I would personally like to congratulate the 20 teams who made it all the way to Williamsport for the 2022 Little League World Series. This is my favorite time of year as our lovely backyard provides the backdrop to one of the greatest sporting showcases. I love the entire tournament and can’t wait to head over to Lamade and Volunteer for some amazing action.
I am a huge advocate of Little League Baseball. I am a very proud graduate of the program. My entire experience taught me a great deal, and I can now say the same for Jensen. Last summer, he and his mates had an unbelievable journey. Hepburn-Lycoming captured the hearts of many and made it all the way to the State semifinals. We eventually lost to Upper Providence. They were legit and earned a spot in last year’s World Series. We will never forget. I still get goosebumps. Jensen and I have been watching the regional tournaments intently. Being so close has resparked our interest.
Yes. I sometimes chime in with a different perspective. #usabat. #mlbclassic. But I am still one of Little League’s biggest fans. My friends from the South Side should know this. These next few weeks put our beautiful area on the global stage. It’s a big deal, folks. You have no idea how many people are watching. SO WHERE YOU FROM? Williamsport, PA. NEVER HEARD OF IT. It’s the home of Little League Baseball. OH YEAH. I WATCH IT EVERY YEAR. THAT’S ON MY BUCKET LIST. YOU ACTUALLY LIVE THERE? Yep.
So, on behalf of those who permanently reside — WELCOME TO WILLIAMSPORT BOYS AND GIRLS. I sincerely hope that you enjoy your stay. Lycoming County has so much to offer. I like to tell people that we have a little something for everyone. TM pending. Call me if you need any advice on what to do in between games. I am only here to help. No gimmicks. No fees.
The Little League World Series is fantastic. I am also glad that our friends from other countries are coming back. COVID canceled the 2020 tournament and included only those from the US last year. It just wasn’t the same without the guys from overseas. I am so looking forward to seeing them on the field. Now the game may change, but the childish love of baseball will always remain. It is simply beautiful. Stay tuned for some great baseball, folks. Just you wait. Each series always outperforms the last. I am serious.
My phone is now ringing. The Orioles and Red Sox? Wow. Everyone thinks that I have some extra tickets. Look. I will keep you all posted. I used to be cool. So, I consider myself one lucky fellow who had a chance to see a few of the MLB Little League Classics. I believe this will be the fifth installment. How they pull this off is quite amazing. I am glad that someone is actually using our fancy new airport. This unique showcase always exceeds all expectations. The interaction with the pros and youngsters is amazing.
I had my doubts back in 2017. There was definitely a buzz when historic Bowman underwent a major facelift. The City of Williamsport kicked in some cash, and MLB donated a large amount to help with the tab. Rumors quickly spread, and it was pure bedlam. Memorial Park turned into Area 51. I watched the first MLB Little League Classic from my kayak. It’s true. I wrote a story. I have pictures and a retweet from ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian to prove it.
Jensen and I scored two tickets at the very last minute. We were very fortunate to be in the stands for the 2018 Classic. A fan of this column must have read my story on Watching MLB from a Kayak. Maybe he felt bad, but we were just three rows behind the New York Mets’ dugout with the Asian Pacific team. We didn’t understand a darn word they said, but we had a blast with our new Korean friends. It was grand. An exceptional father-son experience. I have some great pictures.
I didn’t get the call for the 2019 MLB Classic. No worries. Been there, done that, kids. My media credentials were denied, and I struck out in the Disgruntled Residents of Lycoming County lottery. The same people always seem to win. Come on, man. Politicians? Please. Somehow Jensen and his mates got the nod. MLB always invites some local teams to take in the game. In fact, the youngsters from the 17728 were only one row from Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez. SHE IS HOT, DAD. I was so jealous. Jensen was everywhere, and I got to see my son getting autographs. My phone buzzed whenever there was a sighting on the big screen. My boy is a magnet for TV. He had a great time, and I am very thankful that he had this opportunity.
COVID CANCELLED EVERYTHING IN 2020.
I had the chance to go to the 2021 Classic. I turned it down but scored some tickets for my young friends instead. Jensen was away and wanted to sell his share. We had it on eBay, but it was later flagged. The Hepburn Lycoming All-stars had a great summer. Hanging out in the stands for the big game was the perfect cap. They were very appreciative and scored some cool gear. One player brought a broken bat home, and many got impressive autographs. Jensen watched it from Southern California. He laughed every time one of his buds made it on camera. Great stuff.
Congratulations again, and welcome to Williamsport. Cheers.
