MLB Players Share Little League Advice Ahead of Classic
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- The Little League Baseball World Series is underway in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with members of the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers scheduled to play in the Little League Classic on ESPN Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.
- ESPN surveyed more than 15 current and former MLB players on advice that stuck with them, with the most common refrain — from Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Reds pitcher Chase Burns, and others — being to "have fun" and work hard.
- Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain questioned the current youth baseball culture, noting that "kids are hitting on Trackman at 10 years old" and asking whether the activity is "for fun or other purposes."
- Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Bryan Baker and Cleveland Guardians pitcher Cade Smith both urged young athletes to play multiple sports and avoid early specialization, with Baker saying kids shouldn't "get burnt out when you're 10, 11, 12 years old."
- Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly recalled his Little League coach Pete Studer telling him at church each Sunday that he wanted tickets when Mattingly made the majors; Studer later attended a Yankees game after Mattingly learned he lived down the street in Yonkers.
- Cleveland Guardians pitcher Foster Griffin offered the most colorful piece of advice for today's young players: "Don't dig holes in the outfield and pay attention."
Why it matters: More than 15 MLB players split their advice between the 'have fun' ethos they grew up with and a push by current players — Bryan Baker, Cade Smith, Matt McLain — against early specialization. McLain singled out 10-year-olds using Trackman as a sign youth baseball has drifted from simple enjoyment.
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