The article to go along with the poll is awful. How can you say that a network television company broadcasting one of the most memorable moments in these kids' lives is wrong? Having played in the work series (unfortunately not winning it) I can say that those memories recorded on a VHS tape are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life, even if they were full of errors and tears. Have you ever watched a MLB game where a young fan gets a phone call from friends/family saying their on tv? Think about the expression on their face... that's what they feel inside during those games. To decide to only broadcast the championship game denies all of those other teams the change to get that feeling.
This was a poorly written article, that recommends we take away the joy in the hearts of children that they've worked hard to earn.
Former LL President - 13 years ago
That must have been a time and space warp, because there were no games in Williamsport last week The opening ceremonies are not until Thursday August 18. The Southeast regional was held in Warner Robbins, GA. A little research would help with a little accuracy.
The LL World Series is a great event, not only do you get to see players playing baseball for the pure fun and joy of playing, the attitude is so great. An hour after one team may lose a heartbreaking game the players are playing ping pong or in the swimming pool with the team that they lost to. The participants get to meet players and fans their own age from all over the world. In the late 60's as an 8 to 13 year old I got to go to Williamsport 4 times with my family and friends from our Little League in NJ on vacation, what great memories.
As a volunteer here in CA I have umpired games up to the Southern California Championships and the kids are always great. The entire LL all-star process is great for the kids. It is only when you get someone whiner like Jalisa who does not even get her facts correct that the problems arise. Of Course if the LL World Series was on NBC this article would probably never been posted.
GO LL All-Star Players. Enjoy your time in Williamsport and win or lose, have FUN!
LL Mom - 13 years ago
With as many cable channels as there are I have one piece of advice. Stop complaining and turn the channel. I can't seriously believe this is an article that you consciously spent time writing. As a mother of a son who was fortunate enough to be on a team that went to Williamsport in 2003, I felt even more fortunate that my family and friends who couldn't go could share in the enjoyment of watching my son play and yes lose in the semi-finals. 10 years later we still joke around about his ESPN interviews. I'd also like to add my two cents that writing worthless articles like this to complain about things in life that really shouldn't matter are why there are so many employees today who don't appreciate anything. If a few games, whether 69 or 6, help bring enjoyment to some people instead of watching bombs, riots, etc. going on in the world then I say show more games! Turn the channel if you're one of those people who need to find things to complain about.
Michael - 13 years ago
One point that has not been raised, is the lack of obnoxious advertising. The LLWS is one of the only sporting events of the year that can be watched with children without muting, or zapping, the commercials for various pharmaceuticals, or adult products of whatever type. When my son was young I loved this time of year because I could watch a game without explaining the commercials.
larry greene - 13 years ago
i have a 23 year old daughter, and two sons, 18 and 11 and we wait all year for this,we love it. just pure baseball, like any youth sport kids playing for each other, there schools and there home towns. we love sports, but i cant stand to watch the pros, crybaby millionares. i always used to say youth and college sports is what to watch, but now college sports are getting pretty tainted. not enough games if you ask us. little league family.
Jack - 13 years ago
People look forward to watching the kids play for the love of the game. An AMERICAN tradition that has become internationally enjoyed. Much rather watch the kids than a boring soccer game
mommatocharlie - 13 years ago
televising ANY little league games is too many
mikemather - 13 years ago
You only get to be twelve once in your life. I wasn't good enough to be on my all-star team, but many of my friends were. I became a runner in junior high & high school, then spent a career in the Marines, and went back to my great love and became a track/cross-country coach in my school district. I watch many of the games. It restores my confidence in the youth of America. They aren't all plugged into an X-Box or PlayStation III, they aren't all burning up thousands of minutes on their cell phones every month. They are out there, thousands of them, kicking the dirt, smelling the fresh-mowed grass, and playing great ball. Learning life's real values about their friends, working with people, sacrificing, accomplishing great things. They aren't all going to grow up to be professional ball players, but they will grow up to be great people. Wouldn't trade getting to watch some of that happen for anything in the world. It has been my experience that someone who doesn't realize all of that going on, never had a good coach or parents willing to give them a chance to play. Reminds me of one of my runners the other day. A mom now and 26 years old. Had her two daughters in the pool and all the time she was with them she had a cell phone notched in her neck, talking with her friends. I told her to put the damn phone away and spend some real quality time with her kids. OK. I've said my piece!
