My Niece and Nephews: Recollections of a Little League Uncle

I have always loved Little League baseball. Living in the home town of Little League - Williamsport, Pennsylvania - I have had the opportunity to watch people from all over the world converge each August in order to eventually crown a LLWS world champion. In 1984 I was given the opportunity to be selected as an “Uncle” - a host volunteer, assigned to a team that qualified to come to Williamsport, after winning a Regional Championship within the United States or the International Regional Championship. There are eight regions in the United States and Eight International Regions. I served as an Uncle from 1984 to 2018, partnering with another Uncle, and our primary responsibility was to serve as hosts for our guest youth baseball players and their coaches. When the LLWS started in 1947, the founder, Carl Stotz, adopted the idea of hosts who served at the National Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio. The idea was to make the team feel comfortable and for each Uncle to manage the teams’ daily activities.This work describes each team as the young athletes, coaches, and families arrive. The names of each player (Nephews or Nieces) are included as are their coaches. I salute my 451 nephews and 1 niece, as the pleasure of meeting and serving them was all mine. Meeting their families was equally unique and special as well. Truly, this experience was, for me and many, a real “Field Of Dreams” opportunity.In 35 years as a team Uncle, I have had the chance to observe history being made and getting to know young people who’d eventually become Big League stars, such as Jason Varitek, Jonathon Schoop, Lance Lynn, and Jurickson Profar. The LWWS has grown to become an international sports spotlight each August, with ESPN airing every game, where the series begins with a Grand Slam parade in downtown Williamsport, to hosting a number of special guests and dignitaries, including Presidents of the United States, Hollywood celebrities, and many pro sports figures. Most recently, Major League Baseball has partnered with LLWS and now the local Williamsport farm team stadium hosts the Little League Classic each year during the LLWS. It’s amazing to see Big Leaguers interacting with the kids!Carl Stotz had quite the vision that is now Little League baseball. From all the necessary security necessary to host an international event, to delegating responsibilities to all the volunteers who make the LLWS happen, the series has grown into a multi-million dollar event that benefits the local economy and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well those companies that sponsor the products used by each ball player who participates.Since 1984, four of my teams won World Championships and four finished as runner-ups. To chronicle my experiences and many friendships made over 35 years, there are five chapters: “A Day In The Life Of An Uncle”; “My Teams of the 80’s”; “My Teams of the 90’s”; “My teams of the 00’s; and, “My teams of the 10’s.” Each chapter describes the team I hosted, the teams that they played, and, in some instances, a play by play recollection of each game’s highlights.In summary, I believe that Little League Baseball is the greatest youth sports program in the world. The facility in Williamsport, PA is iconic, giving each little town in America and all over the world a chance to come and play on two of the most spectacular “Field(s) Of Dreams.” It really doesn’t matter that they all speak the same language because they all speak the language of respect through the gift of sport and sportsmanship. Read more