Gov. Shapiro, Mo’ne, makes stop at Little League World Series
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Gov. Josh Shapiro looked every bit the big kid Sunday at the Little League World Series Championship game.
He was joined by Mo’ne Ikea Davis, 22, sporting an Los Angeles’ Dodgers hat, but nonetheless, a legendary figure and inspiration to young girls in Pennsylvania and the nation.
She was one of two girls who played in the 2014 Little League World Series and was the first girl to earn a win and to throw a shutout in Little League World Series history.
She was also the first Little League baseball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated as a Little Leaguer.
It was not a news conference in which Shapiro would field budget questions, but, rather, delight in the moment and discuss organized youth baseball and how this Pennsylvania woman continues to inspire a generation of young athletes.
“First of all it is really cool to be here as the Commonwealth’s 48th governor with Mo’ne Davis,” Shapiro said with a huge smile.
“We’re a big sports family and this is a great Commonwealth for sports and the Little League World Series is unlike any other event,” he said.
It was the first time Shapiro was at the complex, acknowledging he’s peeked in a lot over the years but this time was special.
“To be able to see it as governor, to be able to see the professionalism and the investment that Little League and the communities and the Commonwealth made in this place.”
He continued: “To see how pristine the grounds are and, most importantly, to see the smiling faces of the fans who are here to support their teams and the young athletes, I couldn’t be more proud of the Commonwealth that this happens right here in South Williamsport.”
Moreover, Shapiro remarked on the impact Little League has on the Greater Williamsport community with $35 million to $40 million of economic development opportunities realized each year during the Little League World Series.
He gave credit to Steve Keener, president and CEO of Little League Baseball and the whole LL team for doing a great job and keeping the community engaged. He noted how the games fulfill the dreams for the 20 teams that are playing at Howard J. Lamade and Volunteer stadiums.
But Shapiro seemed enamored by Davis.
“It’s really special for me,” he said recalling her performances on the mound and her advocacy for continuing her education and involvement in professional sports such as the Dodgers who are in first place in the National League Western division.
“I thought the run you had back in 2014 was just awesome,” he observed.
“You inspired a lot of people – boys and girls – and it was really cool to see you and the success you’ve had since then,” he said.
“I’m excited to think about the prospect of you being a leader in sports for many many years to come,” he said.
Davis returned the compliment.
“I feel like I could be your tour guide,” she said. “I know a little bit about this place. I’m excited to be here. I feel like there’s nothing like Little League Baseball.”
Davis received her undergraduate degree at Hampton University in journalism and now is at Columbia University getting her master’s degree in sports management.
“It’s a lot of school but it’s something that I really wanted to do all my life ... go on and get further higher education,” she said.
Davis had an internship with the Dodgers and was on the production team getting to film and edit but also wants to learn more about front office and being a general manager.
“That’s why I’m getting my master’s – to learn more of the business side of sports,” she said.
Shapiro noted how sports, particularly Little League, brings together people with different views.
“That doesn’t mean that you have to stop progress,” he said. “To me, sports is the great equalizer.”
“We’re really proud of you in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said of Davis, who made all of Philadelphia and the state equally proud.
“I believe every child of God has an opportunity to chart their own course, the opportunity to succeed and Mo’ne Davis is a great example of that success story,” Shapiro said.