For fans, the MLB Little League Classic is one special event
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The MLB Classic is not what you expect. In fact, it is nothing like your normal MLB game but let me explain. The day started out at the Little League World Series complex where many players from the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals arrived around 12:30 p.m. after flying into town.
They were immediately the center of attention. Both teams went around signing shirts, baseballs, hats, baseball cards and taking pictures with fans.
From outside of Lamade Stadium, you could hear the roar of fans as they cheered on the Phillies as they were introduced. Phillies players went throughout the stadium signing more items and taking more selfies then were quickly shown their seats for the game.
Phillies players continued to watch the game to cheer on Pennsylvania as they played against Rhode Island at Lamade Stadium in the afternoon.
As the Phillies were in the stadium, many Nationals players were seen on the top of the hill at Lamade Stadium with many other fans. Nationals players took part in the yearly tradition of sliding down that hill on cardboard pieces and seemed like they were children again.
After some time at the Little League World Series complex, the Phillies and Nationals headed to Bowman Field to play in the MLB Little League Classic. All the Little League teams arrived by 4 p.m. before the rest of the crowd was allowed to enter.
If you wanted to meet the Little League players, this was your chance.
Many players were seen all throughout the complex during the whole duration of the game and were receiving attention from many fans. These Little League players were also involved in the game in a number of ways. A player from the Australian team announced the Phillies players as they came up to bat and others were involved in throwing T-shirts into the crowd and some were involved in activities like seeing how many water balloons they could hit in 45 seconds.
It was a unique atmosphere at a big-league game.
The best part was when a player from each team was involved in the ceremonial first pitch. You could tell how excited these kids were to be a part of something so big.
The Nationals won the game over Philadelphia, 4-3, in what was a good game featuring a late Phillies rally attempt, and you could see the excitement every second. Whether that was the Little League players, the friends and families of these players or lottery winners like myself. Everyone who had a chance to watch the MLB Little League Classic in person was enjoying themselves.
Even those who watched the game from outside of Bowman Field along the trail.
Players interacted so much with everyone in the stadium. Many players, friends and families in my section were able to get a baseball -- or even four, like some kids I saw. I myself was able to receive a signed ball from Washington Nationals bullpen coach Ricky Bones.
All in all, the MLB Little League Classic is a day to remember. There was nothing but excitement inside Bowman Field from the minute you walked in until the moment you left.
Casey Ralston is a correspondent for the Sun-Gazette.