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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
Here Michael shows you how ESPN makes those glamourous Little League World Series intros; and it may surprise just where they actually do it.
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.
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.
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.
Tony Richardson is a Little League Volunteer, former FBI Agent, and security coordinator for all VIP visits to the Little League World Series. We talked to him about what all goes into a presidential visit to the Little League World Series—and just how hard it is to get into the FBI.
So take us through the process of coordinating a VIP visit to the Little League World Series? Well it depends on who it is. With a celebrity like Kevin Costner—he just came in on his jet and we handled his visit to the stadium to be inducted into the Little League Hall of Fame.
With somebody like the President or Vice-President it’s planned out well in advance. First he sends his advance security team to check out the stadium and we work out plan for the President’s approach to stadium by limo, and then his path to the field. At first they are kind of nervous but when they find out I’m former-FBI it makes them feel a little more comfortable.
What’s interesting about President Bush’s visit is that he actually went into the stands to sign autographs. And we kept saying “Uh…Mister President can we come back to the field, please?” (Laughs)
So you coordinate with the VIP’s own security? Sometimes. But in the case of Kevin Costner he didn’t really have any security so we ran the whole thing. He was just happy we were there.
With the President he’s trailed by Secret Service everywhere. But they told us that we are the first response. So if somebody approaches the President we are to handle it first and then the Secret Service will come in.
And there are different levels of security within the Secret Service surrounding the President, right? That’s right. The Secret Service wears pins of different colors to designate the proximity they can get to the President. If you have, say, a yellow pin you better not get closer than the red pin area. Also each day has a different color system so everybody is where they should be.
Who are some other VIP’s you’ve had over the years? Besides the President we’ve had the Vice-President, Kevin Costner, General Pace—who is now Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Rudy Giuliani. Torii Hunter. Lloyd McClendon who’s coming in to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. And there’s word we might get a governor or two. Must be an election year. (Laughs.)
You also handle all the background checks for the managers in Little League? That’s right. It’s something I brought over from the FBI. But it’s important when kids are involved.
And how was the background check when you were applying for the FBI? Brutal. They went back and talked to an employer I had when I was 14 years old. It’s a little easier now but they still do extensive background checks with credit checks and polygraphs.
Uh-oh. Credit checks. I don’t think I’d ever get into the FBI with my flaky credit record. It’s not the flakiness. It’s your vulnerability. If you’ve got a ton of debt it makes you susceptible to bribery—which is no good for law enforcement.
Well, thank you for an interesting conversation. You’re welcome. Now I’ve got to go prepare for Lloyd McClendon’s private jet. (Laughs)
Today is an off-day for the Little League World Series. (Around here it's officially called an "open day"--to allow for rain-outs to made up.) Most of the teams are visiting with family today and the Little League complex is a virtual ghost town. So what is a person to do in Central Pennsylvania when there's no LLB to be found. Well here's a few suggestions:
1) Eat...at the most beautiful McDonald's in the world. Think every Mickey D's is the same. Think again. This posh eatery just north of Williamsport boasts one of the few fast food restaurants made entirely of brick. It's so nice you need reservations. 
2) Listen to Free Bird. Don't have a Lynard Skynard CD. That's ok. Just tune into any FM station, and I do mean any FM station, and you'll hear the delightful sounds of twangy Southern Rock faster than you can say..."Is that Free Bird again?"
3) See Snakes on a Plain. Not the over-hyped Samul L. Jackson vehicle but real snakes at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland just a few miles outside Williamsport. Where else can you look at boa constrictors and eat Subway sandwiches at the same location? This 'accredited zoo' features the 'lesser-loved' members of the animal kingdom in an intimate setting. And the snake keychains? Muy bien.
4) Check out the Williamsport Scenic Lookout. Not only does this boast some awesome views of the Susquehanna Valley but it's also one of the few places in Williamsport where you can actually get a wireless internet connection. 
