The Wonderful World of Sod

Thought you knew everything there is about sod...think again! Here we bring you underneath Volunteer Stadium at the Little League World Series to where fresh sod is grown year-round to keep the field looking great--and make umpires like Tom McGorty fall over.

Inside the ESPN Little League World Series Sound Truck

 

Always wanted to see just what it takes to produce sound for an ESPN broadcast? Join Michael as he talks to Paul Krugman, ESPN sound engineer, as he gives us a tour of this fascinating place where 100 different audio signals come in at once--even those controversial ones captured by dugout microphones.

MLB Closer Latroy Hawkins

Latroy Hawkins is a relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. While serving as a closer for the Minnesota Twins he struck up a friendship with Twin outfielder Torii Hunter who introduced to Latroy to the Little League Urban Initiative—a program that helps introduce baseball to inner-city communities through field renovations, clinics, and the formation of player leagues. We spoke to Latroy to get his thoughts on Little League Baseball and why it’s so important to reinvigorate the inner-city with the influence of baseball.

So, Latroy, you’ve been walking around the complex here for a couple of hours. Pretty awesome place for a 12-year old, huh? For a 12 year- old? I’m 33 and it’s like baseball heaven to me. When Torii and I drove up we were in awe of the complex. To meet the kids playing here it was a dream come true and I’m not even playing.

Did you watch the Little League World Series as a kid? Oh yeah I’ve been wanting to come here since I was a kid. And lo and behold I’m 33 and I finally get to come here.

As a pitcher yourself—what do you think of the pitching here at the Little League World Series? I think the pitching is exceptional. Just watching the kids throw with velocity and they all have breaking pitches and they can spot it. To have great control and at a young age--that’s something I didn’t have at that age. I mean, I threw hard. But these kids now have the whole package.

Do you think they should be throwing breaking balls at that age? That’s a good question. Everyone has an opinion. A lot of these kids are more mature than other kids so I don’t think it’d be a problem for the bigger, stronger kids. Maybe for some others. But for most of them I don’t think it’s a problem.

What brought you to the Urban Initiative Program? Torii and I used to stand around the batting cages before games when we were on the Twins and we’d say, “Where’d all the African-American players go?” We’ve lost a whole generation of African American athletes in baseball. We’ve got to make sure we don’t lose the next one. That’s why I got involved.

Why do you think baseball’s popularity has waned in the inner-city? Baseball doesn’t have the appeal that other sports have. I was talking to ‘Outside the Lines’ just the other day. About how baseball doesn’t have a clock. Baseball is built on drama. Kids aren’t into drama—they’re into action. They want things to happen fast. But baseball as a sport isn’t built that way.

How do you counter that? I think we have to find a way to handle both. Use marketing strategies the way the NFL and the NBA does. It starts early. Baseball isn’t a sport you can pick up once you’re 13 or 14 years old--unless you’re extremely talented. It has to start real young—with T-ball even.

You got to meet some of the Urban Initiative teams today. I assume they were pretty excited to be here. This is like making it to the Major Leagues for these kids. They love it. We just have to bring the kids back to baseball, and find a better way to sell our game to kids.

The Coolest Little League Coach!

Most people spend their whole life trying to be cool. Now one coach has had his coolness officially recognized by Little League Baseball.

Michael Flynn of Dublin, CA was recognized today at the Little League World Series as the “Coolest Coach of the Year”—an annual event sponsored by Bryant Cooling and Heating System to honor Little League coaches who exemplify "Courage, Character and Loyalty" in a fresh and compelling way.

Last year his Little League team struggled in the face of difficult Northern California weather which disrupted team practices and affected team morale. Realizing something had to change Michael turned to that tried and true baseball salvation—Rock n’ Roll.

“At some point I said, 'Stop! We need to have some fun,’ says Michael about the ‘Rock N’ Roll Friday Nights’ he instituted into the team’s weekly routine. “I brought out my stereo with the big speakers, and the kids brought their ipods. We’d order pizza and eat right on the field--they wouldn’t realize they were even practicing.”

Even more touching is the fact that Michael was nominated by one of his players—his son Ryan who saw an email from Little League International detailing the 'Coolest Coach' promotion.

“Just seeing that thing I knew my Dad win,” says a proud Ryan Flynn. “After all the cool stuff he did for our team and all we’ve gone through….”

Ryan’s voice falters slightly when talking about his mother, Leslye, and the breast cancer diagnosis she received in the middle of the baseball season. The news shattered the close- knit family and the resulting chemotherapy sessions made it, as Michael puts it, difficult to “get her out of the house.” The one thing that helped....Little League Baseball.

“Going to practice gave me an hour a day where things weren’t revolving around cancer and surgeries and appointments,” says Leslye. “It was such a wonderful focus. Who knew what baseball could do?”

Now the same family who used to watch the Little League World Series on television and wonder 'Wouldn’t it be something to actually be there?' have finally gotten their chance to come to Williamsport and experience 'Baseball Mecca.'

