The national buzz for the West O'ahu Little League world champions started early this morning with an appearance on ESPN's hip morning show "Cold Pizza."

All the coaches and players were expected to be on the show before spending the rest of today traveling home to O'ahu. No other appearances on national talk shows were planned as of last night, in part because the plane tickets were set up in advance by the league.

The team from 'Ewa Beach, which defeated Curacao 7-6 yesterday in the championship game, is scheduled to arrive in Honolulu at 7:46 p.m. on United Airlines, Flight 935 out of Los Angeles. According to a team mom, the team will fly from Williamsport, Pa., to Philadelphia, then to Los Angeles and connect to a flight to Hawai'i.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann have been following the games in South Williamsport, Pa., and made congratulatory calls to the team yesterday. Staff from both offices will be coordinating celebrations with community leaders for the champions.

"The first thing is to induct them in the no-scared-em, go-get-em hall of fame which is reserved for players who defy odds and never give up," said Hannemann, who plans to have a city parade honoring the team. "The exposure they have given this city and state in the last couple of weeks is unbelievable.

"They made us very proud in representing our country," added Hannemann, who also praised the West O'ahu parents for their sacrifices to support the team. "What this is all about are parents putting their children first."

Most of the West O'ahu parent group are returning home today on different flights. The last group, which includes team mother Debbie Aliviado, will return tomorrow.

Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.