Toietta - 13 years ago
The true answer to this question is neither A nor B, of course. If you don't truly love, or even like, this sport, you're bound to think that the coverage is too much. And, even if you do love it, which I do, you probably could do without a 3D image if every crying ballplayer. Furthermore, I don't need the pre- or post-game player/reporter stand up for every game. Really, at this age, kids work very hard to try to say as little as possible to adults. Why have 11-13 year olds do something that most professional athletes can't master
I'm the mom of a 12 y/o baseballer who has played since he was 5. Though I've never met them, I "know" those kids, parents, and volunteers on tv - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the great of them. I've been around enough fields to know that little leaguers don't need a camera to mimic the moves of their favorites in the MLB. Some will pimp their home runs. Some will humbly touch four. Most will circle the bases, barely be able to contain themselves and too excited to have to presence of mind to posture at all.
Will I watch? Whenever I can. Will I complain about a "bad" call or an overzealous parent? No doubt. Will I cheer? Most of the time. Will I be in awe at the talent/poise/resilience of these all-stars? Absolutely. Will I cry with the losing teams? Very likely. I will, because of the incredible accomplishments of these kids and the many adults that make it happen for them. And, because watching those boys (and maybe a few girls) play is watching some of the most authentic television aired these days.
Steve - 13 years ago
This is America's Pastime at its purest form. I am amazed at this writers thoughts (and at the editors decision for publishing this mess)! You may as well throw Betsy Ross and an apple pie under the bus while you're at it. Have you no heart? How anyone could watch a LLWS game and walk away with that much negativity is alarming. Good job to the ABC/ESPN Networks for giving the kids some airtime and our country another Mid-Summer Classic.
Dave - 13 years ago
Yes the kids are excitted to be on the big stage, However its Little League incorporatted thats getting rich at the exspence of the kids. Shame on Little League incorperated.
Desi - 13 years ago
This is American & if I remember right this is America's game--love it or get your rear end up off the couch/chair and go outside and mow the lawn or better yet go outside and make sure YOUR AMERICAN FLAG is flying straight and thank the people fighting to watch free TV.
I'm sure out soldiers would love to enjoy watching these little guys play.
Richard Wells - 13 years ago
Just one time a year the biggest event in the lives of 2.5 million kids, ages 11-13, rolls around and a bunch of whiny adults begrudge it? Guess what, folks, there's other sports channels that aren't covering LL games at any given time of day 24/7. The LLWS is about the most delightful sporting event left - and one of the only ones where the players aren't counting the days to when they go free agent or get those lucrative contracts to endorse underarm deodorant. You're supposed to be the adults, so just suck it up a little and live with it.
By the way: in regards to the commentary on the skill of the LL players, I'd bet a fair wad of money you wouldn't do half as well on that field as they do.
Ron - 13 years ago
This comes once a year. It lasts 8-9 days. There is nothing better than a good baseball game played by 12 year olds. Its clean sport and some good plays by some kids that we may see on TV in the years to come. No fights on the field or in the stands. Just baseball like its ment to be. I'm sorry that the young lady feels that socker is more important than baseball, but to me all sports are important. My grandkids both played socker, and I was at ever game.
Joe - 13 years ago
Yes, the games are fun to watch but, yes, there are too many of them televised. And would like to know why the great attraction to Little League. Why not televise some Pony Baseball? If you haven't seen it you should. More like real baseball with leading off and stealing allowed.
Skip - 13 years ago
They should ONLY television LLWS baseball... no $, roids, or cheats ruin the game.. played like it's supposed to be played. My daughter played in eastern World Series girls softball .. exciting stuff!
David Sims - 13 years ago
I voted no because I think it cool the kids get some TV time and you get to look and root for your local team IF they are competing BUT, personally I may watch one or two games AND I have over 400 TV channels!
Alan - 13 years ago
I love watching the LLWS games. This is sports at it's best without the posturing that's all too common in college and professional sports. That said, keep it limited to the games in Williamsport.
GREG - 13 years ago
I love watching the little leaguers. It takes me back to my youth and how much fun I had playing little league. Whats the big deal. The kids love it and are having fun. Isn't that what it's all about.
ChrisFromPA - 13 years ago
I'm biased - I grew up in Williamsport PA and went to hundreds of Little League games growing up. I still watch the games on TV. Kids having fun, no steroids, no agendas - what's not to love? Just good sportsmanship and kids from all over the world getting a chance to play on the biggest stage that most of them will ever see.
