It is a spectacle unlike any other in sports. The atmosphere of the event never ceases to amaze fans from all across the world. The baseball world tops and watches in awe of what takes place. Parents travel thousands of miles across the country and the globe to watch their children participate in the event. It is a pure display of what is right in our world, uniting different people under a common interest and focusing on our similarities rather than our differences. Whatever is going on in the world, whether it be socially, economically, or politically, is set aside for a few short weeks of fun, excitement and fellowship. This event is known as The Little League World Series (LLWS).

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Aside from the impact this event has on people, the atmosphere of the event is unique in its own right. As many know already, the LLWS is held annually during the month of August in Williamsport, PA, which is just a four hour car ride from here. Williamsport comes alive during this time of year. Fans from far and wide flock to this fairly small city in north central PA to watch the best 10 to 13 year old athletes the world has to offer.

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During this time, fans get to experience “the birthplace of Little League”, at times when there is not any baseball to watch, of course. And in no more prominent of a way do they get to do this than by attending the Williamsport Welcomes the World festivities. There are street vendors, carnival games, restaurants, and even a rock wall at this street festival.

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Aside from experiencing the town of Williamsport, fans are treated to the best little league baseball display in the world. As mentioned, the finest summer athletes from across the globe compete to win the ultimate prize of a Little League World Series Championship. Fans and players alike experience heartbreak, triumph, hysteria, and disappointment, sometimes all at the same time.

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The games are held at Volunteer Stadium and Lamade Stadium, which has that famous hill that kids slide down on with their handy cardboard. Or if you are Kevin Negandhi, you slide down it in a fancy, expensive suit. Fans bring their precut chairs to sit on the hill. Vendors are constantly bugging you to buy their food, beverages, or marchandise. There are points where one can barely hear themselves think because there is so much noise. And at no point is this noise more prominent than Championship Weekend.

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After a couple weeks of intense competition, there were four teams remaining at Championship Weekend: Japan, South Korea (Asia Pacific), Georgia (Southeast), and Hawaii (West). Japan took on South Korea (Asia Pacific) in the International Championship. After an inning and a half of solid pitching from both sides, the Japanese pitching staff made on of their few mistakes on the day. After a double and a Japanese error, Ji Hyung Choi hit a blast to left-center field to give South Korea a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. Then, a pitching dual ensued, that is, until the top of the fifth when Japan was able to muster a run off of a hit batter, wild pitch, and an RBI single. Japan again threatened to score in the top of the sixth. With a runner on first and one out, a Japanese batter stung the ball up the middle, right into the pitcher’s glove. The pitcher then threw on to first to complete the double play and send South Korea to the LLWS Championship.

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Then, in the second game of the afternoon, Georgia (Southeast) faced Hawaii (West). This game was another low scoring matchup in which runs came at a premium. The tone was set for Georgia when their first three batters of the game all struck out. Hawaii struggled against Georgia pitching as well, despite having a golden opportunity with runners on second and third in the early innings. Hawaii managed to score a run off of a single into right center in the fourth. Hawaii would add on to their lead when Bruce Boucher drove in Sean Yamaguchi, who had been intentionally walked, with a triple. Jace Souza then drove in Boucher to make the game 3-0. Aukai Kea finished out the game allowing only three hits and striking out 15, thereby sending Hawaii to the LLWS Championship.

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On Sunday, Hawaii and South Korea battled it out to see who would become the 2018 LLWS Champions. This time, Hawaii got out to a fast start following a Mana Lau Kong leadoff solo shot in the bottom of the first. The Hawaiian team again had a chance to pile it on in the bottom of the second with the bases loaded and no outs. However, the South Korean pitcher proceeded to strike out two batters and force a third batter to pop out to the right fielder. Again Hawaii had the bases juiced in the bottom of the third. This time, they were able to cash in on a wild pitch and a throwing mistake to score two runs, pushing their lead to 3-0. There was no offense after this point as the Hawaii pitching staff would go on to allow all of two hits in the game en route to their country’s second LLWS Championship in this millenium.

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Even though there was the fiercest of competition between these kids, there was also a tremendous amount of respect and good sportsmanship shown to each other. Ultimately, it is just a game they are playing, and these little leaguers know that better than anyone else. They play for the love of the game, not the fame, fortune, or reverence. This makes it a great experience for the fans as well, as they get to see the way the game of baseball was meant to be played, with pure joy, sportsmanship, and union. There are few times where 25,000-plus strangers are able to get along with each other without conflict. The Little League World Series is certainly one of those times.