Watching the Little League World Series on ABC.

[shouldazagged]

Today they're playing the U.S. and International final games to pick the teams that will play for the world championship tomorrow. Once again Japan has knocked off Mexico to advance, and a California team is leading Connecticut at the moment.

It's fun to watch these kids play for the sheer love of it. Sure, some of them dream of going to the majors, but they are doing this with a solid training in sportsmanship and baseball fundamentals. And unlike our so-called "world series", this is the real thing: teams from all over the world. A club from the Czech Republic made the round of sixteen this year.

Best of all, the kids are outdoors exercising and not inside playing video games or hanging out on Facebook or Twitter.

Like many of you, I wish kids' sports weren't so organized, and miss the sandlot pickup games of my boyhood. I know Little League can be an unhealthy outlet for some parents. On the other hand, when I was a kid baseball really was the national pastime. Now it's not, but Little League gets them interested and playing the grand old game.

My son coaches Little League and Youth League in Philadelphia. All three of his boys have played it and love baseball. (And shooting, fishing, hunting, football, lacrosse, etc.)

 

[DeadAye]

When I was in high school the Little League World Series was played not far from our house in Gary, IN.

We're heading to Jackson TN in a few minutes for some AA ball.

The only three things I miss about up north are Sox Park (Comiskey Field) Wrigley Field and Chicago Stadium - Only one of which is still there.......

Oh yeah - I liked Lake Michigan too

 

[Lee Barner]

been watching all the games I could catch since they started a week ago Thursday. this is my favorite world series followed by the college world series. deadeye, went to Jackson for a game last Saturday night with the grand kids. nice time had by all. lee

 

[Smoke]

These kids are playing some good ball

 

[Broke Hoss]

I enjoy watching LLWS every year. I'm not a huge sports/baseball fan; I'll watch a Rangers game on TV if I stumble on it. But when I know the LLWS is going, I schedule things around it.

Even my wife thinks it's funny that it is about the only sporting event that I make a point to watch. Some of what I like seeing the great sportsmanship.

 

[petepeterson]

If I may rain on the love-fest a second...

This used to be the best sporting event on TV, until they started puting microphones on the coaches. Now there's a mound visit after every batter, while they discuss "strategy" (i.e.- look at me, I'm the coach. I'm reeeeally smart!)

I had 3 seperate nightmares last night, each involving having lunch and discussing baseball with the manager of the Connecticut team...

The commercialization of this event puts a tremendous amount of pressure on these 12 yr old kids. Fortunately, at 6-2, 220, most of them have big shoulders and can handle it.

 

[shouldazagged]

It's still very young boys (and occasional girls--the team from the Czech Republic made the round of sixteen with one on their roster) playing their hearts out. And being good sports while doing it.

 

[Cooter Brown]

I thoroughly enjoy the LLWS. The joy those kids have is infectious and just makes me feel better.

I do feel badly for a team that gets clobbered--that's a lot of pressure on such young folks.

The level of play is impressive; those lids know which bases to cover on a play, how to back up a cutoff man and a play, understand baserunning...you really don't see a lot of mistakes in that area. Those are the things that win ballgames.

I enjoy it a lot but unfortunately I'll probably miss the final today.

 

[doublesharp]

I'm a fan. I'll never forget the 2002 LLWS when a team from Louisville's outskirts, Valley Station, won it all.

Go USA!!!

 

[Engineer1911]

Professional baseball is slower than growing grass or oil base paint drying. LLWS and women's college softball have ection and excitement.

The sportsmanship shown by these young athletes is refreshing.

 

[kozmic]

I gave up on major league baseball years ago because of money, ego, strikes, doping, ego, attitude and ego. However, I still enjoy a good game.

I always watch the NCAA Men's and Woman's (Softball) Tourneys and the L.L. World Series. They're always good entertainment.

And yes, these Little Leaguer's can play! They represent what's right about sports; raw talent, poise, passion, pride, sportsmanship and desire.

 

[doublesharp]

That Japan catcher made the difference. We'll get em next year.