Little League World Series

The Little League World Series is one of my favorite annual sporting events. There is just something about it, it truly is a team sport. These kids come from all over the United States, and from all over the world in the other bracket. Kids get to play baseball on ESPN and ESPN 2, that is just a dream thing for so many people. There is such a contrast in the size of some of these players, as well as a contrast in the personalities. There are some kids who are over 6 feet tall and built, and others that are just over 4'6". Some kids love talking to the camera, and others are more shy.

Every team has at least one star pitcher, but the problem is that there is a limit on the number of pitches each pitcher can throw, and then there is a mandatory number of days rest for the kids so protect their arms. The game they play is not perfect, there are always going to be errors, and there are some kids who crack under the spotlight. It just seems like it is a more pure form of the game, before greed comes into it. Every kid on each team has to come into the game on defense and for an at bat. There are no pitchers that come into the game to face one batter, the managers tend to stay out of the game and let the kids play, it is a kids' game after all. Being at the LLWS is an honor for the umpires too. They are all volunteers, and pay their way to get to Williamsport, PA every year.

I think watching this was something that I used to watch with my family, and I enjoy discussing it with my little brother at the very least. It is a great thing to have on television, if you have nothing going on that day or in that evening. I tend to cheer for teams from either the Midwest or the Great Lakes region. Hopefully Minnesota or Wisconsin will be represented at the LLWS this year.

The regional championship games will probably be airing on ESPN and ESPN2 this weekend, and the LLWS  starts the weekend after that. I am sure I will spend way too much time watching it, and discussing it on Twitter. It really is a fascinating event, and I urge everyone to check it out.