(And re: Castrodale's comment that "If I wanted to spend my evenings with three-dimensional crying kids, I’d lay off the birth control pills" - Get a life. Why are you so bitter?)
Mary - 13 years ago
I have all grown daughters no sons...this is one of my favorite times of the year to watch Little League. My brother played so I grew up around Little League and fond memories....Keep showing the games. Fun to watch good competition and good interaction between all players.
THORNYGUY - 13 years ago
It is overkill. However, Baseball IS the National Pastime not soccer. I think televising the Regional Final (s) games and the championship is more than enough. These kids nowadays are subjected to more than enough showboating etc; from TV and sports personalities, they don't need to incorporate it at that level.
Robert - 13 years ago
The writer was looking for soccar, that explains a lot. She'd rather watch ladyboys whine and cry because someone ran past them. LLWS is great, most of the kids seem to handle winning and losing, which is an important lesson to learn. They gave it their all, and sometimes it really pays off. If not, there's next year. More kids need to learn this.
Carolyn - 13 years ago
You know I don't even get into the sport it this aggravates me!! These kids are playing with their heart for the real meaning of the game. You have all these professionals that demand Millions in pay for what a boring game on tv. Just remember all of you were once kids and they deserve to get the hard earned credit that they deserve. Family members of some of these children are living in the rough economy we are all trying to survive in! Give these Kids ALL the CREDIT THEY DESERVE! This is a once in a lifetime chance for most of them just remember what it was like.
west - 13 years ago
those games are so fun to watch reminds you of the good old days when you played for fun not to win not for money but for fun. they need to start televising little league football as well.
regularguyindy - 13 years ago
If you love LL baseball - then it's not too much. If you think 69 games is too much, then change the channel. I can't think of a single kid that wouldn't love to be televised nationally.
cabomar - 13 years ago
watching these kids play is good great. Good, clean fun! Family having a great time together while kids are building character. Also being exposed to kids the same age from all over the world. This is a learning experience that will inspire them the rest of their lives.
I'm sure Kellogs might make a few bucks, but they also donate a lot of money to make this happen.
If you want to watch soccer, watch the under 17 and under 20 tournaments.
They are not yet the actors that professional soccer players pretend to be.
Jamie McAllister - 13 years ago
I LOVE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES!! I do not have any sons and I never played baseball but I think watching kids play baseball for fun is so refreshing!! There cannot be enough Little League games on television.
hot corner - 13 years ago
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.
hot corner - 13 years ago
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.
hot corner - 13 years ago
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.
The article to go along with the poll is awful. How can you say that a network television company broadcasting one of the most memorable moments in these kids' lives is wrong? Having played in the work series (unfortunately not winning it) I can say that those memories recorded on a VHS tape are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life, even if they were full of errors and tears. Have you ever watched a MLB game where a young fan gets a phone call from friends/family saying their on tv? Think about the expression on their face... that's what they feel inside during those games. To decide to only broadcast the championship game denies all of those other teams the change to get that feeling.
This was a poorly written article, that recommends we take away the joy in the hearts of children that they've worked hard to earn.
That must have been a time and space warp, because there were no games in Williamsport last week The opening ceremonies are not until Thursday August 18. The Southeast regional was held in Warner Robbins, GA. A little research would help with a little accuracy.
The LL World Series is a great event, not only do you get to see players playing baseball for the pure fun and joy of playing, the attitude is so great. An hour after one team may lose a heartbreaking game the players are playing ping pong or in the swimming pool with the team that they lost to. The participants get to meet players and fans their own age from all over the world. In the late 60's as an 8 to 13 year old I got to go to Williamsport 4 times with my family and friends from our Little League in NJ on vacation, what great memories.
As a volunteer here in CA I have umpired games up to the Southern California Championships and the kids are always great. The entire LL all-star process is great for the kids. It is only when you get someone whiner like Jalisa who does not even get her facts correct that the problems arise. Of Course if the LL World Series was on NBC this article would probably never been posted.
GO LL All-Star Players. Enjoy your time in Williamsport and win or lose, have FUN!
