Take a Trip to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA

ESCAPE WITH EXECUTIVE COACH
Volume 1, Number 4

by ESC
May 26, 2015

WILLIAMSPORT, PA—Did you know that the bucolic hills of central Pennsylvania are home to a internationally-known baseball world series? Yes!–the Little League World Series. Williamsport, Pennsylvania–a small town tucked in the lush green mountains of central Pennsylvania–has been the home of the annual Little League World Series since 1939. Just as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY is for the MLB fans, Williamsport, Pennsylvania is the Mecca for Little League enthusiasts.

In 1939, Carl Stotz, Little League’s founder, said, “I want [Little League] to be just the like the big leagues, but for little boys.” The values of leadership, loyalty, character, and courage have been at the core of Little League since its start. For the past 75 years, the organization has woven its cord of core values throughout thousands of communities around the world. Stotz’s legacy and influence through his organization spans the generations.

For ten days every August, hundreds of players aged 10 to 12 years old and thousands of their family and fans from around the globe descend on Williamsport in one of the last pure things in the sports world: the Little League World Series. They come each year to determine who will take home the championship trophy and join the roster of teams who have pushed back their competition to be the best in their sport.

Each tournament is history in the making and sometimes the players themselves grow up to make history in their own right. The list of names of those who learned the value of teamwork and sportsmanship during their time in Little League is quite long and dotted with famous names. The list of Little League graduates include former US Presidents and political leaders, military commanders, sports legends, iconic actors, and prominent musicians.

One name that has become almost synonymous with Little League  is Mo’ne Davis. Who can forget her stellar performance at last year’s World Series? Her unprecedented shut-out pitching performance propelled her to a groundbreaking appearance on a Sport Illustrated cover photo. The glass ceiling in Little League was shattered. She has paved the way for other girls to excel in the game of baseball.

With Ms. Davis’ performance last year, all eyes will be on the series this year. Little League enthusiasts will be anxious with anticipation to see what history transpires again this year.

The 2015 World Series games will be held August 20 to August 30, 2015 in the two stadiums on the grounds of the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Early round games will be held in the iconic Little League Volunteer Stadium where nearly 3,000 seats are available to watch the baseball action.  The complex opens at 9:00a.m. each day while the stadium opens 1 hour before game time. General admission to the games and complex are always free and open to the public, but tickets are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The historic, 3300-seat Howard J. Lamade Stadium will again be the host for the championship games, as it has been since 1959. The hillside terraces surrounding the outfield offer great views of the field and can provide seating for an additional 30,000 onlookers. Tickets for the championship games (August 28-30, 2015), are available only at the Will Call booth on the day of the games.

Adjacent to Lamade Stadium is the Little League Baseball Hall of Farm. Filled with treasures of Little League’s past and recent present, the museum chronicles and preserves the legacy of Little League. Take a moment from the action next door and wander the museum’s halls. Take a moment to relax, cool down, and learn some of the organization’s past before heading back to the stadium. It is a must-visit site during your group’s time in Williamsport.

It’s never too early to think about late summer trips for your group. An excursion to the Little League is a great way to cap off a summer of fun. Witness the skill and professional sportsmanship of tomorrow’s baseball stars at the 2015 Little League World Series!

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

1. Organize a trip now. Reserve your itinerary and your tickets early as the event fills up quickly.
2. GPS address is 570 East Central Avenue, Williamsport. There is ample motor coach parking in the Little League parking lots. Designated handicap accessible entrances make your group’s visit much easier and more enjoyable.
3. Leave prohibited items at home or on the coach. Cigarettes, noise makers, alcohol, umbrellas, and large bags are just a few of the things that are not allowed in the complex. Visit www.littleleague.org/media/llbbwsgeneralinfo for the complete list of prohibited items.
4. Order tickets ahead of time. Call 570-326-1921 to reserve your free tickets ahead of time. Tickets to the early games are available ahead of time on a first come, first served basis. However, tickets to the championship rounds are available only at the Will Call booth on game day.
5. Contact the Lycoming Visitors Center before you go. Williamsport and surrounding communities have hidden treasures. Call the Lycoming Visitors Center at 570-327-7700 for information about local events, lodging, eateries, and more that the region has to offer.

CONTACT:
Little League World Series
539 US Highway 15
P.O. Box 3485 Williamsport, PA 17701
570-326-1921
www.littleleague.org

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