2009 Little League World Series Finals
The bases are loaded, game tied 10 to 10, with no outs in the bottom of the 6th inning; Batter takes the box and looks the pitcher in the eye, a look of grit and determination beyond his years piercing the thrower’s resolve. The pitcher winds up and flings the ball towards the plate at 70 miles per hour, but it’s wide to the left. The catcher leaps towards it, trying to save his team from defeat, while the pitcher runs to home plate to stop the winning run from scoring. Unfortunately, the runner on third sprints home with his head down and gingerly taps home base to win the game. The boys in blue leap up and down in celebration while the boys in yellow hang their heads low and tears flow from their eyes as they realize defeat.
This isn’t a new movie coming out this fall; it is the end of the semifinal game between Chula Vista, CA and Warner Robins, GA in the Little League World Series. These games have been fast paced, hard hitting, and full of defensive double plays. This tournament will make you want to get up out of your chair and cheer in the middle of your living room for your favorite team.
The Real Boys Of Summer
On Saturday August 29 the finals of the Little League World Series will air on ABC starting at noon EST (unless the Kennedy funeral coverage overlaps, at which point the games will be televised on ESPN2). According to the official Little League website, retired General Tommy Franks will throw the first pitch and former Yankee’s outfielder Bernie Williams will perform the national anthem.
The finals are sure to be full of surprises and tense situations as Chula Vista, CA takes on San Antonio, TX in a rematch from last year and Chinese Taipei takes on Mexico to determine the U.S. and International champions (respectively). The winners of each game will face off on Sunday August 30th to determine the overall Little League World Series Champion.
For more information on the progression of this tournament check out www.littleleague.org and www.espn.com.
