As Major League Baseball (MLB) prepares for its annual Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, members of the New York Yankees are sharing fond memories of their own youth baseball experiences. The Yankees, who will face the Detroit Tigers on Sunday night, are embracing the nostalgia that comes with the event, which celebrates the connection between MLB and Little League Baseball.
Yankees relive little league glory ahead of Williamsport clash
Mark Leiter Jr., who grew up in the highly competitive baseball environment of Toms River, New Jersey, reminisced about his Little League days. “Before players move on to travel baseball, there should be a focus on how important Little League is to the community,” the Yankees reliever said. Leiter emphasized the value of inclusion at the pre-teen level, noting that this is essential for the growth of the sport
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace pitcher, recalled his time in Little League in Newport Beach, California. Known as a formidable hitter in his youth, Cole shared a story about being nearly intentionally walked in a crucial playoff game. “They got to a 3-and-0 count, and I swung,” said Cole, who eventually hit a game-winning home run after the opposing team decided to pitch to him.
Juan Soto, who grew up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, spoke of his experiences on a highly successful Little League team. The Yankees outfielder was a star pitcher for his 11-and-12-year-old squad, leading them to regional victories. Although his team couldn’t travel to the Caribbean Series one year, they made it to the semifinals the following year.
Anthony Volpe, who spent much of his childhood in Manhattan, didn’t participate in organized Little League himself but supported his younger sister, who played in Watchung, New Jersey. Volpe’s memories are tied to being a big brother, cheering his sister on from the sidelines. He later supported friends who competed in the Little League World Series, where they reached the championship game.
Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo recalled the positive influence of his Little League coach in Tucson, Arizona, who not only organized barbecues but also surprised the team with new equipment. Verdugo fondly remembers a road trip where he and his teammates built a Wiffle Ball field, a moment he described as a highlight of his youth.
As the Yankees prepare to take on the Tigers in Williamsport, their reflections on Little League serve as a reminder of the sport’s impact on young athletes. The Little League Classic, an annual tradition since 2017, continues to strengthen the bond between the major leagues and youth baseball.
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