The Little League World Series has begun, and baseball fans are ready to see some iconic moments from the youngsters. From thrilling performances to lovable players, here are the most memorable moments from past Little League World Series.
- Coach Dave Belisle Delivers Inspiring Post-Game Speech (2014)
Losing is never easy, especially for players ages 10 to 12. With games televised, losses can be particularly tough. However, after Rhode Island was eliminated by Illinois in 2014, their coach, Dave Belisle, flipped the narrative.
He huddled his team together and delivered an inspirational speech that encouraged his players for their effort and won the sympathy of everyone who watched.
Belisle said, “There’s no disappointment in your effort, in the whole tournament and the whole season. It’s been an incredible journey. We fought. Look at the score: 8-7, 12-10 in hits, came to the last out. We didn’t quit. That’s us. Boys, that’s us.”
The speech went viral, with many praising Coach Belisle for his positive outlook and for teaching his players that winning isn’t everything.
- 2012 LLWS U.S. Championship Between Tennessee and California Turns Into Roller-Coaster Thriller (2012)
Falling into a large deficit makes a comeback extremely difficult in a six-inning game. But in 2012, Petaluma, California, and Goodlettsville, Tennessee, gave us one of the most thrilling games in Little League history.
Through six and a half innings, Goodlettsville led 15-5. Then, Petaluma mounted an astonishing comeback, scoring ten runs in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game.
In the top of the seventh, Goodlettsville responded with nine runs to take a 24-15 lead. Petaluma’s comeback efforts fell short as Goodlettsville recorded three quick outs to advance to the LLWS championship.
Both teams combined for 40 runs and 35 hits in a game that lasted over three hours. Goodlettsville’s Lorenzo Butler put up one of the most impressive stats in LLWS history with nine RBIs and three homers. It was an improbable and high-scoring game that showcased incredible talent.
- Louis Lappe Walks It Off for California Against Curacao (2023)
Every Little Leaguer dreams of hitting a walk-off home run in the championship game. In 2023, La Mesa, California’s Louis Lappe, lived that dream.
La Mesa dominated Curacao until Nasir El-Ossais hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to tie the game at five. Curacao could not extend the lead, giving California a chance to win in the bottom of the sixth.
Lappe stepped up to the plate and connected with a fastball from Jay-Dlynn Wiel for a no-doubt home run to win the game.
Lappe became a star, finishing with an LLWS-leading five home runs, including blasts in the U.S. championship against Texas and the finals against Curacao. In the biggest moments, Lappe rose to the occasion.
- Mo’ne Davis Pitches Shutout in LLWS (2014)
By the time Mo’ne Davis and her team from Philadelphia arrived in Williamsport in 2014, eighteen women had participated in the Little League World Series. However, Davis became the first woman to earn a win and throw a shutout.
Davis threw eight strikeouts against South Nashville, Tennessee, on 70 pitches in Philadelphia’s 4-0 win. She pitched a complete game and was just two hits away from a no-hitter.
After her performance, Davis became a viral sensation, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated and winning an ESPY award for Best Breakout Athlete. Davis redefined the narrative about women in Little League and baseball and showed what it meant to “throw like a girl.”
- Angel Macias Throws a Perfect Game for Team Mexico to Become the First International Champions (1957)
In 1957, the Little League World Series invited international teams. Monterrey, Mexico, became the first international champions.
Monterrey dominated the tournament and was a game away from the title. Pitcher Angel Macias delivered the best pitching performance in Little League history.
Against La Mesa, California, Monterrey led 4-0 at the bottom of the sixth. Macias had retired the first 17 batters, striking out ten and not allowing a ball to leave the infield. With one batter remaining, Macias struck out the final batter to seal a perfect game and a championship for Monterrey.
Sixty-seven years later, no other perfect game has been recorded in the Little League World Series championship.
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