The Little League World Series in Williamsport was buzzing with excitement as New York Yankees superstar Aaron Judge arrived, greeted by the enthusiastic cheers of “Judge!” from a throng of kids. From the moment he stepped off the team plane, Judge was the center of attention. His mere presence turned the Little League World Series into an unforgettable spectacle for the young athletes and fans alike.
Judge wasn’t the only big name making waves. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was busy tossing souvenirs to eager youngsters and capturing the excitement on an old-school handheld video camera. Giancarlo Stanton, decked out in his Yankees uniform top, was on hand to show the Little Leaguers the perfect grip for a baseball during a bus ride. For these kids, witnessing major league players in action was nothing short of a dream come true.
Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe shared the awe of the young players. “They were blown away by how big G and Judge were on the bus,” Volpe said, highlighting the impact these MLB stars had on the young fans. The Yankees and Detroit Tigers players were also seen racing down the outfield hill on flattened cardboard, a fun and traditional activity at the Little League World Series. Judge made sure to add a personal touch by handing out collectible pins, while Tigers players engaged in games of video games and table tennis with the kids.
The atmosphere was electric, making it tough to tell who was having more fun—the big leaguers or the Little Leaguers. On a rainy Sunday that disrupted the Little League World Series schedule, the Yankees and Tigers reverted to their childhood selves, enjoying every moment with the elite 12-year-olds from around the globe. Yankees manager Aaron Boone reminisced, “I had dreams of playing in the Little League World Series,” reflecting on the significance of the event.
The Yankees and Tigers had flown in from Detroit, where they had played the first two games of their series, and headed straight to Williamsport to complete the series. Upon their arrival, they were met with cheers from the Little Leaguers at the airport. Although rain prevented them from watching the games at Lamade Stadium, they made their way to Bowman Field, a historic venue that has been around since 1926.
Giancarlo Stanton shared his amazement: “I just couldn’t imagine at that age being able to hang out with big leaguers at that time.” The players were bombarded with questions from the kids, ranging from what it’s like in "The Show” to who the hardest pitcher they’ve faced is and how they made it to the majors. “It’s just the curiosities of what this means for us,” Stanton said, reflecting on the kids’ excitement.
Among the young players, Dillon Phelan from Hinsdale, Illinois, stood out. Sporting his full uniform, Dillon mingled with the Tigers’ dugout before the night’s game. Although his team didn’t fare well in the World Series, Dillon’s spirits were high as he hoped to catch some baseballs from the Tigers. He was already skilled at collecting autographs, having gathered a slew from Yankees and Tigers players earlier in the day.
Stanton, Volpe, and even Yankees slugger Juan Soto, along with Tigers outfielders Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene, all signed Dillon’s hat. Dillon beamed, “It’s been cool. It’s been a good memory that I won’t forget for a long time.” His enthusiasm was a testament to the special nature of the event.
For the Little Leaguers, the experience was akin to being treated like MLB All-Stars. They were celebrated with a grand parade downtown, and ESPN dedicated 2 1/2 hours to interviewing the kids and collecting fun facts for its coverage. Coach Damon Phelan, Dillon’s father, noted the extensive preparation that went into the event. “There’s so much prep that goes into the games, everything from the boys getting new uniforms, cleats, all new batting gear, catchers gear,” he said. “It’s like Christmas in August.”
The pinnacle of the experience for many of these young players might have been the chance to make memories with the Yankees and Tigers. The Little League Classic, which is part of MLB’s efforts to attract new fans and reignite passion among existing ones, provided a unique setting. With games like the Phillies-Mets series in London, MLB is constantly exploring innovative ways to connect with fans. The St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates set the stage in 2017 as the first teams to play in the Little League Classic.
This year’s event at Bowman Field added another memorable chapter to the Little League World Series saga, blending the excitement of Major League Baseball with the youthful exuberance of the next generation of baseball stars. For the players and fans alike, it was a day filled with unforgettable moments and a reminder of the joy that baseball can bring.
Login