5) See some trees. Nearby Lewisburg boasts a walking tour of...I'm not kidding...historical trees. There you can also check out how every downtown shop caters to Bucknell University students. (Nothing makes one feel older than seeing the sign "Welcome Class of '10')
Tom and Mike are live from Williamsport and they give you a video tour of the extended fences at the Little League World Series that were altered to reduce the number of home runs--and increase the number of triples. (Which has worked they are on pace to break the # of triples this year.)
There are four teams left. Here's a very unofficial non-scientific breakdown of the teams so far:
OREGON
A team with very good pitching and some of the best defense I've ever seen. They also make solid contact and as Great Lakes Manager Mike Hall said, "They hit it harder than any team I've seen here." Relentless on the basepaths and capable of taking advantage of mistakes if Oregon throws Jace Fry it might make it very difficult for Georgia.
GEORGIA
Georgia has a lot of talent--and a lot of weapons. Josh Lester is a slugger, and the son of a Pittsburgh Pirate area scout, and they also have perhaps the MVP of the tournament Kyle Carter who is a double-threat as a great hitter and an awesome pitcher. Most people here are picking Georgie to be the World Champion.
MEXICO
Earl Weaver would love the team from Mexico. Not a lot of small-ball--just good old-fashioned slugging. With bashers like Jose Segoviano and Julio Vargas Mexico has a very potent lineup. But like the old adage 'Good pitching can stop good hitting' says, Mexico's lineup can be slowed down and will probably face the Japanese pitcher who stopped them cold in their last meeting.
JAPAN
This is everyone's favorite to win it. Not just because they are a great hitting team but because they have some of the best pitching the Little League World Series. With a two-headed pitching attack of Seigo Yada and Ryoya Sato Japan will be a very tough challenge for any team they face the rest of the way.
What does a real-life press conference room look like? How many media credentials does Little League give out? What kind of wallpaper does Michael want in his room? Here's where you'll get the answer to these tough questions.
Perhaps lost in the celebration of the SouthEast team from Georgia defeating the team from New England tonight was the fact that Portsmouth, New Hampshire manager Mark McCauley was caught by an ESPN dugout microphone to have said during the game that the Georgia baserunners were "tipping off pitches" to their hitters.
This of course brings up the issue of whether there should be microphones at all here at the Little League World Series. (I can confirm that ESPN people are discussing the very topic for next year.) But the bigger issue is--if it's true--whether the team from Georgia was indeed tipping pitches to their hitters. If so it goes against every principle this event is about.
When I asked McCauley if he'd like to comment about the 'stealing sign' incident he said, "No. I think I'll leave the comments for the game on the field." I could tell he was visibly upset about it. Still he was very proud of his team. "We've fought hard in every game. I'm very proud of them. These 13 guys are the best collection of men I've ever coached."
The Georgia team is no stranger to controversy. Two nights ago, after they lost to the Great Lakes team, many Phoenix fans claimed that the 'fix' was in and that Georgia intentionally scored fewer runs so they could advance--and the team from Arizona be eliminated. It got so heated that that one Phoenix fan was actually escorted out of the stadium.
Georgia manager Randy Morris understands the dissapointment but not the sentiment. "I still don't see what I did wrong in that situation," he said. His contention is that allegations of 'throwing a game' shows that people don't know his team very well.
I'm curious for those of you who saw it on TV. Did it look like they were tipping pitches? It was tough to tell from the press box but the buzz around the stadium made sure that this game will be talked about for quite some time.
Jeffrey Fowler is a member of the Penn State grounds crew and a volunteer at the Little League World Series. We spoke to him to find out what it takes to keep the field looking great--and how umpires like Tom McGorty can trip over home plate.
So what's the Little League scene like in Armonk, New York? I don't know what it's like now. I know what it was like in 1955: You could be on the Dodgers, the Yankees, the Giants, the Red Sox, the Indians or the Tigers. I think those were the only teams in all of baseball back then. Also electricity had not been invented. I was on the Indians and generally played right field, because that was the place where you were least likely to encounter the baseball.
Did your writing career derail what quite possibly could have been a stellar Major League career? Yes. Many major-league teams were after me, offering million-dollar bonuses, but I, like so many naïve kids with no idea what is important in life, elected to be an English major.
