As I crossed the Market Street Bridge early this past Friday morning, one thing caught my eye. The bright lights at the Little League baseball complex shining through the heavy fog. As you know, Thursday was a complete washout. When I managed Little League Baseball, I always enjoyed having the kids or coaches tell jokes during rain delays or as we were waiting to hear if the game was canceled. It helped pass the time, and my players’ jokes were always very entertaining. But I can’t imagine doing this as you’re waiting to take the field at the LLWS, let alone with all the microphones and cameras around; you know the saying, out of the mouth of babes.

I haven’t got to see many of the teams play in the 79th Little League World Series yet; I usually share some thoughts and a prediction in this week’s column. Without giving the teams the eyeball test, my thoughts immediately go to the eight games being played during the day ahead. First pitch 9:00 a.m., weather to be beautiful, and I know the teams can’t wait to get out in Lamade and Volunteer stadiums for the first time. What a day to be a Little League fan.

By the time you’re reading this, things will have gotten very interesting up on the hill on the south side. The teams will be heading down the stretch, and we’ll know who the contenders are for the US and International Championship games. My hope for everyone involved is blue skies and great baseball, and hopefully no dugout jokes required. I have no doubt Little League’s great ground crew will keep the fields at a championship level.

If you’re looking for somewhere to go other than the Little League World Series, we have you covered in the pages ahead. We also have all the goings-on that make the second week of Little League so very special.

Another upcoming baseball event, as the calendar flips from August to September, is the Major League Baseball Draft League Championship Game, which will be held at Journey Ballpark at historic Bowman Field. Our hometown Williamsport Crosscutters will be hosting the game on September 2nd against the champion of the second half of the season, which has yet to be determined.

Webb Weekly is again teaming up with the Williamsport Crosscutters, UPMC, Carrs Trailers and Supplies, Lundy Construction, Backyard Broadcasting, and Weis Markets to make the game a celebration for the fans and all in attendance. Please see the ad on page 52. You will find ticket vouchers for free admission to the championship matchup. Please root, root, root for the home team! It is my goal to help pack the park in support of the great job the Crosscutters organization has done.

This last issue of August ushers in the beginning of the PIAA high school football season and back-to-school time. The band and cheerleaders have been practicing, the fields are lined and ready to go, and summer practices are in the books. Get out and about and support your local school district and all the student-athletes that put in so much time.

There is just something special about a well-maintained, natural grass field. A tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American flag on the side to the South Williamsport Area School District and those who take care of it. I drive by once a day, wishing I was younger and could put on my cleats, get out there, and run around.

This is not a knock against any of the turf facilities across our neck of Penns Woods; we are blessed with great places for the kids to play soccer and football.

I know another thing that every stadium has: great food at the concession stand. Please plan on eating dinner Friday night at the ball game, as it supports everyone involved.

That gets me to my public service message of the week: schools are opening; please drive safely. The kids will be returning to the bus stops early in the morning and at the end of the school day. Please pay extra attention as things return to the normal school-year routine. There may be changes to the route you drive compared to last year; there may be construction; there may be new students who aren’t where they’re supposed to be. Anticipate the unexpected and learn the spots most prone to mistakes. Most of all, keep your eyes focused on the road and the drive ahead.

I will close out my article with a second tip from my Webb Weekly cap. Thank you, as always, to iHeartRadio for the great radio broadcast of the Little League World Series on WRAK 1400 and KISS FM 102.7. Gary Chrisman, Ken Sawyer, Scott Lowery, Tom O’Malley, and Tom Speicher always paint an amazing picture while I’m driving.

God Bless America.