Well, here we are again. The unofficial beginning of the end of summer. The last couple of weeks before campfires and long evenings are replaced with early mornings and new backpacks. In other words — it’s Little League World Series season in Williamsport!
And while I’m a little bummed to watch another summer fly by at warp speed (I feel like I haven’t even done anything summer yet), I can’t help but get excited.
If my math is mathing — which is hit or miss on a good day — I believe this is my 23rd LLWS. And it’s one of my favorite times of the year, and one of my favorite things to do.
My credentials are officially in hand, and I was just the 3rd person to pick mine up — just behind Scott Lowery and Ken Sawyer. Credential pick up was a little different this year, so I guess we were all a little excited to get them before the ESPN crowds roll in.
Send good vibes because, I’m also waiting to hear back on my MLB Classic credentials. I was approved for two years, then denied last year. Given that the Braves are coming to town, and I’ve been a Braves fan since ‘Neon’ Dieon was playing centerfield, and Smoltz and Maddox were on the mound, and Chipper was just a baby rookie.
I’m still holding out hope, so fingers crossed!
As of this writing, the Braves and the Brewers are both sitting in first place in their divisions, with the Brewers up a game on Atlanta, so I’m hoping the makes for a good game at Bowman.
As usual, here is my yearly reminder.
As the world descends on our little neck of the wood, here’s your friendly neighborhood reminder: be nice. We’ve got a hidden gem of a city — with some more than mildly confusing traffic patterns, let’s be honest. One-way streets, alleys that look like driveways, roads that could double as tightropes — it’s a lot. So if you see someone from out of town doing a 47-point turn trying to get to Dunkin’ — give them a break. We’ve all been there. Plus, have you ever been somewhere with more complicated Dunkin’ drive-thrus than what we have here?!
Also, the traffic is going to be bonkers — especially between Southside and Williamsport. Especially, especially with Wawa, Chick-Fil-A, and Sheetz being so easy to access. So maybe leave five minutes early. Or twenty.
I mentioned this last year, but I think to bears repeating — don’t skip your favorite local restaurants during the Series. Everyone assumes they’re jam-packed, but truth is, a lot of visitors stay and eat on the complex. That means your go-to spot might actually be less crowded than usual. So go get that burger. Or tacos. Or ice cream. (Preferably all three.) Our area depends and thrives on local business, so please don’t let your assumptions get in the way of a good meal. I really hate when anything gets in the way of a good meal.
Most importantly: drive safe. The rumble strips on 15 are doing their job (knock on wood), but don’t let your guard down. Keep your eyes on the road, your phone out of your hands (it’s illegal in PA, remember?), and your seatbelt on. We want everyone to enjoy the magic of this time — and make it home safely.
But more than anything, get out there and enjoy it all! Catch a game, pick a team to cheer for, slide down the hill like you’re eight years old again (or just supervise with snacks in hand — no, your knees aren’t prepared for that).
This really is the best time of year to be in Williamsport — soak it in while it lasts.
