OT: Little League World Series
It is that time of the year again, mid to late August. Kids are getting excited to go school clothes and supply shopping. Older brothers and sisters are going off to college (UM hopefully). But there are some kids that have only one thing on their minds....winning a World Series Title. A Little League World Series Title that is.
On the softball side of things, a team from Michigan, Croswell-Lexington to be exact, is in the semi-finals and will probably win. Croswell is located on Lake Huron about 30 miles north of Port Huron. Croswell is home of the "mother-in-law" bridge.
I have coached against this team and they are the real deal. http://www.littleleague.org/series/2011divisions/jlsb/series.htm
On the baseball side, Opening Day for the World Series is today. For the first time in several years, LL is adapting a modified double elimination bracket. There are 8 American teams and 8 International teams. Each division will work down to a single team and play in the final game.
If you have never watched a Little League game, I encourage you to take 30 minutes. These 12 year old boys are playing for the love of the game. They leave it all out on the field.
There is a game on ESPN now if anyone is interested.
August 18th, 2011 at 8:35 PM ^
August 18th, 2011 at 8:43 PM ^
you would have had to play it to understand it. I was a Little League President for 10 years and I have been coaching youth softball for 15 years.
I guess there would be some creepers out there but I think most of the LL fans are legit.
August 18th, 2011 at 10:31 PM ^
Good for the kids, hope they have fun, but ESPN is the worst thing that's happened to Little League.
I can't watch those kids ruining their elbows right in front of my eyes by throwing so many curve balls.
August 18th, 2011 at 11:37 PM ^
I know it is just one study but I believe it is the newest on the topic and it did not find any correlation between pitch type and arm injury. Actually, overuse was identified as the big issue.
"A five-year study, recently concluded by the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at the University of North Carolina, found that the primary cause of arm injuries in youth baseball players was overuse. It also failed to show an increased risk of arm injury due to breaking pitches, such as curve balls."
August 18th, 2011 at 9:48 PM ^
I especially like it when the cameras zoom in on a kid crying after a loss.
August 18th, 2011 at 10:18 PM ^
Im actually in Lexington Mi, right now. The softball team is treated like celebrities. It is nice to see a community come together to support a team. Go Girls!!!!
August 18th, 2011 at 10:22 PM ^
am i the only one that thinks its somewhat disturbing how ESPN exploits 12 year old children to make millions of dollars off LITTLE LEAGUE baseball.and then the fact that its extremely creepy aswell....
August 18th, 2011 at 11:57 PM ^
Are you seriously unable to watch kids playing baseball without feeling creepy?
I assume you don't have children because then how creepy must that be seeing them little shitheads running around everyday?
People who think Little League Baseball (or youth sports in general) are inherently "creepy" have issues and ultimately add as much to society as those who drive everywhere because they have the irrational fear of flying.
Grow up folks.
August 18th, 2011 at 10:53 PM ^
I used to love watching the LLWS on TV when it was the last game or two. Now it's on for like 3 weeks and it seems just like too much. It's great that these kids get a chance to be a part of something as special as the LLWS, but I'm not sure it has to be broadcast to the extent that it is. In this case, less is more.
August 19th, 2011 at 12:31 AM ^
One of my favorite sporting events of the year. They're good enough to put on a good game, but rough around the edges, so it's a bit more unpredictable than the higher levels. Plus, it's just pure baseball - no steroids, no contract disputes, etc., just love of the game.
Also, you occasionally get to see some really great performances. I once watched a kid strike out the first 17 batters (in a 6 inning game) before having to sit down due to the pitch count rule. I don't care what level you're playing at, that's damn impressive.
August 19th, 2011 at 1:30 AM ^
The Final has been one of the most dramatic games for the past 5-6 years (going back to the Hawaii walk-off against Curacao in '05). Plus with the new format it should speed up things.
I'm pulling for the team from Pennslyvania this year. IF (and this is a huge if) ESPN is to be believed, they might have 30,000 at their first game. I want to see them ride the HFA all the way to a title.