With as many cable channels as there are I have one piece of advice. Stop complaining and turn the channel. I can't seriously believe this is an article that you consciously spent time writing. As a mother of a son who was fortunate enough to be on a team that went to Williamsport in 2003, I felt even more fortunate that my family and friends who couldn't go could share in the enjoyment of watching my son play and yes lose in the semi-finals. 10 years later we still joke around about his ESPN interviews. I'd also like to add my two cents that writing worthless articles like this to complain about things in life that really shouldn't matter are why there are so many employees today who don't appreciate anything. If a few games, whether 69 or 6, help bring enjoyment to some people instead of watching bombs, riots, etc. going on in the world then I say show more games! Turn the channel if you're one of those people who need to find things to complain about.
One point that has not been raised, is the lack of obnoxious advertising. The LLWS is one of the only sporting events of the year that can be watched with children without muting, or zapping, the commercials for various pharmaceuticals, or adult products of whatever type. When my son was young I loved this time of year because I could watch a game without explaining the commercials.
i have a 23 year old daughter, and two sons, 18 and 11 and we wait all year for this,we love it. just pure baseball, like any youth sport kids playing for each other, there schools and there home towns. we love sports, but i cant stand to watch the pros, crybaby millionares. i always used to say youth and college sports is what to watch, but now college sports are getting pretty tainted. not enough games if you ask us. little league family.
People look forward to watching the kids play for the love of the game. An AMERICAN tradition that has become internationally enjoyed. Much rather watch the kids than a boring soccer game
televising ANY little league games is too many
You only get to be twelve once in your life. I wasn't good enough to be on my all-star team, but many of my friends were. I became a runner in junior high & high school, then spent a career in the Marines, and went back to my great love and became a track/cross-country coach in my school district. I watch many of the games. It restores my confidence in the youth of America. They aren't all plugged into an X-Box or PlayStation III, they aren't all burning up thousands of minutes on their cell phones every month. They are out there, thousands of them, kicking the dirt, smelling the fresh-mowed grass, and playing great ball. Learning life's real values about their friends, working with people, sacrificing, accomplishing great things. They aren't all going to grow up to be professional ball players, but they will grow up to be great people. Wouldn't trade getting to watch some of that happen for anything in the world. It has been my experience that someone who doesn't realize all of that going on, never had a good coach or parents willing to give them a chance to play. Reminds me of one of my runners the other day. A mom now and 26 years old. Had her two daughters in the pool and all the time she was with them she had a cell phone notched in her neck, talking with her friends. I told her to put the damn phone away and spend some real quality time with her kids. OK. I've said my piece!
The true answer to this question is neither A nor B, of course. If you don't truly love, or even like, this sport, you're bound to think that the coverage is too much. And, even if you do love it, which I do, you probably could do without a 3D image if every crying ballplayer. Furthermore, I don't need the pre- or post-game player/reporter stand up for every game. Really, at this age, kids work very hard to try to say as little as possible to adults. Why have 11-13 year olds do something that most professional athletes can't master
I'm the mom of a 12 y/o baseballer who has played since he was 5. Though I've never met them, I "know" those kids, parents, and volunteers on tv - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the great of them. I've been around enough fields to know that little leaguers don't need a camera to mimic the moves of their favorites in the MLB. Some will pimp their home runs. Some will humbly touch four. Most will circle the bases, barely be able to contain themselves and too excited to have to presence of mind to posture at all.
Will I watch? Whenever I can. Will I complain about a "bad" call or an overzealous parent? No doubt. Will I cheer? Most of the time. Will I be in awe at the talent/poise/resilience of these all-stars? Absolutely. Will I cry with the losing teams? Very likely. I will, because of the incredible accomplishments of these kids and the many adults that make it happen for them. And, because watching those boys (and maybe a few girls) play is watching some of the most authentic television aired these days.
This is America's Pastime at its purest form. I am amazed at this writers thoughts (and at the editors decision for publishing this mess)! You may as well throw Betsy Ross and an apple pie under the bus while you're at it. Have you no heart? How anyone could watch a LLWS game and walk away with that much negativity is alarming. Good job to the ABC/ESPN Networks for giving the kids some airtime and our country another Mid-Summer Classic.
Yes the kids are excitted to be on the big stage, However its Little League incorporatted thats getting rich at the exspence of the kids. Shame on Little League incorperated.
This is American & if I remember right this is America's game--love it or get your rear end up off the couch/chair and go outside and mow the lawn or better yet go outside and make sure YOUR AMERICAN FLAG is flying straight and thank the people fighting to watch free TV.
I'm sure out soldiers would love to enjoy watching these little guys play.
