The Mets defeated the Phillies yesterday in MLB’s second Little League Classic, which has become "such a great event" and something that fans are "going to start looking forward to and putting on their calendar as something that happens each and every year," according to ESPN's Matt Vasgersian. The game took place at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., and ESPN's Jessica Mendoza said "all the players in the bigs want to be a part of this game." MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred: "Social media from guys on other clubs who were not involved today was really phenomenal, and the ... word kind of got around that it's a great way to spend a day. We appreciate what the players do. ... They arrived getting off the bus with big smiles and they were great with the kids. It was fun to watch" ("Mets-Phillies," ESPN, 8/19). MLB Network's Scott Braun said, "This is cool. ... We need to do this every year." MLB Network's Dan O'Dowd: "Isn't it great how our players in our game are interacting with all the fans and everything? What a special event. This is a great idea." MLB Network's Jon Paul Morosi: "Welcome to one of the very best days in the Major League season" ("MLB Tonight," MLBN, 8/19).
BIG KIDS: MLB.com's Anthony DiComo notes Mets Ps Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz and Noah Syndergaard sat in the "sixth row behind home plate at BB&T Ballpark" to watch the game with a group of Little Leaguers from Staten Island. The idea hatched earlier in the day, when the Mets' team plane "did not land in time for them to catch Staten Island's latest win at the Little League World Series across town." Although Mets officials "invited the Staten Island players onto Bowman Field to watch them take batting practice, the pitchers wanted to do something more." Earlier in the day, a group of Phillies "joined Panamanian and Japanese players on the field before a game." deGrom grabbed a microphone and "interviewed a starstruck child." Phillies 1B Rhys Hoskins and Little Leaguer Alfred "Big Al" Delia "shared their mutual love of hitting dingers." After the game, players from both teams "met on the infield for the traditional handshake lines that follow Little League games." Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said, "We know it's big for baseball. We know the relationship between Little League Baseball and Major League Baseball can enhance our game and we're not going to miss that opportunity" (MLB.com, 8/20). ESPN's Trey Wingo said, "It was so cool to see them out there doing the things little leaguers do, shaking hands after the game, sportsmanship and Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard sitting there watching the Little League World Series. This was a great concept and I hope they continue to grow this" ("Golic & Wingo," ESPN Radio, 8/20).
GROWING THE GAME: Manfred said, "Our players were absolutely unbelievable with the kids over in the ballpark. I left after having watched two games and (Phillies P) Jake Arietta was still sitting in the stands with kids, showing them how to hold the baseball, how to throw certain pitches." He added, "People talk about marketing the game and connecting with the next generation. Well, today is the best we have. It's an absolutely fantastic opportunity to build fans" ("Baseball Tonight," ESPN, 8/19). In Philadelphia, Katie McInerney notes upon arriving in Williamsport, the Phillies were "greeted by dozens of Little Leaguers at the airport." The teams left the airport "accompanied by some lucky players from Canada, who rode the bus over to the stadium with the team" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 8/20).
PERFECT DAY: In N.Y., James Wagner writes yesterday was "exactly the sort of exchange" MLB and Little League Int'l "wanted when they dreamed up this event." From MLB’s perspective, the game was a "chance to help build the sport among the youngest generation of fans." Adding to the "youthful atmosphere, the Mets and the Phillies wore gear from MLB’s Players Weekend" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/20). On Long Island, Tim Healey notes Mets 3B Todd Frazier -- a star P/SS for LLWS-winning Toms River, N.J., in '98 -- was the "most in-demand man of the day." Surrounded by Toms River coaches and teammates celebrating the 20th anniversary of their championship, he "threw out the first pitch before one of the Little League games" (NEWSDAY, 8/20).
TWITTER REAX: ESPN's Mendoza: "One of the best nights for all of baseball when the big kids get to be little kids." ESPN's Mike Couzens: "Really cool atmosphere here in Williamsport." Williamsport Sun-Gazette's Mitch Rupert: "I don't know how many more of the Little League Classics I'll get to cover, but I'm thankful for the two that I've seen." Baseball America's Michael Lananna: "Best part of the MLB Little League Classic, IMO, is letting the Little Leaguers pick walk-up songs for the big leaguers." Phillies Nation's Tim Kelly: "It's strange for Jim Beam to be a sponsor of Sunday Night Baseball the week of the Little League Classic." Philadelphia-based WIP-FM's Jon Johnson: "MLB hasn’t gotten a lot correct in recent years, but the little league classic is pretty damn cool." Official feed of IFC's "Brockmire": "Sadly won't be calling the @MLB Little League Classic this year. #Brockmire and children do not mix."
LOOKING AHEAD TO '19: In Pittsburgh, Bill Brink notes MLB last night announced that the Pirates and Cubs "will meet in the third" Little League Classic in '19. Like the first two iterations, the '19 game "will take place at Bowman Field" around the Little League World Series, and will air on "SNB." The Pirates played in the inaugural version in '17, facing the Cardinals (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 8/20). Next year, the Little League Classic, "along with the June 13 matchup between the Royals and Tigers in Omaha, Neb., will make up the inaugural Geico Summer Series" (MLB.com, 8/19).
