Trending
In making the Little League World Series, the few destined for South Williamsport turn from normal kids to rockstars overnight.
From getting a standing ovation heading into Williamsport to being honored by the town with the annual parade, to having every game be broadcasted on ESPN and played in front of a crowd of thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, the difficult competition of the Little League World Series is also a lavish one.
When North Dakota's star catcher Jackson Molden was asked his favorite part of making it to the LLWS, the Fargo native didn't need much time to decide.
"All the things that you get," Molden said. "…and the dorms are pretty cool."
"We got a bat," Molden said. "And then we got Rawlings gloves, elbow guards, [a] batting helmet and batting gloves."
The accommodations are a new feeling to Molden and the Fargo-based program, with North Dakota making it all the way to the Little League World Series for the first time in the state's history.
While less new for the Southeast representative, Tennessee, at the World Series for the third consecutive year, said spoils remain a nice perk.
"The past two years we've done pretty well, so I would say there are pretty high standards for our team and I believe we can achieve that," said Lucas McCauley, infielder for the Southeast squad.
Tennessee have become regulars in South Williamsport this time of year. The state has reached South Williamsport a total of 10 times, with their efforts resulting in a third-place win after being downed by Hawaii in the 2022 U.S. final.
But even with expectations aplenty, the joy and merit of making it to South Williamsport isn't beyond McCauley or a Tennessee side gearing up for a run. Certainly the fresh gear that has been acquired by the bunch plays a part in living up the experience.
"I mean, it's great," McCauley said. "We just made history [being here,] so I'm really happy about that."
But when push comes to shove and it's time to excel on the diamond, McCauley didn't mince words when asked if making a run to the top is a possibility.
"Totally," he said.