The Little League World Series is finally here. And for those ten days, the great city of Williamsport is the center of the entire sporting universe. Yes. It is a fantastic time of year. My father-in-law Iron Mike Coledo and Jensen snuck over for the opening ceremonies. I will have to do some research, but Mike has been heading to the games for many decades. They had a ball and stayed for a few of Wednesday’s games. Jensen made out like a bandit. He scored a new METRO team jersey and a matching hat. He has quite the collection, and I was glad Grandpa was there to pick up the tab. They have made this trip on several occasions. It is a beautiful thing, and I am thankful for these experiences. The Little League World Series is a big deal, folks. I am taken back every year. Isn’t it amazing how baseball brings everyone together? There are hundreds of stories that are very similar to ours. I got goosebumps when I was watching from home. They interviewed four generations from Texas that came to Williamsport, PA, just for the games.

Many of us have dreamed of playing in the Little League World Series. But very, very few ever get the opportunity. My family and I moved to Williamsport when I was 12. My father took a job at Lycoming College. Mom and I stayed behind in Billings, MT, as I was a second baseman for Boulder-Arrowhead. The local Little League with a solid reputation. We had a good team and made it to the STATE tournament in 1989. I still have my ALL-STAR jacket. We were bounced, but I still made it to Lamade a few weeks later. No. Not as a player. But as a spectator. And I have been in the stands every year since. The same goes for my son Jensen. He is so dang lucky. Jensen has had the chance to play in both stadiums. Little League reached out to some local squads for an umpiring school before COVID, and Hepburn Lycoming won the 2021 District Title at Volunteer. I am so jealous. Trust me. We took lots of pictures.

I am rooting for all 20 teams, but there are a few in particular — much love to the guys from PA. Hollidaysburg is only 100 miles away. Go Mid-Atlantic. They will be the big draw. I remember the crowds when the boys from Keystone made their run. The Pennsylvania teams always represent. Listen to the roars. I have a lot of respect for their coaches. We ran into them at last year’s STATE tournament — same guys. Talk about class. They do everything the right way. They were forced to make a difficult call in the quarterfinals. First base was open, but they decided to pitch to our stud. It cost them as Hepburn Lycoming beat Hollidaysburg 8 to 7 in extra innings. I will never forget what their manager told the papers. WE TOOK IT AS A CHALLENGE. WE DIDN’T WANT TO WALK HIM. IT WAS THE WRONG CHOICE. BUT KUDOS TO HIM. THESE ARE 12-YEAR-OLD BOYS. Respect coach.

I am going insane for Utah. They are by far my favorite. Many have already heard about my man Easton Oliverson. The youngster continues to battle. Unfortunately, Easton was the youngster who fell from the top bunk and fractured his skull. He was taken to Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Support and prayers are coming from all over. Easton is on the mend, and he is making progress. I feel for the entire family. I can only imagine. MIRACLESFORTANK is now trending. Easton is receiving all kinds of love. His favorite player Mookie Betts of the LA Dodgers, sent him a personal recording. Several others have followed. Easton’s younger brother Brogan who was an alternate, will be taking his spot on the roster. Oh. Talk about emotions. I am predicting many tears and several cheers when Utah enters the stadium — continued vibes, Easton. Get well soon. The entire World has got your back, Tank. Go Utes.

Enjoy the games, folks, and please lend a hand to those who are visiting. We live in a beautiful area that is filled with many treasures. Little League Baseball should be applauded. Cheers.