After previously criticizing the Little League World Series (LLWS) (I have three other posts on the LLWS), my perspective shifted dramatically when my niece competed in the tournament. This personal connection opened my eyes to the many positive aspects of Little League Softball’s flagship event.
The Journey to the World Series
My niece’s team, the Goodyear Junior League All-Stars from Arizona, earned their spot in the Junior Little League World Series by winning both the state championship and the West Regional tournament. That’s her in the picture above, draped in the banner they earned for winning the state tournament. The Junior League, for girls aged 12-14, held its World Series in Kirkland, Washington, featuring teams from across the United States and international squads from Canada, the Philippines, Czech Republic, and Mexico. While I didn’t follow the team to Washington, I watched every pitch because the games were telecast on ESPN+. Time for me to eat a little crow concerning my position about televising LLWS games, right?
The Tournament Experience
Little League provided an all-expenses-paid trip for the players, including:
- Flights to Washington
- Hotel accommodations
- Meals
- Uniforms representing the West region
- Swag bags with backpacks, water bottles, cleats, and new bats
Importantly, the organizers deliberately separated players from their parents to emphasize that the tournament was for the kids, not for parents living vicariously through their children.
Beyond the Competition
While my niece’s team was eliminated in the first round of bracket play, Little League ensured the experience didn’t end there. They scheduled “Friendly” games for eliminated teams. All the teams stayed to watch the championship game. There was a closing ceremony for all participants. And, they even brought all the girls to a Seattle Mariners game.
My Niece’s Highlights
When asked about her favorite non-game experiences, my niece mentioned:
- Meeting people from around the world
- Girls’ night activities (Little League charted a bus to take the girls to a school to hang out)
- Attending the Mariners game
A More Balanced Perspective
While I still have some reservations about the LLWS, this experience has given me a more nuanced view. Little League clearly puts effort into making the event about more than just softball, creating lasting memories for the young athletes involved.
Hustle & Attitude 