“For us to be here and know what we went through is just so…. overwhelming.” says Leslye. “There’s just no other word for it.”

Michael remains humble about the award. “There are a million other coaches out there who are better than I am.” But then the cool ones are always are.

Talkin' to the U.S. Little League Champs!

After their thrilling win over Oregon in the U.S. Little League Championship game we spoke to Georgia's winning pitcher J.T. Phillips and manager Randy Morris to get their thoughts on being the best team in the United States--and the support they've received from their hometown.

So, guys, how's it feel to be U.S. champs?
JT: It feels real good to be the last United States team standing.
Randy: Definitely. No matter what happens in the final it won't ruin how we feel. I assure you.

Coach, you said a few days ago your team felt very relaxed. Do you think your team played that way in the U.S. final?
Randy: I really do. I think we had some good at-bats. We had a little stretch where we got into a funk being over-aggressive. But I think the last two games we've played in a really relaxed way.

J.T., after you gave up that two-run home run early, I noticed your teammates came to the mound and had a word of encouragement for you. What'd they say?
J.T.: They just told me to calm down and concentrate on the mitt. I knew I just had to go and out throw strikes and throw the ball harder

And your stolen base in the 5th was a key part of the game. Was that called by your manager or did you come up with that yourself?
JT: I did that on my own. (Laughs)
Randy: Yes he did! (Laughs) I was nervous. I kept saying "Wait No! Stop...okay good job."

Was that stolen a base a turning point in the game?
Randy: Yeah I think it was big. Heads-up base running on his part. You can't coach that from 3rd base. I mean we can work on our jumps. I tell them when they see the ball hit the ground--to know they can make it. That's just instinct.

Coach, how'd you feel when Jace Fry hit the ball to deep center and it was caught? Were you relieved to get out of that inning tied?
Randy: Oh, I was holding my breath that it wasn't going out. Because that would have been huge. Could have been a whole different outcome to the game. That was probably one time I was happy the fences were moved back. (Laughs)

Have you guys heard much from back home?
Randy: Oh yeah. We've gotten a ton of emails. I think I've gone through a ton of batteries on my cell phone while being here. I probably have 40-50 voicemails waiting on me. The support has been unreal. I can't even describe it.

Rain, rain go away

You walk anywhere around the back areas here at Little League World Series and all you see are Little League officials and ESPN/ABC Sports production staff huddled over laptops. And what web site are they ALL looking at? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) site--which displays doppler radar weather reports.

At this time there is a large swath of rain covering the entire state of Pennsylvania which doesn't figure to let up anytime soon. The early consolation game has already been cancelled. (A bummer for Mexico and Oregon, I'm sure.) And right now there is great debate about the Little League World Series Final. The game doesn't start until 330pm but one of the challenges is that Lamade Stadium--where the game is scheduled--is older than Volunteer Stadium and doesn't have quite the drainage system that the newer Volunteer Stadium has.

Besides the logistical challenge this will present there is also a very practical television broadcast issue. If the game is played tomorrow night it probably won't be on ABC or even ESPN for that matter who is now carrying Monday Night Football. In all likelihood the game would shift to ESPN 2 which would significantly reduce the viewing audience for the Final.

This is why officials here are scrambling to do anything they possibly can get the game in today. We'll see what happens in the next hour or two. (Update: LLB has officially postponed the game for the day and will resume tomorrow at 8pm)

ESPN Trade Secrets

Here Michael shows you how ESPN makes those glamourous Little League World Series intros; and it may surprise just where they actually do it.

Oregon Manager Jeffrey Keller on the loss to Georgia

How you feeling coach? We had a great run. I’m excited and really proud of what my kids accomplished this year. We had a few tears in the dugout...but that’s okay. They’re 12 year-old kids. You’ve got to take your hats off to Georgia. They’re a great baseball team.

They came out and hit the ball very very well. I guarantee Jace has never been hit like that before. He had good velocity tonight... A good curveball. Change-up wasn’t his best. But he had a good fastball and curveball and Georgia just played really well. That’s why they’re U.S. Champs.

Where does Trevor’s home run rank with the team’s highlights for the year? It’s got to be right up there. For him personally I’m sure it’s #1. I think for the team it’s got to be the top two or three on-the-field moments. I know I got pretty excited when I turned around to look at the crowd. They were going crazy.

Can you talk about the zone Sam Albert is in? He’s been killing the ball lately. He should have been 3-for-3 tonight. He’s seeing the ball really well. It’s nice that we have another game so we see him continue to swing the bat. Because right now he is in a great groove. He’s hitting the ball harder than anybody on our team—and probably anybody in the tournament.

How are you going to approach the consolation game tomorrow? Are you going to have some fun or play it to win? I’m going to let the kids decide that tonight. We’re going to go get a bite to eat. Meet real quick and then watch the international game. Are we going to mix things up and try to have fun or we’re going to try to be 3rd? I’ll let them decide.