Just one time a year the biggest event in the lives of 2.5 million kids, ages 11-13, rolls around and a bunch of whiny adults begrudge it? Guess what, folks, there's other sports channels that aren't covering LL games at any given time of day 24/7. The LLWS is about the most delightful sporting event left - and one of the only ones where the players aren't counting the days to when they go free agent or get those lucrative contracts to endorse underarm deodorant. You're supposed to be the adults, so just suck it up a little and live with it.
By the way: in regards to the commentary on the skill of the LL players, I'd bet a fair wad of money you wouldn't do half as well on that field as they do.
This comes once a year. It lasts 8-9 days. There is nothing better than a good baseball game played by 12 year olds. Its clean sport and some good plays by some kids that we may see on TV in the years to come. No fights on the field or in the stands. Just baseball like its ment to be. I'm sorry that the young lady feels that socker is more important than baseball, but to me all sports are important. My grandkids both played socker, and I was at ever game.
Yes, the games are fun to watch but, yes, there are too many of them televised. And would like to know why the great attraction to Little League. Why not televise some Pony Baseball? If you haven't seen it you should. More like real baseball with leading off and stealing allowed.
They should ONLY television LLWS baseball... no $, roids, or cheats ruin the game.. played like it's supposed to be played. My daughter played in eastern World Series girls softball .. exciting stuff!
I voted no because I think it cool the kids get some TV time and you get to look and root for your local team IF they are competing BUT, personally I may watch one or two games AND I have over 400 TV channels!
I love watching the LLWS games. This is sports at it's best without the posturing that's all too common in college and professional sports. That said, keep it limited to the games in Williamsport.
I love watching the little leaguers. It takes me back to my youth and how much fun I had playing little league. Whats the big deal. The kids love it and are having fun. Isn't that what it's all about.
I'm biased - I grew up in Williamsport PA and went to hundreds of Little League games growing up. I still watch the games on TV. Kids having fun, no steroids, no agendas - what's not to love? Just good sportsmanship and kids from all over the world getting a chance to play on the biggest stage that most of them will ever see.
(And re: Castrodale's comment that "If I wanted to spend my evenings with three-dimensional crying kids, I’d lay off the birth control pills" - Get a life. Why are you so bitter?)
I have all grown daughters no sons...this is one of my favorite times of the year to watch Little League. My brother played so I grew up around Little League and fond memories....Keep showing the games. Fun to watch good competition and good interaction between all players.
It is overkill. However, Baseball IS the National Pastime not soccer. I think televising the Regional Final (s) games and the championship is more than enough. These kids nowadays are subjected to more than enough showboating etc; from TV and sports personalities, they don't need to incorporate it at that level.
The writer was looking for soccar, that explains a lot. She'd rather watch ladyboys whine and cry because someone ran past them. LLWS is great, most of the kids seem to handle winning and losing, which is an important lesson to learn. They gave it their all, and sometimes it really pays off. If not, there's next year. More kids need to learn this.
You know I don't even get into the sport it this aggravates me!! These kids are playing with their heart for the real meaning of the game. You have all these professionals that demand Millions in pay for what a boring game on tv. Just remember all of you were once kids and they deserve to get the hard earned credit that they deserve. Family members of some of these children are living in the rough economy we are all trying to survive in! Give these Kids ALL the CREDIT THEY DESERVE! This is a once in a lifetime chance for most of them just remember what it was like.
those games are so fun to watch reminds you of the good old days when you played for fun not to win not for money but for fun. they need to start televising little league football as well.
If you love LL baseball - then it's not too much. If you think 69 games is too much, then change the channel. I can't think of a single kid that wouldn't love to be televised nationally.
watching these kids play is good great. Good, clean fun! Family having a great time together while kids are building character. Also being exposed to kids the same age from all over the world. This is a learning experience that will inspire them the rest of their lives.
I'm sure Kellogs might make a few bucks, but they also donate a lot of money to make this happen.
If you want to watch soccer, watch the under 17 and under 20 tournaments.
They are not yet the actors that professional soccer players pretend to be.
I LOVE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES!! I do not have any sons and I never played baseball but I think watching kids play baseball for fun is so refreshing!! There cannot be enough Little League games on television.
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.
best baseball games ever! I root for both teams, applaud good plays, say nothing about errors,umpires or coaches. BUT, can tell some loud mouthed parent to shut up, it's a kids game and they don't need over zealous mom or dad, yelling. ESPN, thanks for the good coverage, dad and his cell phone can't begin to compare.