Palma Ceia junior baseball coach Jorge Ramirez said the team has been getting calls of support from all over the Tampa Bay area as it represents the Southeast in the Junior League Baseball World Series. Thursday morning the boys heard from the highest level in the state as Governor Rick Scott called and wished the team luck.

Ramirez said he received the call from Scott while the team was driving to batting practice.

“Governor Scott called while we were on our way to practice and I was able to put him on speakerphone with the boys,” Ramirez said. “The boys were really excited and it was great to get his support.”

Ramirez said last week after the team won the region tournament former Florida Governor Jeb Bush called to offer his congratulations and good luck.

Palma Ceia faces Rosenberg, Texas (0-3) in its last game in pool play at 5 p.m. Thursday, but has already qualified for Friday’s United States Championship. The winner of Friday’s game advances to the World Series final against the International champs on Saturday on ESPN2.