Growing up in suburban New York--does that make you a Met fan or a Yankee fan? New York had three teams then -- the Yankees, the Dodgers and the Giants. I rooted for the Dodgers until they left New York, and then I switched over to simply hating the Yankees. So in that sense I am a Mets fan.
What's it like to have a sewage pump substation named after you? It's a great honor. To my knowledge there is no sewage substation named for-- to pick one example -- Dick Cheney.
I like your description of your band “The Rock Bottom Remainders” as playing music as well as Metallica writes novels. Any chance we'll see you playing with the band soon? And if Metallica did write a novel what do you think it would be called? I don't know what the title would be, but it would contain misspellings.
Can you tell us a little bit about your new book 'Peter and Shadow Thieves'? It's the second in a trilogy of books written by Ridley Pearson and me --the first was "Peter and the Starcatchers" -- telling the story (at least our version) of how Peter Pan came to be.
If you could give us one Little League baseball memory what would it be? Striking out. A lot.
Manager Jeff Keller, Second Baseman Sam Albert, and Outfielder/Pitcher Devon DeJardin spoke to us after their thrilling victory over Great Lakes tonight in the Little League World Series semi-final. We talked about topics such as winning the big one, what to do on an off-day, and whether they’re going to have McDonald’s or pizza after the game.
Those were quite the ESPN highlight plays you made in the bottom of the 6th inning?
Sam: Those were probably the best plays of my life. This is the best time of my life. Thank God I have Jace. He’s one of the best first basemen I’ve ever seen. He saved a couple of my throws.
Well, Mr. Manager, you said Monday night was incredible. How does tonight feel?
Jeff: You know everyday you get to experience this it’s an amazing feeling. To see these kids go out there and lay it on the line every game. Three games in a row now we’ve had to come from behind—and the heart and character these guys show is amazing. I hate to say it’s not surprising anymore, but I’ve been with these guys for 10 weeks now and it really isn’t. I see how much passion they have and how much they love being together. They never quit…they never give up. I’m just along for the ride.
Devin, what’d you think when you saw the bunt sign?
Devin: I never thought my manager would take a 5’10 guy and have him bunt.
Jeff: Come on! You’re not 5’10! (Everyone laughs.) These guys all think they’re taller than they really are. It’s a football trick. They’re always a lot taller and heavier in the media guide than they actually are.
Devin: I was kinda nervous when I saw the sign. But I saw the curveball and just sat back on it and punched it down—even though it wasn’t the best bunt
Sam, what were you thinking when you hit that triple that turned into a run scored?
Sam: I hit first and kept running. Jeff told me to go and then he told me to stop. But I couldn’t stop because I slipped and ran right over the base. So I just went home.
Devin, what’d you think when you loaded the bases in the sixth?
Devin: To tell you the truth I was really scared. After the run scored on the passed ball I was getting really nervous and didn’t think I could throw the strike right there in that moment. So I called time, took some deep breaths, came back and tried to throw strikes. And we have a second baseman (Sam Albert) who made an ‘okay’ throw. (Devin and Sam both laugh.)
What are you guys going to do with your two days off?
Jeff: Sleep in tomorrow. These guys are all excited. We’ve been together for ten weeks. And for any of you who’ve come close to experiencing something like that. By the time we leave we’ll have been on the road for 40 of the last 46 days. Sleeping in hotels and eating cafeteria food. I think we’ve got Pizza or McDonald’s tonight. (The boys yell!) With early wake-up calls and noisy kids who won’t go to sleep and pillow fights. It takes its toll. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
We chatted with Great Lakes Manager Mike Hall directly after his team lost to Beaverton 4-3 in the U.S. Little League World Series Semi-Final. He was emotional, to say the least, but was kind enough to answer a few of our questions.
How are the kids holding up? It’s a tough one. Tough with the kids in the dugout in the end. I just told them so many times you look at the Little League symbol—and think it’s just a symbol—but tonight you know guys know more about character and courage than most people.
