Aaron Johnson – Sports Editor
For two weeks a year, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is a young baseball players’ Disneyworld. These special groups of preteens take their collective talents to the Mecca of Little League for the Little League World Series. Instead of getting ready for school to start, these lucky ballplayers are put on display for the world to see. But this year’s showcase of young, talented baseball players had an even more special feel to it. Mo’ne Davis of the Mid-Atlantic Pennsylvania team and the Jackie Robinson West Little Leaguers from Chicago, stole the show in Williamsport.
By now everyone has heard the story of Davis. She led her team of Little Leaguers to Williamsport with her stellar pitching. But she captured the nation’s attention with her composure and intimidation on the mound reminiscent of the Big Unit Randy Johnson, himself. Although the Philadelphia Little Leaguers lost in the U.S. semi-finals, Davis’ face has been seen all over. Talk shows, ESPN interviews, and even the cover of Sports Illustrated. Davis’ dominance on the mound proved once and for all that girls can in fact play baseball, somewhere Hamilton “Ham” Porter is taking his foot of out his mouth.
The next big story line to come out of this Little League World Series was the ballplayers from the South side of Chicago. The Jackie Robinson West Little Leaguers, the first all-black team to make it to the LLWS in over a decade, fought hard to make it all the way to the World Championship game before falling short to South Korea. The kids from the South side played with a fun and entertaining bravado that made them a must-watch team, especially after Pierce Jones’ record first game (4 for 4, 3 home runs and 4 RBI).
This years’ Little League World Series was the most watched of all-time. Almost each game had you on the edge of your seats. The raw emotions from the players, whether it was a smile, a laugh, or tears made us all want to tune in. Maybe because it reminded us of when we played Little League, when we wanted nothing more than to make it too that place where dreams come true. Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: Henry Alva
