As a consumer, I’ve learned to live with those so-called “Christmas in July” type sales that seem to pop up in the middle of the summer. However, in the midst of the summer, I have a hard time accepting the Thanksgiving merchandise that was seen being displayed during a recent shopping trip. No doubt, living in the moment is not the in thing if you are a retailer.

At the risk of being a wee bit hypocritical, I think many others who enjoy the excitement of the annual Little League World Series will share the feeling that it is a bit like pre-Christmas anticipation as we await the beginning and renewal of next week’s premier youth baseball tournament. Over the years, we’ve all become accustomed to the hoopla and worldwide attention focused on our community that was born under the brainchild of Carl Stotz and taken to new heights by the current Steve Keener-led administration.

In the annual hubbub of Christmas shopping, consumers sometimes fail to read the age-appropriate merchandise warning labels or purchase the wrong size because they like how it looks. Yet, the spirit of giving creates a very special joy that makes Christmas truly special. The best of Christmas times are those shared with the ‘little ones’ squealing with excitement at Santa’s arrival. Once the aging process has taken away that magic, Christmas remains very special — but it just isn’t the same.

Following the ‘World Series-less’ summer of 2020, Little League officials, after months of agonizing decision-making, made the most-welcomed announcement that the August decorations will be brought out of storage and the small-fry teams will be returning to what is surely their equivalent of a baseball Disney World. Indeed, the teams will play, those in attendance will cheer, and the television cameras will send the festive images around the world — but make sure you look closely; Little League has attached warning labels.

Other than the teams returning to the Birthplace of Little League Baseball, 2021 will not be the World Series we all have become accustomed to witnessing. To be sure, all the restrictions being put in place are for the right reasons — the health and safety of all those directly involved. Let’s all make sure we take time to become aware of the new 2021 rules that Little League has made public and comply, rather than trying to circumvent their purpose.

Little League has been doing a good job attempting to educate the public leading up to this year’s Series. By now, most everyone knows there will not be the popular Grand Slam Parade. Entrance to Series games remains free of charge, although strict limitations will be in place controlling the crowd size.

Each of the 16 competing teams will be given 250 grandstand tickets for their team’s games in Lamade and Volunteer Stadiums. Additionally, a limited number of tickets will be provided to “Friends and Family” in Section 1 seating. Little League will daily make available 3,000 tickets to the general public. Those access tickets will be released through an online request system at LittleLeague.org/Tickets, available at 9:00 a.m., two days before each scheduled game, beginning August 17th for the August 19th opening games. Individuals may request up to four tickets for each day via the online process.

In all cases, these Complex Access Tickets will provide non-stadium access to watch the games outside the outfield fence at Volunteer Stadium or from the terraced hills at Lamade Stadium. Limited accessible seating will be available for those with physical limitations.

The 16-team tournament field will not include entries from the eight foreign regions; instead, all teams will come from the eight United States Regional tournaments. Each Regional champion and the runner-up teams will be making their way to Williamsport. The pairings have been made so that teams from the same region will not meet in the opening round of games.

Like so many other businesses have been experiencing, Little League has had difficulties obtaining volunteers and part-time workers to fill Series needs. Consequently, visitors will notice several changes from the normal amenities featured at the Series. There will be no Family Fun area, concession options will be limited, and a host of COVID-19 safety precautions will be in place.

But, there will be a Little League World Series, and that is the good news.

For those unable to attend the Series, in-person local radio outlet iHeart Media will be on hand to continue its long-standing coverage of the Little League World Series. For more than 20 years, I have been privileged to be a part of this radio broadcast team which includes Ken Sawyer, Gary Chrisman, Tom O’Malley, and Tom Speicher.

This year’s Series will mark a well-deserved milestone for Sawyer as he will be calling his 50th Series behind the mic. Long known for his morning talk show hosting on WRAK prior to his retirement, Sawyer’s expertise and Little League knowledge can only be topped by our late friend and colleague Bill Byham, who announced Series games for 57 years prior to his passing in 2017.

For Little League fans, it is indeed Christmas in August. Just make sure you are aware of the warning labels on the gifts under this year’s Lamade Stadium tree.