The Little League World Series is over for this year. On Saturday, Curacao defeated Japan 5-4 for the International championship. This was followed by Eastbank Little League from River Ridge, Louisiana surviving a late rally by Central East Maui Little League from Hawaii to win the United States championship 9-5.
On Sunday, Louisiana defeated Curacao 8-0 to win the overall title. In doing so they became the 1st team ever in LL World Series history to lose their 1st game and go on to win the championship.
16 teams started the tournament. 8 were from America and the other 8 were from different countries around the world. All teams were welcomed and greeted with great hospitality. The teams represented a melting pot of different races, religions, cultures and ethnicities. And a melting pot it was as civility, respect and sportsmanship dissolved the differences and created friends.
Little League provides the opportunity for millions of boys and girls around the world to play baseball and softball. Participation is open to everyone, regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin or talent. Children from all walks and stations in life can participate. No one is turned away.
Baseball and softball are team sports. Some players are gifted; others less so. However, what they all are, are friends, classmates, and neighbors. During a season, all will learn to depend on each other, to enjoy each other’s success and to work together.
The Little League philosophy can best be illustrated in the Little League pledge.
“I trust in God, I love my country and will respect its laws. I will play fair, and strive to win, but win or lose I will always do my best.”
Little League certainly tries to exemplify all the positive aspects and ideas that are associated with participation in youth sports. Perhaps the most important among all of these is the fact that everyone competes on a level playing field. There are no special rules to help or hinder one group over another regardless of their background or station in life.
The fact that teams and individuals may have unusual obstacles to overcome along the way does not mean special considerations are given when they step on the field. Each individual and each team competes on an equal footing. Their success is the result of the talents they bring and the hard work and preparation that each engages in. This is as it should be. And it is supposed to be what America is all about.
Little League continues to spread around the world. Little League continues to be a great showcase for how individuals can flourish under freedom and liberty. This is certainly American exceptionalism at its best. Whatever their recipe is, Little League should package it and make it universally available. I am sure the world would be a better place if they can.