Before we get to the heart of the order regarding all that’s going on, I have a little business-related item to cover.
After talking about my lifetime ties to Kane Street and Little League days, several folks asked me where the Webb Weekly was moving to. I had covered this in a previous article, and last week’s words should have put anyone’s misled thoughts to rest. So, to be perfectly clear, we’re not moving anywhere. My staff and I love where my office is in South Side. Basically, I’ve worked my way down as I grew up on the top of Kane and now can be found at the bottom.
So why all the confusion? Maybe because Susquehanna Computer had been in front of the building, which sits right on Southern Avenue, ever since we’ve been here. They were a popular destination for a lot of folks who needed background checks through IdentoGO. Tim Heitzman and his staff have moved to address 1316 Commerce Park Drive, Williamsport.
The office space where they were is being fully remodeled including adding a front door and windows right off of Southern Avenue. There are signs up regarding commercial space available, but this has nothing to do with me. If you’re looking for a new home for your business or just starting out, Webb Weekly would love to have you as our neighbor. Mike Santalucia, PA Housing, now owns the building, and he would like you to reach out to Scott Yeagle at 570-220-3298 if interested. I thank Mike and his workers for all the great improvements they’re making here on our little corner of 280 Kane Street and Southern Avenue.
Now moving on to the heart of the order. What a great start it’s been to the 78th LLWS. I think it’s going to be one of the most competitive second weeks of Little League ever. And what great memories all the kids competing have to take back to their hometowns when they return.
My baseball eye tells me that Las Vegas, Nevada, and the team from Irmo, South Carolina, that defeated last year’s World Champs to get here, have the best chance of representing the United States in the title game.
On the International side, the more things change, the more they stay the same. The teams from Tokyo, Japan, and Taipei, Chinese Taipei appear disciplined, fundamentally sound, and extremely well prepared. I have only seen the boys from Venezuela play once, but I’ll throw them in as an underdog. Although, from watching them in the opener, they might believe they’re the favorite.
When I’m not watching the games on ESPN, what a great job as always, Gary Chrisman and Tom O’Malley on the US side, and Ken Sawyer and Scott Lowery on the International side, do in bringing the game to life on the radio. I have known these gentlemen a long time and consider them good friends. Hearing their voices is part of the great local tradition of the LLWS, which I look forward to every year. There’s something to be said about listening to America’s pastime on the radio. Tip of my Webb Weekly cap with the American flag on the side to you, gentlemen, you are deserving of the honor to be the Little League World Series announcers that can be heard around the globe.
Moving to the next baseball issue up, as I’m penning this, the Williamsport West End 13 to 16-year All-Star team has won their way to the championship game in the Babe Ruth World Series. They defeated Westchester, California, 3-2 in Branson, Missouri. The West Enders are trying to complete some unfinished business from last year. Hopefully, next week we’re featuring the team on the cover as World Champs!
I look forward to seeing a lot of smiles and gold medals on the local boys.
That gets me to my Yosemite Sam, what the Sam Hill is going on out there, thought.
Some area schools seem to be opening earlier than ever. I have always believed the Tuesday after Labor Day seems like the right time to begin the school year for students. This seems to provide an opportunity for continuity, routine, and structure. Please ponder my quick thought and let me know what you think. My contact info is on page 4.
I will throw in a final tip of my Webb Weekly cap to the South Williamsport Area School District, which begins classes on Tuesday, September 2nd.
School opening can mean just one thing: the PIAA high school football season begins this Friday. Please get out and about and support the local kids. Well, I’m out of space, more on back to school and Friday night football next week.
Let’s all be extra careful driving and limit those distractions.
God Bless America.
