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The City of Williamsport is getting set for the crowds to greet the 20-teams playing in the 79th Little League World Series in the 20th Little League Grand Slam Slam Parade in the heart of the city Tuesday.
Also, look for retired Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey to be waving back at the crowds in the parade, which is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on West Fourth Street, between the starting point at Maynard Street and east to Market Street.
Garvey is the parade's grand marshal and is scheduled to speak at the next morning's Little League Breakfast at the Genetti Hotel and Suites, the city's highest building and landmark where many families and guests stay during the world series.
Last year's parade brought an estimated 40,000 spectators and participants to see and interact with the teams that are participating. This is the 79th Little League World Series in South Williamsport and the weather forecast for the day indicates conditions should be splendid, with a forecast of a high of 81 degrees and sunny as temperatures start to dip during the parade, according to the National Weather Service in State College.
There should be a sense of relief for safety and security as well, as the police and law enforcement will be out and prepared and water barriers installed by the city Department of Public Works. Street sweeper operators have cleaned off West Fourth Street, and the metal fences are installed along the parade route to protect and keep safe spectators, especially the excited little children, separated from participants in the parade.
Expect the traditional performances of regional and local marching bands, dance groups, floats, fire trucks and all of the corporate sponsors with many handing out treats and gifts.
With over 100 units "showing their stuff" along the parade route it is a grand night for sure. For comfort, there are bleachers along the way and plenty of sidewalk space to sit back and enjoy the parade, though many just decide to stand for the 90-minutes.
The City of Williamsport government has put out the welcome mat with newly installed bright white and red thermoplastic faux brick crosswalks – part of the long-term downtown safety improvements – to be crossed at key locations along the parade route.
Prior to the parade, the Little Leaguers will be offloading from buses to attend the Little League Picnic at the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
For those who can't attend the parade, though, WNEP, the ABC affiliate out of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, is the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce broadcast television partner and will air it live on their main station.
Another former Major Leaguer, former Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, will participate in the Williamsport Welcomes the World block party on Aug. 28. The Williamsport Welcomes the World block party that includes a kids zone, runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 28. Jones will sign free photos between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The Little League World Series, which is played in South Williamsport, begins Aug. 19 and concludes with the world championship game on Aug. 30.
According to Major League Baseball information, Garvey was the National League's MVP in 1974 and was that league's championship series Most Valuable Player in 1978. Garvey, who played first base, was a member of the Dodgers' 1981 World Series-winning team. Garvey's teammates included second baseman Davey Lopes, shortstop Bill Russell, and third baseman Ron Cey. They defeated the powerful New York Yankees in six games. Garvey also played for the San Diego Padres from 1983 to 1987, again earning the championship series MVP in 1984. Garvey was a National League all-star for 10 seasons and holds that league's record for most consecutive games played with 1,207.
Garvey was on the Hall of Fame ballot from 1993 to 2007 but failed to reach the required 75 percent of the votes by the Baseball Writers' Association of America for induction.
Jones is the first from Curacao to be inducted into the MLB Baseball Hall of Fame. He was enshrined in Cooperstown on July 26, after a stellar career defined by his 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and 434 career home runs. The centerfielder put together one of the most dominant defensive peaks in MLB history.
He played 17 years in the majors most notably with the Atlanta Braves, but also with the Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees and in Japan. He was known for his glove as well as hitting dingers out of the parks.