Can you tell us what it’s been like this week here at the Little League World Series? It’s been wonderful all week long. All the emails they’ve been receiving. All the support from friends in Chicago and Illinois and all over. They love getting the mail every afternoon. I got a big Catholic family and I know they’re shedding some tears tonight.
What’d you tell the guys? I told the kids you guys made history tonight. And every time you walk into a store somebody is going to point at you and say “That’s one of those Williamsport kids!” Every one of those thirteen kids will be successful in life someplace.
What do you say to your son? It was tough. As soon as he came over to me he said, “Dad, I’m sorry.” I said, “Mike, you got nothing to be sorry about it.” I’m so proud to be his dad.
I’ve got a lot of great memories. I’ve got a bunch of pictures ordered. My life is changed for the better. I just hope I can be a better parent to my kids because of this. Because we feel so blessed to be a part of the Little League World Series.
Hitting has been a strength for you guys—but tonight you scored two runs despite not having a hit. Our kids were guessing too much. We try to work with situational hitting everyday. 1-0, 0-1. What to expect. I just think the kids were trying to guess too much. Josh had a 1-0 count and saw a fastball right down the middle. And this kid has hit 100 balls this year over 150 feet. But we wouldn’t be here without Josh.
Anything planned for when the team gets back to Chicago? Our mayor John Piazza has already told us they’ve got the double-decker bus set up that they used for the White sox last year. Cubs called me and told me they’re going to have the kids come out and sing the 7th-inning stretch sometime in September. And the White Sox called a few times. These kids will never forget this experience.
Here's a few tips regarding Press Box food at the Little League World Series:
1) If you see the meatball sandwiches…grab them and eat them. Now! Even if it’s breakfast time. They are like ‘El Nino’ or a good Brendan Fraser movie--rare and very hard to predict when they will show up.
2) Realize that in the hierarchy of potato chips Doritos are like hard currency—able to be used for barter and trade. Frito’s are not as special but can usually be combined with multiple bags to acquire things like cookies. Nobody touches the Lay’s.
3) Photographers like to store up on food reserves like they are going to hibernate for the winter. Just because there are five waters and only one AP photographer in front of you—does not mean you will get any agua.
4) Yesterday I saw groups of reporters running down the steps of the stadium in the late afternoon. I asked somebody if there was a hot scoop. They said, “No…the cold cuts are being put out.” When dinner is put out at 5pm you better be there in five minutes or you’ll end up with a napkin and some salt.
5) The coffee is a bit on the earthy side. So it’s best to make friends with the girl who gives Orel Hershesier and Erik Karros their coffee so that you’re able to procure some decent brew.
I’m not a very sentimental person. (My girlfriend will tell you that.) I don’t cry at weddings or movies—especially that clunky Titanic—or when a certain sports team is swept by the Yankees in the ’98 World Series. (That was a strike Mark Langston threw to Tino Martinez…. I tell you!)
But this morning here at the Lamade Stadium at the Little League World Series I saw one of the most touching events I have ever seen in my entire life. The Challenger Division is a separate division of Little League Baseball and Softball that gives children with mental and physical disabilities the opportunities to enjoy all the benefits of participating in Little League baseball or softball game.
The game was between Front Royal (Va.) Little League and Shamokin-Coal Township (Pa.) Little League and was played on the main field here in Williamsport at Lamade Stadium. Teams are organized by abilities, not by age, and each player has a ‘buddy’ who helps in the action.
Though nobody keeps score—and the game always ends in a tie—the kids take the game pretty seriously and want to do well. One young woman struck the ball to the outfield and as she turned the corner at first base she yelled “I’m coming through!”
But it’s not just for the kids. As Steve Moff, coordinator for the Pennsylvania District 12 Challenger Divisions said “When parents see their children on Lamade field it’s unbelievable.”
The coolest thing ever was seeing young Chris Feehan from the Virginia District stride up to the plate. Chris was the last batter of the game and as he brushed the dirt away from the plate he pointed to the left field. At first we thought it might be the sun in his eyes but no--he was conjuring up the spirit of Babe Ruth by ‘calling his shot.’
