I trust in God, I love my country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose, I will always do my best.

As the 75th Little League World Series begins, the Little League Pledge seemed like the perfect pitch to begin my article. After playing a game of pickle with all that has been going on in the world the last couple of years, the greatest event in youth sports returns full speed ahead. The fields of dreams for every Little League player from around the world, Lamade and Volunteer stadiums, have never looked so good. All the facilities that host the players and the event seem to have gotten an amazing baseball makeover. And to make things even better about everything that is the Little League World Series, there will now be 20 teams competing.

A big-league welcome to everybody that is visiting our little corner of Penns Woods. Congratulations and good luck to all the players, coaches, and parents as you complete this amazing journey that required hard work, effort, commitment, and as always, a little bit of luck. Win or lose, you will have unbelievable memories to take home that will last a lifetime.

I look forward each year to talking with Little League Baseball President and CEO Stephen Keener just prior to the World Series. When I caught up with him last week, he was making his rounds in South Carolina between Little League’s Senior Baseball World Series in Eastley and the Softball World Series in Greenville. His next stop was to Taylor, Michigan, for the Junior Baseball World Series, where our local Keystone team would be competing. How great is it that Little League has returned to a full schedule of seven World Series for both baseball and softball held all around our Nation?

I often ask Steve if there’s anyone within the organization he would like to recognize. I like featuring the folks that work hard behind the scenes to make the event happen. His reply was quick — the entire team. Steve wanted me to express his complete appreciation and thanks to everyone that has worked through some very difficult situations. It is through their hard work, effort, and sacrifice for the good of the organization and all that participate that the LLWS will return to the world stage stronger and better than ever.

I must add here, just think of the tremendous responsibility Little League Baseball has with over 2 million young folks between the ages of 4 and 16 playing worldwide. It was amazing to even have a World Series last year, and it is remarkable that here we are for the 75th Anniversary; the series is returning to full swing. That was the main topic of our conversation, the understanding of the team effort put forward by so many to make this happen.

A couple of other points Steve wanted me to touch upon was just how proud everyone within Little League Baseball is to now have 20 teams from around the world will be participating in the LLWS. And that there are two great inductees into the Little League Hall of Excellence, Todd Frazier, and Jenny Dalton Hill. Their stories can be found on pages 46 & 50. Both have contributed so much and are remarkable individuals.

Lastly, and I almost forgot, Steve wanted to remind everyone about the new traffic patterns to enter and exit the World Series. The changes were recommended by law enforcement to improve security and safety of the event. My man and baseball fan, Lou Hunsinger, has all the LLWS details on page 6.
Boxing, The Raminator, and a Mingle Mention

Webb Weekly is again partnering up with Vicious Promotions to present Boxing in the Park; the event will be held Saturday, August 20th. There will be a full card of USA Boxing fights held under the big top at Elm Park in Williamsport. If you are a boxing fan, you don’t want to miss this full day of fisticuffs, and it will be a sellout. Editor Steph has full details on page 4, including if you’re feeling lucky how you can win ringside seats.

If you are looking for something to do Friday, August 19th, or Saturday, August 20th, that thunder you hear down Muncy way isn’t that of a passing storm. The Kaiser Bros. will be hosting the Raminator. This is a great event for the young and the young at heart; if you haven’t seen and heard monster trucks crushing cars, I highly recommend it. Car crushes will be held Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. You will be able to take a ride on the Raminator Friday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Ear protection is strongly recommended.

Also happening in the East End of the county Saturday, August 20th, Ron Mingle asked me to mention the Sulphyr Springs Rifle & Revolver Club will be having their 2022 Youth Shoot from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is open to all and is a great way to expose young folks to competitive shooting. The club will provide all ammo; the competition includes three age brackets for shooters from 5 to 16. There will be .22 rifles available for those that don’t have a gun. The cost to enter is only that of a donation. Complete details of the event can be found on the community calendar. And as always, Ron will be back with us to oversee our 15th Annual Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest this fall and winter.

With all that’s going on around our area, make sure to take some extra time.

God Bless America.