| On August 25, 2002, my son and I attended the final day of the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, PA. To ensure we beat some of the crowds, we stayed at a hotel in Hazelton, PA the night before. We arrived in Williamsport about 11:15 a.m. and went first to Historic Bowman Field, home of the Single A Williamsport Crosscutters, to take a look around. Right across the street is Carl E. Stotz Field, pictured at left, the birthplace of Little League Baseball. We met a volunteer, himself a player on the field in 1939, who explained that this was where Stotz measured the distances from the mound to the plate, between the bases, and down the lines that have been the standard for over 60 years. That morning, several fathers were taking turns pitching to their sons. There is also a small museum at this location. Around noon, we made our way to the main venue, Howard J. Lamade Stadium, across the Susquehanna River in South Williamsport. Rather than wait in the heavy traffic to get into the free parking, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the stadium, I pulled into a lot right next to the stadium, but paid $10 for the convenience. Once inside, we set up camp on the edge of the second hill beyond the outfield fence, slightly to the third base side of second base. Seats on the lawn, which holds 30,000, are free. The two losers of the semi-finals, Worcester, MA and Curacao, had just started playing the Consolation Game. The Caribbean team won, 9-1. After the game, my son and I took a stroll around the grounds. The atmosphere reminded me of a state fair I once attended � a lot of people not doing much other than enjoying a nice day. The area behind the stadium, pictured at left, has separate buildings for the gift shop, food concession, and restrooms, and a small shed housing an actual U.S. Post Office. We grabbed some very reasonably priced food ($7.50 for 2 hot dogs, a sausage sandwich, water bottle and soda in a souvenir cup, a meal that would have run about $20 at a MLB or NFL venue) and sat in Little League Volunteer Stadium to eat. Next, we went to the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum. The lobby, pictured at left, is a small baseball field, complete with fans. Flags representing the nations that play Little League ball hang from the ceiling. Other rooms have exhibits on the history of Little League, previous champions, memorabilia from major leaguers such as Tom Seaver and Gary Carter who played Little League ball, and awards honoring those who have worked to benefit Little League. When we got back to our blanket, we caught part of the Challenger Game, in which the participants were physically challenged. As shown in the picture, left, assistants are permitted on the field with each player. Next were the opening ceremonies and the World Championship Game.... |
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| Copyright 2002 Chris Trapani All photographs and text on this website and webpage are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the holder of the copyrights, Chris Trapani. Direct all e-mail inquiries to [email protected]. |
| Little League World Series, 2002 Howard J. Lamade Stadium - South Williamsport, PA |