A few members of the press laughed appreciatively but Chris didn’t disappoint as he blasted a ball to right center field that rolled all the way to the wall. As Chris touched home plate for an inside the park home run the entire stadium erupted with applause. It was the most awesome thing I’ve ever seen.
When I asked Chris why he pointed with his finger to the right field fence he said, “Well…I just knew I was going to hit it.” Definitely the best thing I’ve seen in a long long time.
Check out the post-game press conference of eteamz Little League World Series representative Ahwatukee from Arizona as they discuss pitching, off-days, and how Manager Tom Kingery ruined his cell phone in a paddle boat.
CANADA 2, SAIPAN 1
For awhile it looked like this game would go as many of the games at the Little League World Series have so far. Great pitching…and not much hitting. Even Canadian manager Joe Burns had to admit that stranding 11 runners over six innings was frustrating. “I didn’t have this gray hair before the tourney started,” he joked.
Canada went ahead for good in the bottom of the sixth on a Justin Atkinson single. Both teams failed to advance to the next round. But as Atkinson admitted, “It was awesome to hear our families stomping on the bleachers above our dugout. It really pumped us up.”
ARIZONA 4, STATEN ISLAND 1
Though Arizona won--that one run given up to Staten Island might have been a costly one. With a complicated tiebreaker system Arizona will miss out on the next round of the tournament despite its convincing win over the boys from New York. (Be sure to check out our post-game press conference with the team from Arizona.)
Pitcher Shaun Chase not only pitched effectively—striking out 10 over six innings—but also adding a home run in deep centerfield and an RBI single.
For Staten Island it has been a difficult last couple of days. With the whole aired ‘curse word’ controversy in combination with two players going to the hospital with injury it was good to see manager Nick Doscher take a few minutes after the game to counsel them. “I just told them what a great run we had,” Doscher said. “How proud I was to come here with these great young men.”
VENEZUELA 1, SAUDIA ARABIA 0
They needed eight innings to decide this game. And ironically both teams will advance to the semi-finals. But Venezuela proved to be just a little stronger today against Saudi Arabia.
The scoreless drought was broken by Jose Martinez in the bottom of the eighth inning on a single with the bases loaded. But Saudi pitcher Andrew Holden was absolutely dealing---taking a no-hitter into the 6th and punching out sixteen hitters.
From here Venezuela will take on Mexico and Saudi Arabia will face Japan—which figures to be a difficult team throughout the tournament.
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JAPAN 7, CARRIBEAN 2
How’s this sound for a pretty good day? Go Matsumoto of Japan struck out 12 batters—and hit a grand slam as Japan cruised past Curacao and moved onto the next round.
Curacao—last year’s international champion—unfortunately was eliminated with the loss. But with seven returning players from last year’s team they certainly have a young team that will be building toward future Little League World Series contention.
ILLINOIS 2, GEORGIA 0
Even errant sprinklers turning on in the middle of the game couldn’t stop the Great Lakes team from Illinois. They threw their ace Josh Ferry tonight and he pitched a one-hit shutout that proves he’s one of the most dominating pitchers here.
Despite the loss Georgia moves on to the next round due to tiebreakers and will face the team from Oregon. Illinois’ next opponent will be the team from New Hampshire who narrowly lost to Arizona yesterday.
Step inside the wild scene that is Little League Baseball pin trading. With Tom McGorty as our guide we'll learn just what 'pin trading' is--and the lengths some will go to get the ultimate pin.
So above the press box at Lamade Stadium here at the Little League World Series is a large suspended caged area littered with camera gear and famous people like former Dodger ace Orel Hersheiser and Brent Musberger. (I hear Orel is a very nice man--despite his predilection for beating up on my Padres.)
It's an amazing place with mounted lights, large cables and a small white fan that must have cost all of four dollars.
I took the accompanying picture because--well--how often do you get a chance to look at a former pitching ace and his broadcasting legend/partner in a cage. To which a nearby reporter quipped "What are you doing?"
"Stalking Brent Musberger, of course."
The look on his face was awesome.
