If this was a normal year, on Wednesday, August 19th, Fourth Street in Williamsport would have been packed with thousands of onlookers gathering to watch the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade. As we all know, of course, this is definitely NOT a normal year, so there were no crowds because there was no parade. But the fact that it is not a normal year was highlighted in a different way, for on this day in the neighboring community of Montoursville, at almost the same time the parade would have been starting, a different but very significant event was taking place.

Scott Metzger, the local Little League president, called together the thirteen boys and their parents who had the great privilege of visiting the White House the month before. They were to wear their uniforms and meet at their ball field off of Spruce Street at 5:00 PM. Given that Scott Metzger is also a Lycoming County Commissioner, he had official business that delayed his arrival, and the parents and players were milling around, wondering what was coming.

I took the opportunity to talk to some of the kids and ask their impressions of the White House visit, now that they had a month to think on it. Most of the them gave the typical one word answer to a stranger, “Cool,” “Great,” etc. When I asked about their impressions of the president, it was rather interesting how normal he seemed to them. This was highlighted by one of the mothers who commented that her son came home and was convinced of two things; President Trump knows him personally and they were best friends.

Scott Metzger finally did arrive and assembled the players on the bleachers while he reminded them again of the incredible privilege the thirteen of them were able to experience. Scott then remarked that he had written a thank-you letter to the White House for the visit, and the response he received was nothing short of amazing.

It is typical for those who visit the White House to get some kind of memento for the visit, generally something with the presidential seal on it such as a coaster or mug. But what would a 10-12-year-old want with a mug? President Trump knew this as well, and it took him a little time to prepare the perfect memento for his young guests. In front of the kids and their parents, Scott pulled out two boxes with M&M markings on them. It would seem that even the White House practices repackaging, as the boxes did not contain candy but miniature 18” wooden bats signed by President Donald Trump with the presidential seal on them.

Each of the players were presented with the bats and reminded by Coach Metzger that these bats were very, very special (!!) and that they should take very good care of them. Then they went out on the field by the scoreboard and had their picture taken with their bats while the proud parents stood watching, grinning ear to ear, pinching themselves to make sure that this really was happening to their children. The extra effort that President Trump went to provide an extra memento for these boys was icing on the cake and was definitely appreciated by all.

The magic of this moment was not just for those fortuitous thirteen youngsters who happened to be available at the last minute to be able to make this magic carpet ride to Washington DC and meet and play catch on the South Lawn of the White House with the president of the United States and the Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera. It is a magic of Little League itself. All over the world, young boys and girls play the game of baseball with the hope that maybe, just maybe, their team could make it to Williamsport and play in the Little League World Series.

We take for granted how special this event is to millions and millions of children worldwide. By playing in a tournament that becomes progressively difficult, overcoming one adversary after another, a young ballplayer in Nowhere, USA or Mud Hut, Africa, has the chance to be recognized of being a member of one of the best teams in the world and televised around the globe. It takes a trip to the White House to remind us that this is a great American tradition that is esteemed by the highest leaders in our country. Yes, COVID killed our annual parade in 2020, but the graciousness of President Donald Trump gave us a different memory to hold dear in years to come.