dylan, keep running down those dreams, young man, or maybe I should say flying down.
To everyone here on the ground, schools are now open. Please keep your eyes on the road ahead and expect the unexpected.
God Bless America.