That's right...Mikey from Active and eteamz is at the Little League World Series in Williamsport and he brought a video camera. (Uh oh.)
In this installment he discusses such important topics as being bumped out of the press box by smelly sportswriters and just where on his arm he should put a permanent LLB tattoo.
As some of you readers might already know last night a player on the Staten Island team issued a curse word on live TV. This was bad enough--but then his manager reportedly 'slapped' him when he heard the word. (Sorry I can't confirm this because I didn't see it.)
This has led to an official reprimand from Little League Baseball and has caused ESPN to issue a five-second delay on all future Little Leauge World Series. It's sad...but the same constraints that have been institutued because of Janet Jackson and her wardrobe have now been brought to a Little League World Series broadcast.
But I think Lu Harrison makes a very good point in her post on "Should Microphones be in the dugout?" Should the mics have been there in the first place? Be sure to chime in with your own opinion.
OREGON 2, MISSOURI 1
Keeping up the tradition of close games won in the last at-bat Devon Dejardin of Beaverton, Oregon belted a single in the top of the sixth to beat Missouri—and unfortunately eliminate the Show-Me-State representatives from the Little League World Series.
Missouri pitcher Ryan Phillips pitched well—six innings, ten strikeouts, one earned run—but Oregon pitcher Jace Fry matched him and with some timely double-plays the team from Beaverton narrowly escaped with a victory.
NEW HAMPSHIRE 5, LOUISIANA 0
While one team was eliminated—another team advanced. The team from Portsmouth, New Hampshire moved onto the next round with a win over the team from Lake Charles, LA.
This game was much closer than the 5-0 score. Lake Charles had two runners thrown out at the plate in the 4th inning. Portsmouth broke the game open in the fifth and their pitcher Jordan Bean threw a stellar two-hit shutout.
JAPAN 6, MEXICO 1
This game was expected to be much closer than it actually was. Both teams had played well going in and while Mexico fought to the end they couldn’t overcome two back-to back home runs by Ryota Koike and Seigo Yada.
Ironically Mexico will be rooting for Japan in their next game against Curacao. Both Mexico and Japan will advance to the next round with a Japanese win. If Japan does lose to Curacao then all three teams will be tied and the two advancing teams will be determined by a tiebreaker involving algorithms and Euclidean geometry.
CARRIBEAN 8, RUSSIA 0
You know it was going to be tough for Russia. They had lost their first two games—and had to face last year’s series runner-up in an elimination game. Unfortunately Curacao never let up in their manufacturing of runs.
Curacao pitcher Dienston Manuela was impressive throwing a two-hitter and striking out 12. They face Japan to determine who will move onto the next round—while Russia takes home only the fabulous memory of spending time at the Little League World Series in Williamsport.
LATIN AMERICA 3, CANADA 2
This was probably the most entertaining game of the day. Lots of defense—lots of timely hitting and while Canada came up short they do have a game tomorrow against the Pacific champion to see if they can move on to the next round.
Both teams had great starting pitching. Roberto Valera of Venezuela had nine strikeouts and only 2 earned runs while Canada pitcher Kristopher Robazza matched him by striking out ten and allowing two earned runs. In the end Canada just ran out of innings and seeks to rebound tomorrow against the team from Saipan.
If you're lucky enough to attend a sporting event as a member of the press here's a few tips to keep in mind when acquring a press credential:
1) Don't park you car in the Little League President's parking space.
2) Don't try to bring coffee in--even if it's your special RocaMojo Hazelnut Blend with 2 splendas.
3) The roast beef cold cuts in the Media Hospitality room are good---but they do not keep well when placed in your bag for four hours.
4) Try not to sit in the AP Reporter's chair. He snarls at you.
For more helpful tips keep checking back here all week at the Little League World Series Special Section.
Well...I've finally arrived here in Northern Pennsylvania and this place is absolutely Little League crazed. Everywhere you go there are Little League posters and schedules and traffic signals. (Yes, even the road signage has a Little League World Series theme.) And despite the fact that my hotel was decorated to look like a red tuxedo this place is just awesome. A few quick observations...
