Right around the time of August, I am always wondering where the bittersweet feeling I always receive comes from. I think to myself it has to be football getting into training camp and about to start up another fantastic season, but that wouldn’t be bitter. I think to myself it is another end to a less than stellar Chicago Cubs season in which I pride myself on being a fan of, but lately that has been anything but sweet. The feeling comes from two things: classes are inevitably going to start again soon for my senior year (how in the heck did that happen?) and the Little League World Series (LLWS) is back again. I always love watching the kids get ready in regionals and head to Williamsport because it is a side of the game that everyone who appreciates it needs to see. This year’s LLWS is just like all the others in this respect, but some things about 2014’s trip to Williamsport brings a different light on what the whole thing means.
So what could be the same? The competition between these kids is always great because they are trying to win, but at the same time, all they really want to do is take in the experience of being at the top of the world in what they do and have every kid’s dream of getting a chance to be on TV for people who don’t know you to know your name. The team from Japan will almost always make the championship game and probably win while an American team wins over the hearts of an entire country in an effort to claim another title once again. Dugout, the ridiculous gopher mascot who I have a personal disdain for, will be there goofing around with fans and the kids in an effort to show everyone at the games just what this whole event means. I may not always agree with the character of Dugout, but what he means and the message he sends is exactly what the LLWS is all about, and for that reason, he gets to stay. Parents, friends, and siblings are always ready to cheer on their loved ones and their teams, promoting good sportsmanship and just overall support for these young kids who have most likely never experienced anything of this magnitude in their lives. There are plenty of positive staples at the LLWS which make the event great, but nothing like the support that coaches give to their young players. These kids have been winners all their lives and coaches know that only one team can make it out of Williamsport as the champion, a task that isn’t easy. Kids on every team will get frustrated when they can’t hit or especially pitchers who are getting hit all over the town and can’t seem to find it on that day. I have seen time and time again how coaches have handled these situations and nine times out of ten, they do it marvelously. Coaches will go out and tell their players how great they are actually doing and how good they have to be in order to play in Williamsport. The tears may not always be immediately quelled, but the kids always seem to be less embarrassed and less worried about what their teammates or parents will say after it is all over. There are plenty of positives here, but there are some negative staples of the event that can cause problems.
There are two blaring negatives that come to mind for me that cause some concern for the future of the event, but nothing that I think cannot be fixed. The first that comes to mind is the gathering at the plate after every home run every kid hits like it is a walk-off to win the World Series. I understand that a home run on the big stage is a big deal for these kids, but baseball is a game of class (at least it is supposed to be intended that way) and galavanting around like you’re the biggest guy on campus isn’t going to endear you to the fans. I have loved how Nevada has done it this year because they do not crowd the plate after the five dingers they hit every game, but instead do what should be done and congratulate your teammate on the big fly in the dugout. This convolution of star power and problem is highlighted by the other blaring problem that I alluded to earlier, parents and coaches. Parents and coaches do a great job in teaching the kids the game and being there for them when times get rough, but a hostile atmosphere is created during every game that I watch and I cannot help to think what each of the players are going through. All of the fans are right on top of the action during the entire game and these fans are not just people who like you and are going to the game because they enjoy cheering for your team, but they are the players’ family and friends, the people closest to them in their lives. The constant shouting, sign making, and over glorification creates a sense of anxiety and fear in these kids for if they screw up, they will be hurting those they love the most and that may affect their experience and performance on the field. I know this seems a little harsh to think about, but any kid who has played a sport with their parents watching has seen them proud of their accomplishments and also disappointed when they fell short of expectations. Coaches will be the same way but have to take a different approach because they are the first line of defense in front of parents to tell the kids to keep their heads up because no one will honestly be disappointed by the trip to Williamsport.
So with all of that being said, what is so different about this LLWS then? On the international side, Chinese-Taipei did not make an appearance for the first time in several years, something I thought wasn’t possible for them to do. The Illinois team from the Jackie Robinson West Little League is I believe the first team of all black players, and they are by far my most exciting team to watch in the tournament (especially with the Pierce Jones go big or go home style). A team from Texas or the Southeast is not raking this year and the best team by far is Nevada who has been mashing on all teams in the U.S. side of the bracket and looks to be a legit threat to be the title contender. But the one story that everyone must know from this LLWS is that girl on the Pennsylvania squad named Mo’ne Davis. Just one of two girls at this year’s tourney, she has been raking on the mound and looked un-hittable until she pitched against Nevada and gave up three runs in less than three innings. That game was a testament to two things: Mo’ne is a force but everyone is human, and Nevada is the real deal. It is great to see a player like Davis getting so much hype at the tournament because, knowing ESPN, a girl at this event will get a lot of hype no matter what, but the fact that she is a top three player in this year’s LLWS means she is deserving the hype she is getting and that is what I personally like to see. PLayers become glorified at these tournaments for being nothing special in all honesty, but when the ones who are truly making a difference and doing something extraordinary actually get the recognition they deserve, that is awesome. It never helps when a player like Blake Money has had a mediocre tournament and is getting so much coverage and recognition because of his last name (and his parents’ very egotistical decision to possibly ruin their other son for life by naming him Cash). I love the differences this year, but to me the tournament has never changed.
Every year can have its subtle differences, but the LLWS will always remain the same event for me. It will always be that last thing of summer that I can cling to when I am not at all thrilled about having to start classes within the next couple of weeks. I can always feel like I could have played there or made a name for myself on TV when I remember all of the players I once saw through the years and the names that I have forgotten. The thing to always remember about this tournament is that these are kids playing and going out to enjoy yourself is always the real name of the game. Competition can become something of a blindfold, but the spirit of Williamsport and the atmosphere it creates will always be something I have to look for. I always tip my cap to the LLWS when it is over because it always makes me smile before my life changes into that love/hate thing with school. Then again I know football is always right around the corner and the conclusion of the LLWS always makes me happy that my favorite time of the sports year is once again upon us.
What's On Deck? 