Little League World Series: A Comprehensive Guide
History and Impact
The Little League World Series is an annual baseball tournament for children ages 10-12. It was founded in 1947 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and has since grown into one of the most prestigious youth sporting events in the world.
The tournament consists of 20 teams from around the globe, who compete for the Little League World Series championship trophy. The tournament is held over a period of 30 days, and the games are played at Howard J. Lamade Stadium in Williamsport.
Memorable Moments
- In 1959, 12-year-old pitcher Don Larsen threw a perfect game in the Little League World Series, striking out 18 batters.
- In 2001, the Curacao Little League team became the first non-U.S. team to win the Little League World Series.
- In 2019, the Honolulu Little League team from Hawaii won the Little League World Series, becoming the first team from the state to win the championship.
Tournament Format
The Little League World Series is a single-elimination tournament, with the winner of each game advancing to the next round. The tournament is divided into two pools: the American pool and the International pool.
The top two teams from each pool advance to the championship game, which is held on the last day of the tournament.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To be eligible for the Little League World Series, teams must win their respective regional tournaments. The regional tournaments are held in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Teams must be composed of players who are between the ages of 10 and 12, and all players must have played in at least 75% of their team's regular season games.
Tournament Schedule
The Little League World Series is held every year from July 27 to August 25. The tournament schedule is as follows:
- Pool play: July 27-August 1
- Semifinals: August 2
- Championship game: August 4
How to Watch
The Little League World Series is broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN2. The games can also be streamed live on the ESPN app.
Conclusion
The Little League World Series is a truly special event that brings together the best young baseball players from around the world. The tournament is a celebration of athleticism, sportsmanship, and the love of the game.
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