-I ran into a few ESPN employees at the 24-hour market. They all were eating turkey. I wonder if it's a company thing.
-The big buzz here is how many walk-off victories we've had so far. Georgia beat Staten Island in 7 innings and then Mexico beat Curaçao in the bottom of the sixth inning on Saturday.
-When I ask people how the Little League World Series has gone so far....all I hear is pitching and defense. (Could somebody tell my Padres that?)
-The other big thing people were talking about...it was a really long line at the 24-hour market...was the no-hitter thrown by Sato of Japan. He's going to make Japan very tough. (Be sure to check out Japan vs. Mexico tomorrow.)
-And on a sad note...the team from Staten Island lost to the team from Illinois tonight when one player was tagged out at third and his teammate forgot there were only two outs and was tagged walking back to the dugout. It's a mistake that could happen to anybody. Just everybody over here was sad to see the game end that way for the kid involved.
So that's it for now....I'll be here throught the end of the Little League World Series. So be sure to keep checking back for some cool interviews and video stuff all week!
Jason Bay is one of the most exciting young players in Major League Baseball. As an outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates he was named ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2004 and has already been named to the National League All-Star team twice in his young career. We spoke with him recently to get his thoughts on playing baseball in Canada and what it was like at the Little League World Series in 1990.
How does a kid from Trail, B.C. end up playing baseball—and not the great sport of hockey? I actually played both (hockey and baseball) until I was about 12 or 13. After that I just played baseball because I like it more.
What’s the Little League scene like in Canada? It's certainly not what it's like in the states. There are teams and fields, but just not all over the place. Obviously there is more hockey played than baseball. But I think baseball is gaining more popularity in Canada due to the fact that more major league players are from there.
What was it like playing in the Little League World Series? It was awesome. Coming from a small town like Trail BC, and then playing in front of all those people at 11 years old was just amazing. It's something I'll never forget.
What effect did Little League have on your development as a baseball player? As a person? It increased my interest in the game of baseball from a developmental standpoint. As a person, I think it made me understand the importance of team play. It was a lot of fun and even though we didn't win it all, it was fun for the whole team and we all had a great time just being there.
Your sister Lauren played softball for the Canadian National Team as well. What’s in that water you guys are drinking? I don't know what it is. She certainly excels at her sport and I try to do the same in mine. We've always been a close family and sports was something we both loved.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Ronald McDonald “Jason Bay Family Fund?” It's basically a fund established for families staying at the house who can't afford it. The fund pays for the families to live there.
And finally…any advice for those Little Leaguers out there who’d like to play in the majors someday? Just to follow your dream. Keep practicing and playing the sport you love. I loved baseball since I was about 8 years old and kept playing and practicing. The harder you work at it, it becomes easier.
And don't worry when you fail (like striking out or losing); there is always another at bat or another game. Just keep your chin up, be a good teammate and enjoy it.
Brian Sipe was not only an All-Pro quarterback for the Cleveland Browns but also a member of the 1961 Little League World Series winning team from El Cajon, CA. He is currently the head football coach at Santa Fe Christian School in Southern California and we spoke to him get his thoughts on winning the Little League World Series and the importance youth sports have on developing young people.
Can you tell us what it was like to win the the Little League World Series? The Little League World Series was such a treat. It’s a slice of Americana you don’t find anywhere else. That year we were undefeated. We won 13 straight games. And we won the final in the bottom of the last inning. With a walk-off home run by our big slugger Mike Salavatore.
Wow! You remember the name. Back in 1961 there weren’t all the youth-sports options there are now. And clearly Little League was head and shoulders above everyone. And every kid knew about the Little League World Series. When we won it was just a dream for a kid at that age.
Have you been back at all since then? I’ve been back twice. I was fortunate enough to be inducted into the hall of fame. And also I was part of a 50 year celebration. But it’s only because I was one of the few guys to go on and do something in professional sports. Cos I certainly didn’t’ do anything in the series. (Laughs)
Did Little League have an impact on your development as an athlete? And as a person? It did. I think my story is a little bit unique because our team out of the clear blue won a world championship. And to be so young and have a pinnacle experience like that is amazing. I mean I’m an undersized guy and I’m not fast. But after winning that not much else sort of surprised me in sports. I sort of expected to succeed. And I trace it all back to Little League.
