Their plane back to Southwest Florida was delayed by weather in Philadelphia and the van had a flat tire on the journey from Southwest Regional Airport. Not exactly the way a hero’s return should go.

It could have been worse. They could have flown with their parents.

The hiccups Sunday were well worth it as the Cape Coral Little League Senior Softball All-Star team returned home to be greeted by dozens of family, friends and dignitaries at Burton Park to celebrate their fourth-place finish at the Senior Softball World Series in Delaware.

Parents who made the trip to Delaware were forced to wind their way through a maze of airports because of the weather, from Salisbury, Md., to Philadelphia, Washington, Charlotte, N.C., and finally to Fort Myers, long after the festivities at Burton Park had concluded.

Parents who didn’t make the trip waited with anticipation for the team to arrive. Rhonda Sullivan, the mother of all-star Meghan Sullivan, came to the park with a homemade sign.

“We’re so proud of her and what she’s done for the community and the respect of herself, the team and the game,” said Rhonda Sullivan, who like many followed the World Series games on the internet. “I’m going to cry when I see her.”

When the van arrived with a police escort shortly before 2 p.m., she did just that.

The team disembarked to throngs of people – many of them Cape Coral softball all-stars of all ages, in full uniform – carrying banners, balloons and flowers for the team. Alyssa Langdale got all that, along with hugs and kisses from family and friends.

“I’m super proud of how they fought and how far they got,” said Beth Langdale, Alyssa’s mother. “They worked hard to get there.”

You can also count Cape Coral Mayor John Sullivan as a fan. He was there to give a few words of congratulations to the team and pose for photos with them.

“This creates an image for Cape Coral. When you say Cape Coral, most think of Fort Myers,” the Mayor said. “This helps put us on the map.”

For the players, many of whom were shocked by the reception upon returning home, it capped an adventure that will live with them for the rest of their lives.

“It was great. It was an experience we’ll never forget, playing teams we’ve never played,” said Alyssa Langdale. “Knowing how everyone has supported us is amazing.”

“Where do I begin? Coming in fourth in the world is great for Cape Coral,” said teammate Deniece Bent. “We were excited and shocked by all the support we got back here.”

The event featured music from the B103.9 FM van as well as free burgers and drinks. The players took full advantage, even getting together to do the Cha-Cha Shuffle before signing softballs as souvenirs.

They also made plans to make another run at the World Series title next year. For some, fourth place left them with mixed emotions.

“I feel happy we got as far as we did, but we know we could have done better,” Langdale said.