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A fist bump from a major leaguer. What could be better than that for a Little Leaguer? Oh, I don’t know. How about playing video games, ping pong or just a game of catch with a big-league ball player? Or maybe sliding down a hill on a cardboard box with a Chicago Cub or being interviewed by a Pirate’s pitcher? Or handshakes, autographs and selfies with your favorite MLB player? Or maybe it’s taking in a major league game in the “good seats?” Or, perhaps, just actually playing in the Little League World Series?
It was all part of the Little League Classic – established two year ago, bringing major leaguers to Williamsport, PA, during the Little League World Series, for an official MLB game at Historic Bowman Field. It’s one of Baseball Roundtable’s favorite new MLB promotional events. (I’m not really fond of the “overseas” games, character races and between-innings quizzes.) Bringing young players (and, as we saw, their equally eager parents) together with big leaguers (who also seem ever younger to me) is great for the game.
The fun begins when the big leaguers (in team jerseys) arrive at Williamsport Regional Airport and are greeted by a high-fiving, fist-bumping, selfie-taking line of Little League players (in full uniforms). As I watched the arrival on television, I was struck by the truly wide-eyed awe on those Little League faces and the equally wide smiles worn by the big leaguers. On the bus ride(s) to the Little League’s Volunteer and Lamade Stadiums, the youngsters got up close to their heroes. There were plenty of selfies and autograph signings and conversations that ranged from favorite music to favorite players to how to throw the two-seamer.
MLB players took time to visit “The Grove,” the living complex for the Little Leaguers during the Series. There, MLBers matched up against their Little League counterparts in video games, ping pong and other competitive pursuits – even including “dance offs.” Later,you could also find the major leaguers joining youngsters in sliding down behind Lamade Stadium’s center field hill – on cardboard boxes. I’m sure the Cubs and Pirates trainers loved that action.
The players also made time to join fans in the stands to watch the Little League nines play the game. (Now, there’s pressure for you.) The media cooperated fully, turning over their cameras and microphones to allow major leaguers to interview Little Leaguers and vice versa.
A MINNESOTA HIGHLIGHT
Twelve-year-old Maddy Freking, who plays for the Midwest Team (Coon Rapids, MN), became just the 19th girl to play in the Little League World Series – and she did Minnesota proud on and off the field. Baseball Roundtable was impressed with her poise, determination and skill set. Freking is the Midwest’s starting second baseman and also does some pitching. (She did both yesterday, also becoming just the sixth girl to take the mound in the LLWS.)
Freking’s performance thus far in the LLWS has included some spectacular fielding plays at both second base and on the mound, a display of pitching skills and an awareness of game situations. To see Freking play, click here for Good Morning America’s coverage (and Freking’s appearance on the show).
She has also shown a down-to-earth personality. During an interview before her game, when asked about being the only girl in this year’s LLWS, she replied “I’m getting a lot of it (attention), but I just want to play some baseball.” (She did just that, I might add.) Asked what advice she might give to other girls wanting to play baseball, Freking said “Girls can do what boys can do … and just keep playing.”
She also showed an appreciation for the history of the nation pastime. All the Little Leaguers were asked who their favorite player was (Javier Baez got the most mentions, followed by Mike Trout and Mookie Betts). Freking named her favorite as Jackie Robinson.
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“Skills. And with no disrespect, the last time I saw that much blonde hair throwing that hard, it was (Mets’ pitcher Noah) Syndergaard. That was bringing the heat. ” Pittsburgh Pirate Manager Clint Hurdle, commenting on Maddy Freking’s performance.
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Later the Cubs and Pirates – wearing colorful “Cubbies” and “The Burgh” uniforms for the occasion (far better than the black and white uniforms for the upcoming Players’ Weekend) – played a game at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman field.
The ceremonial first pitch for that game was itself a highlight, as players from all of the teams (one from each squad) lined up from center field to the mound, relaying the ball to Pirates’ reliever Kyle Crick at the plate.
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Oh by the way, there was a ball game, played in front of a capacity crowd of 2,503 fans (all the seats are good seats), won by the Cubbies 7-1 and featuring home runs (of course) by the Cubbies’ Nick Castellanos and Anthony Rizzo and The Burgh’s Starling Marte. And, a good time was had by all.
Primary Resource: MLB.com
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