Nate Zelaya of the CA District 68 team is pushed to first base on a hit during the Challenger game at Volunteer Stadium at the Little League complex in South Williamsport in the 2024 Challenger game. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Teams from Wilkes-Barre and Woburn, Massachusetts, are set to compete in the 2025 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game as part of championship weekend at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport this August.

“As one of the most memorable events of the LLBWS, we are excited to bring together two outstanding local Little League programs and respective communities for a morning of fun competition,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Senior Director of Strategy and Development. “We are incredibly grateful for the inclusive environments the volunteers in each league’s community have created for these players, as well as the buddies that support them, and we are excited to welcome them to Williamsport in August.”

For 23 years, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game has been a memorable part of the Championship Weekend experience at the LLWS. Little League International will once again support this year’s participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game, and as part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division, Eggland’s Best will match the grant value, donating an additional $15,000 to each league.

Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball LL has seen its local success take off over the last six years. After an end-of-season meeting with many concerns — like the lack of a home field, decreasing player numbers and a bleak financial outlook — things began to turn around after securing a field from the City of Wilkes-Barre with a 25-year lease at $1 per year.

Word about the state of the division continued to make its way around town, leading to an increase of donations to help get the division back on its feet.

Since then, the league’s participation numbers have skyrocketed to 130 players across Districts 16 and 31.

“Through incredible support from the community and a team of dedicated players, volunteers, and parents, Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball LL has seen incredible growth in a short period of time. We have grown from a small, one-division league without its own field to one that now has three divisions and our own field that has been called ‘The Jewel of Wilkes-Barre’,” said Stephen Cheskiewicz, Wyoming Valley LL board member and parent. “This once-in-a-lifetime experience for our players is validation of the amazing work done by so many to make our league something truly exceptional. The wonder, excitement, and smiles of our players in Williamsport will be shared by the entire Wyoming Valley Challenger family.”

The Woburn Little League Challenger Division is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year with nearly 50 players and many Buddies, not only those that are part of Woburn LL and from the community, but also from surrounding areas.

The league has scheduled games every Saturday morning at Weafer Park in Woburn, Massachusetts, from April through June. The league’s season kicks off with the annual Woburn Little League opening day parade and ceremonies, and wraps up the season with a final game where all of the players receive championship medals with family and friends in attendance and an end-of-season cookout celebration.

In addition to their support during the LLWS, Eggland’s Best has also provided more than $30,000 in grant funding to Challenger Division programs at Coventry LL (Pottstown) and Exton LL (West Chester) to help them with their ongoing field upgrades and accessibility projects.

Eggland’s Best will also provide a total of $50,000 in grant funding to be awarded to select Challenger Division programs across the country.

“As we enter our third year partnering with the Little League Challenger Division, we’re honored to continue supporting these incredible athletes and their families,” said Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “This partnership reflects Eggland’s Best’s commitment to nourishing communities and creating inclusive, empowering experiences that last far beyond the game. We’re proud to help champion the spirit, joy, and determination that the Challenger Division represents.”