Did it seem like your son Derek was pressing a little bit? Yeah..after the first at-bat. In that first one he just missed a couple of pitches. The next two at-bats he was pressing. He was trying to hit the seven-run home run instead of hitting a line drive up the middle. I know he’s incredibly disappointed and it’s not how I wanted it to end for any of these kids—especially not your own kid. Devastated is probably a pretty good word for it.

How do you handle that disappointment? I said I wasn’t going to cry—but I might cry talking about him. I’m just going to go give him a big hug and tell him I don’t care what he did down here today. He’ll be fine. Football starts in three days. (Laughs)

What’d you tell the kids at the end? Exactly what I told them before the game. I don’t really care if we won tonight. All I care is that you guys played with passion and with heart. And you guys walked off knowing you gave everything you had. When we get up to the Grove tonight I guarantee the tears will be dry and in an hour they’ll be 12 and 13 year-old kids again.

All-Star MLB Outfielder Torii Hunter

Torii Hunter is an All-Star outfielder with the Minnesota Twins and an integral part of the Little League Urban Initiative—a program that helps introduce baseball to inner-city communities through field renovations, clinics, and the formation of player leagues. We spoke with Torii about his relationship with the Urban Initiative program and just what Little League baseball did for him growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Torii, you came here on a game day. (Torii was scheduled to play the Orioles the night of the interview.) This program must mean a lot to you. Oh yeah, definitely. I never had a chance to come here as a kid. And when we (Torii and fellow Major Leaguer Latroy Hawkins) drove up we were like “Wow!” We couldn’t believe we were here at the Little League World Series.

Do you guys in Major League Baseball keep up with Little League baseball? To Major League Players these Little Leaguers are like heroes. We watch these games in the clubhouse faithfully. We go in early like 1 or 2 and we watch all the up and coming talent. And some of these guys have the major league demeanor down pat.

How is the quality of play here at the Little League World Series? It’s a lot better than when I played. You’ve got guys who are throwing 71 and can hit the spots. That can throw the slider down and in on the right-handers. I’ve been watching these guys—it’s a totally different game. I would have no chance if I were playing this day and age. I wouldn’t have been a first round pick. I probably wouldn’t have made it to the major leagues. Well…maybe I would have. (Laughs)

How’d you get involved with the Urban Initiative? My agent and I were sitting around my house in Texas in the off-season trying to brainstorm ways to bring baseball back to inner-city. We were there for like four or five hours and the name David James came up. He’s the Director of the Little League Urban Initiative.

And how did you get other Major Leaguers involved? After I got hooked up with David I just called a few players up. Gary Sheffield was the first one. I told Gary and he said, “Oh! I’m in!” I was skeptical of calling these guys because they’re busy and they got things going on. I didn’t know if I should call these guys and try to get 10 grand. But they HAD it! I mean they’ve got it! (Laughs)

But these guys were so excited to do it. Derek Lee, Ken Griffey Jr., Sean Casey, Rondell White, Jacque Jones. Even Derek Jeter was calling me—and he’s the big-time guy in New York. (Laughs.)

What do you see as a big obstacle to bringing minority and inner-city kids back to baseball? There are so many reasons the kids are not playing baseball. You can’t point the figure at just one. It’s not organized in some cities. The kids aren’t interested. The marketing of Lebron James and Allen Iverson and the NFL have very a different and effective kind of marketing to these kids than MLB does.

And that goes for the parents too. They see Lebron on TV. They see the shoe contracts. A lot of parents are pushing their kids to the NBA because of the marketing of the league.

You said this is your first time at the Little League World Series? Oh yeah. I can only imagine how these kids feel coming here and just being around the Little League World Series. I mean I’m 31 years old—and I’m excited! I don’t even want to go back to Baltimore and face this guy! (He points at Latroy) I’ve been watching this all my life. I’m not even playing in it and I’m excited to be here.

What do you think of the complex? We were walking around and…what’s that called? (Pointing to the player dorms.) The Grove! That’s luxury. I don’t want to leave that place. That’s like the best thing in the world. If I could have made it there at like 11 or 12—no telling what could have happened.

Talk about what baseball did for you growing up. I had a chance when I was 13 to play in Albuquerque in a tournament. And we were out there staying with host families. We did things there we wouldn’t do in my area—in my surroundings in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I was excited to just to see all the fans.

Just being around that—I knew I had to get my grades up so I could play baseball. And the only way I was going to do that was to get my grades up. And stay out of trouble. If I got in trouble I wasn’t going to play baseball. When you get out of your environment and knowing something different is out there—it pushes you to take control of your life.

You and Latroy got to meet some of the Urban Initiative teams today. Were the kids pretty excited to see you guys?

Oh yeah. There was one kid from Virginia—I think his name was Markikis. He was hyper-ventilating. He could hardly breathe. He put his hand in front of his face and I thought he was crying but he was just so excited to meet us. I thought, “Who am I?! Britney Spears!” I guess today I was.

Pin Trading Madness Part 2

That's right! We make you wait no longer! Here's the final installment in the Pin Trading Madness Saga. Here Tom shows us the nuts and bolts of pin trading--and why nobody really wants keychains anymore.