The Little League Baseball World Series is taking place in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and members of the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers will join the weekend festivities by appearing in the Little League Classic, according to ESPN. The network will broadcast the Classic on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET, ESPN added.
ESPN reported it asked more than 15 current and former major leaguers what piece of childhood advice has stuck with them and whether they would pass the same counsel on to young players today. Responses ranged from the familiar—enjoy the game—to the more specific, like not digging holes in the outfield.
Several players emphasized effort, attitude and enjoyment. Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. said he was taught to work hard, stay humble and keep improving. St. Louis pitcher Riley O’Brien combined the two themes, saying young players must both enjoy baseball and put in the work. Cincinnati’s Brady Singer advised playing the game with a childlike sense of fun and valuing the friendships built along the way.
Other veterans recalled specific lessons. Washington outfielder James Wood said a travel coach urged him to hit to the middle of the field. Cincinnati second baseman Matt McLain cited his father’s lesson that effort and attitude are the only controllable factors. Tampa Bay’s Nick Martinez said his dad told him to play as if someone were watching, because hustle earns respect. Colorado catcher Hunter Goodman echoed the focus on control, noting many aspects of baseball are beyond a player’s reach.
Former Yankee Don Mattingly, now the Phillies’ interim manager, recalled Little League coach Pete Studer and a memory of Studer attending a big-league game. Miami pitcher Max Meyer and Washington shortstop CJ Abrams both emphasized fundamentals: Meyer highlighted having fun through the highs and lows, while Abrams stressed believing in yourself and maintaining a positive outlook, according to ESPN.
