A major league welcome to everyone visiting our little corner of God’s green Earth for the Little League World Series. Congratulations to all the players, parents, and fans as you complete this amazing journey.
Baseball is a game woven into the very fabric that makes up our Nation. It can be found within every stitch of the American Flag that flies over the ballparks around our Country. It is a game that can be watched and enjoyed at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia or at the Little League field in your local community. The common thread of both is that you just don’t know when something amazing is going to happen. Something that will transcend sports and bring people together with memories that will last a lifetime.
This is exactly what happened in what seemed to be just another dog day of the summer game between the Nationals and Phillies last week. And this is exactly what can happen at any game during the 76th playing of the Little League World Series.
Michael Lorenzen, who played for East Anaheim Little League, has only been a Phillie since the trade deadline. It only took him two starts to become legendary in the City of Brotherly Love. He threw eight scoreless innings in his first start and followed it up with the 14th no-hitter in team history. If you missed this amazing performance, Google it and watch the last inning and the interview with Lorenzen. It is an emotional moment shared with his mom, wife, and young daughter. For Philly fans who have been incredible all season, wrapping their arms around this team through the ups and downs, it was a night of celebration that showed the world the true passion and love they have for their hometown club.
Lorenzen, 31 years old, exemplifies what can happen when a lifetime of hard work, perseverance, and faith meets opportunity.
Amazingly, every word talked about within the Little League pledge was on display by Lorenzen, his family, and teammates and by the Phillies’ fans that night. His 124-pitch, no-hitter will live in Philadelphia sports history forever.
“I trust in God, I love my Country, and will respect its laws. I will play fair and strive to win, but win or lose, I will always do my best.”
I’ve written in the past that I would love to see every sporting event begin with these words; this evening was an example of why, even without being recited.
When the people participating in an athletic event represent these words through their performance and actions on the field, then are humble, thankful, and share the opportunity with everyone that made it possible, it truly shows the good of the game that can be found in sports.
My message to all young players, whether they’re at the Little League World Series or playing in a fall ball game back home, you never know who is watching or when that something memorable may happen. Follow the Little League Pledge and emulate the Major Leaguers who do and set that example.
You should always be inspired to be the best, but everyone’s baseball career comes to an end at some point. The Little League Pledge provides a great foundation for life’s journey. These are great words of character to live by — no matter the situation. Phillie Manager Rob Thomson is also a great example of everything I’ve talked about.
I would be remiss if I didn’t give a Webb Weekly tip of the cap with the American Flag on the side to the Philly’s skipper. I have watched too many no-hitters and games lost to pitch counts, analytics, and algorithms. Rob Thomson just applied some good old common sense and conversation with Michael Lorenzen that enabled that special night to happen. It would take a full article to cover all the how, what, and whys. A couple of things I do know is the player’s health always comes first to Thomson, and he is a manager that everybody would love to play for.
Good Luck and great health to all teams playing in this year’s LLWS; hopefully, we witness games and performances that will be remembered for a lifetime. I guarantee the teams have already had a summer they will never forget.
The Raminator and a Mingle Reminder
The Kaiser Bros. will again be hosting the Raminator in the East end of the county. If you like the roar of a monster truck, car crashes, and maybe even want to take a ride in the back of a jacked-up truck like the old days, this is the event for you. Thanks to Big Steve, Stevie, and Timmy for making it happen. All the details are on the page next to me.
Webb Weekly, family member and overseer of the Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest, Ron Mingle, reached out to me with a reminder. The Sulphyr Springs Rifle & Revolver Club will be having their 2023 Youth Shoot on Saturday, August 19th, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The event is open to all and is a great way to expose young folks to competitive shooting. All the details can be found on page 57.
I’m out of words for the week. Let’s all live in the positive, avoid the negative, and be safe out there.
God Bless America.
