Seton Hall
Little big leaguers
Date: August 17, 2019By: Justin Morris
This week, the stars of Major League Baseball will be sharing the spotlight with 12-year-olds. And “sharing” perhaps, is not the word that does the Little League World Series justice, because for about a 10-day span towards the end of August, the entire baseball world (even the major leaguers) will have eyes on little league baseball and historic Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the series is annually held.
There is just something about the magic that comes with the amateur aspect of little league baseball. There are no contracts, no sponsorships, no bonuses or written stipulations to play for and no fanbases to represent (but of course a family one). It is pure competition with no extra barriers, and that, coupled with the youthful and free-flowing vibe of the event and the galore of summer, makes it one that is capable of stealing thunder from any professional sporting gathering.
Its reach has stretched so far globally in fact, that representative teams from the Caribbean to continents like Asia and Europe are all in attendance, making for an Olympic-esque worldwide affair – just slimmed down a notch to a youth-sized scale. Even the league itself is investing into its draw, holding its own “Little League Classic” featuring the Pirates and Cubs in Williamsport, with specific little league teams and their families in attendance to fill out the stadium.
The game itself will also allow current major leaguers to connect with young talent in the game, forming bonds and connections over a shared love of the game. “We are thrilled to give both the Major League players and Little Leaguers another opportunity in 2019 to have the direct personal interaction that strengthens and inspires a lifelong passion for our game”, stated MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. “We look forward to joining the Pirates and Cubs in Williamsport to welcome an outstanding collection of engaging players as great ambassadors of our sport.”
Stephen Keener, CEO and President of Little League Baseball echoed Manfred’s feelings on the occasion. “The Classic has been a fabulous experience for the Little League Baseball World Series teams who’ve had the opportunity to interact with the big leaguers and is the perfect vehicle to showcase the youthful excitement and energy that fuels the games of baseball and softball”, he said. “We’re really pleased that another group of 16 Little League teams from around the world will have this incredible opportunity.”
The series has deep roots for many big league ballplayers, and continuing the rich legacy of America’s pastime, and players are more than eager to pass their knowledge, and game tips to the next group of potential major leaguers. Several players are graduates of the games as well, including NL MVP frontrunner Cody Bellinger, Mets outfielder Michael Conforto, All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier, Lance Lynn, Scott Kingery and Ruben Tejada.
The classic game will be held August 18, and the Little League World Series will continue through August 25. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN.
Justin Morris can be reached at justin.morris@student.shu.edu.
