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‘Just fantastic’: Major Leaguers meet Little Leaguers

Major Leaguers meet Little Leaguers

The excitement could nearly be felt buzzing through the air and across the crowds on Sunday.

It was a dream-come-true kind of thrill when the Little League World Series players met their lifelong idols when the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets Major League Baseball players came to the Series complex in South Williamsport.

"I got to meet mostly everybody on the team," said Kobe Kunert, No. 5 on the Des Moines, Iowa, team. "They're just really popular, and they're so great at the game. It's a dream come true for me."

He said it was a highlight of getting to come to the Series.

"It's one of the best parts," he said. "I'm having a great time here. This place is so great. I can't believe I get to do this."

"Being around these kids reminds me of myself 15 years ago when playing was just a game," said Seth Lugo, No. 67 on the New York Mets team. "It's really special. I get to watch them play too, so it's pretty cool."

He said his favorite team is from Guayama, Puerto Rico.

"It definitely would have been an experience to remember if I could have met Major Leaguers," he said. "I remember when I was a kid, I used to watch them on television. It would have been something really special for sure."

Juan Salazar, No. 24 on the Barcelona, Spain, team, said he loved getting to meet the Major League players.

"I don't even know what the best part of it is," he said. "I've been so overwhelmed. I'm just so happy."

He said his life feels like a dream.

Braeden Newby, No. 16 on the Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, team, said it was a day he would always remember.

"It's just not a day-to-day thing that you get to do this. It's like once in a lifetime, and we get to do this for free," he said. "I get to meet all of them, and I get their autograph. It's great."

"It's fantastic," said Justin Bour, the Philadelphia Phillies' No. 33. "It's just fantastic to be here. It's fantastic to see them. Everything is just fantastic."

Jeff McNeil, No. 68 of the New York Mets, said he had never been to the Series complex before.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what these kids go through playing the Little League World Series. I never got to, so I think it's a great experience," he said. "I would say they should keep playing hard and doing what they're doing. They're great."

Corey Oswalt, No. 55 of the New York Mets, said it was his first time coming to the Series complex.

"It's just a great opportunity to be around the kids. Everybody here loves baseball," he said. "I hope they play the game hard, and I hope they have as much fun as they can."

"I met a lot of people, and it's been so great," said Tai Peete, No. 7 on the Peachtree City, Georgia, team. "They're so great … It's been so unbelievable. It's just a once-in-a-lifetime thing to do, and I'm so glad I get to do it."

Likewise, Connor Duong, No. 7 on the Des Moines, Iowa, team, said the experience changed his life.

"I grew up watching baseball and watching a lot of these guys play," he said. "It means so much to get to see them."