What do you think it is that makes youth sport organizations like Little League so special? I think Little League is unique. I don’t think it’s about kids preparing for something later on. It’s just about that game, that week, that year. And it’s seasonal. I really appreciate that about Little League.
And the other thing I liked was it was about your neighborhood’s talent and your neighborhood’s team. Little League is the best your town has to offer. It’s all local kids. In my day it was the most exciting thing that was happening in youth sports. And every kid proudly wore his Little League baseball cap to let the world know whose team they were on.
Were you sad to see the browns leave Cleveland? Yeah I think so. I don’t know how to describe football in that part of the country. But in cities that are experiencing downtimes economically they respond to their football teams differently. They were passionate about them. But at least Cleveland was able to hold the NFL hostage and keep that team in escrow.
What was it like playing for the New Jersey generals in the USFL? Well it was a bit of a circus. Our owner was Donald Trump and everything he touches is a little bit bizarre. He’s all about the promotion. We were actually a very talented team—with Herschel Walker and Maurice Carthon. We really had some talent on that team. I played with them for one year and we won 14 games—but it was a little bit like Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
What do you think are the important values a coach should have when working with young people? I got this from Lou Holtz and my experience has confirmed it. Without a player being able to articulate this-- what a player wants out of a coach is three things: 1) To know he’s committed to excellence 2) To know he can trust him and 3) To know that the coach cares about him. I think there’s a lot of wisdom in that.
Mike Stenhouse was a Major League outfielder with the Minnesota Twins, Montreal Expos, and the 1986 Boston Red Sox World Series team. We talked to him about his experience as a pro baseball player as well as his fond memories of being a Little League® state champion. This is Part II of our conversation. Be sure to check out Part I which was posted last week as well as Mike's blogging for the Active.com Little League® World Series Special Section.
Why you think Little League Baseball is so important for young people? Well…it’s a number of things. Just like any sport the things you learn about teambuilding, handling defeat, handling success, picking each other up, leadership skills, and learning how to be led. These are very important in all aspects of life. Little League Baseball has it down to a science. Especially with their emphasis on fair opportunities.
I don’t remember a lot of things. But I remember my Little League experience more than anything that happened in the college or the pros. Some argue that rules for minimum playing time hurts better players…but Little League is not just there for better players. It’s there for everybody.
As a former Expo were you sad to see the Expos leave Montreal? Very. It was my favorite team after I retired. It’s interesting because my dad played for the Washington Senators, and I played for the Expos, so my brother and I took my dad to a Washington Nationals game. It was cool to see this convergence of the old Expos and Senators in the new team. Especially when they put us up on the big Jumbotron.
What happened up there? I think the turning point was the year after the baseball strike of 1994. I was actually working with the team then running some fantasy camps. They were the favorites to win the World Series with players such as Larry Walker, Moises Alou, Marquis Grissom, and Cliff Floyd.
So the next year they had five key free agents and most people thought they’d sign a few of them. But they ended up signing none of them and it just skilled the fan base. They got such a negative reaction…and I don’t think they ever recovered from it.
You mentioned working for the Expos. What are you up to now? I just started my own business called CM IT solutions. We do tech solutions and strategic consulting for small businesses.
Last question. Was Gary Carter’s hair as big as it looked on television? (Laughs) The answer is yes. Gary Carter is one of the largest human beings ever. He had a perfect body for a catcher. Not fat….just big. He had trouble fitting through doors. (Laughs)
Was he a good teammate? He was a great teammate. It’s true that other people had problems with him. They thought it was false hustle. What the hell is wrong with hustle? Maybe they should have worked harder.
I played with another guy like that. Pete Rose. Below- average talent who became a Hall-of-Famer because he hustled. There is absolutely nothing wrong with hustle and it’s great for Little League players to remember that hustle is always good.