The Little League World Series (LLWS) concluded in Lycoming County, drawing international attention and a significant influx of visitors to the region. State Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) highlighted the efforts of those who make the event possible, including year-round employees, volunteers, coaches, umpires, and community members who support teams and visitors.
Flick acknowledged the behind-the-scenes work that supports the tournament: “Behind the scenes there are the employees of Little League who work year-round to make the event possible, the volunteers coaching and umpiring, working the fields, and helping at the complex during the series. There are people like my friend Lisa who launder the stained uniforms or cook meals and run the vacuum after the kids have gone to bed. Our community members, who spruce up their lawns, put out the welcome signs and embrace visitors from around the world with hospitality. And there are the team ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ who spend the two weeks as chaperones, cheerleaders, schedule coordinators and part-time travel agents.”
He also praised those serving as team chaperones: “Being a team aunt or uncle is extremely rewarding, sometimes exhausting, and always memorable. A hearty and loud shout out goes to all the team aunts and uncles who take the time away from work and family to make a new short-term family during the series.”
This year’s championship was won by Chinese Taipei (Team Asia-Pacific), defeating Nevada (Team Mountain Region). Both teams attended an annual picnic hosted by Flick prior to their final match-up. “Congratulations to Chinese Taipei (Team Asia-Pacific), who captured the LLWS title by defeating Nevada (Team Mountain Region) in the final game. Earlier in the week, both teams met at a picnic I host every year. The picnic was so much more than sharing a meal; it celebrated friendship, tradition and the community spirit that makes our area special. The kids played cornhole and Spikeball together, not knowing they would face each other just five days later in the championship game!”
Local talent was also recognized during this period. Marc Hess led West End’s 13-16-year-old Babe Ruth All-Star Team to second place at Missouri’s Babe Ruth World Series. Additionally, Pennsylvania’s presence was marked when Johnstown’s Little League Softball World Series champions threw out the first pitch at this year’s LLWS championship.
According to estimates from Lycoming County Visitors Bureau, approximately 70,000 people attended this year’s event with an economic impact of $40 million on local businesses.
Flick expressed his pride in both hosting duties and regional athletic achievements: “While our district stood out as host, we also shined because of the talent we produce… It gives me great pride in being able to call this area home, and to have been part of the LLWS for the past 50 years. I’m already looking forward to next year so we can again showcase our community to the world.”
