The 2024 Little League World Series marks the tenth anniversary of Mo’ne Davis’ inspiring performances on the mound at Williamsport that captivated people worldwide. There have been 22 girls to play in the LLWS; however, Davis’ performances are the most memorable and historic. On August 15, 2024, Davis became the first girl ever to record a win as a starting pitcher in the LLWS. In this game, Davis’ team, Taney, PA, won 4-0 over Nashville, TN. Davis pitched a gem, recording a complete game shutout with eight strikeouts and only giving up two hits.
In Davis’s start in the semifinal game against Nevada, she did not have her best outing. She gave up three runs in two and a third innings. Although Davis was credited with the loss, she can also be credited with bringing the highest ratings to a Little League World Series game ever.
Although Davis’ fame at Williamsport came about because of the impressive feats she achieved as a female in a male-dominated sport, her skill as a pitcher should not be overlooked, regardless of gender. Davis was a terrific young pitcher, throwing fastballs at just over 70 miles per hour and having an almost unhittable breaking ball.
Five days after her final game at Williamsport, Mo’ne Davis became the first LLWS player ever to make it to the cover of Sports Illustrated. Additionally, Mark Hyman, a George Washington University sports management professor, said, “She is the most talked about baseball player on earth right now.” Another impressive accolade that Davis achieved was being on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquire for five consecutive days.
Although Daivs’s time at Williamsports was ten years ago, anyone who was alive to see her pitch remembers her inspiring performances like it was yesterday. Davis is the most memorable LLWS player in the 76-year-old tournament’s history. Additionally, since Davis, there have been more females consistently competing in the LLWS; over the past four tournaments, there has been a female player to compete at Williamsport each year.
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WBN LLWS: https://worldbaseball.com/little-league-world-series-live-blog/
Photo Credit: Mo’ne Davis #3 of Pennsylvania pitches to a Nevada batter during the United States division game at the Little League World Series tournament at Lamade Stadium on August 20, 2014 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
