Today’s (rain-delayed) start of the 2015 Little League World Series on ESPN provides a perfect opportunity to take a trip down memory lane. Many of our ESPN on-air personalities have had their share of pitches and runs as Little Leaguers.
Aaron Boone, MLB analyst
“I loved the anticipation and excitement leading up to Saturday afternoon games. I couldn’t wait to get to the field. Hanging out with my buddies and eating at the snack shack were tremendous memories, too!”
Antoinetta “Toni” Collins, ESPN reporter
“When I was 11, we were losing by one run in the eighth. It was my turn at the plate and I heard the opposing coach tell the infield and outfield to move in because I was an easy out. Well let me tell you what the ‘easy out’ did next… I hit a triple and brought in the tying run! We won that game!”
Jay Crawford, SportsCenter anchor
“My parents had just bought me a brand new bat for my birthday and the first two swings I made home runs in an All-Star game against our cross-town rivals! I thought it would always be that easy. Turned out it wasn’t, but that was a memory that will last a lifetime!”
Dave Flemming, MLB play-by-play voice
“There are very few things more fun as a kid than getting a base hit in Little League. I didn’t get enough of them, but I still remember the feeling.”
Nomar Garciaparra, ESPN LLWS analyst
“Being coached by my dad is my favorite memory. I learned how to play every position and how valuable each position is as well as the importance of teamwork.”
John Kruk, ESPN MLB analyst
“Having my brother Larry, who is a year older than me, as my catcher was the best. I never had to shake him off.”
Kyle Peterson, ESPN baseball analyst
Karl Ravech, Baseball Tonight host
“The first year I wasn’t selected to play with boys a year older than me I cried. I dreaded not being with the kids I had played with and figured it would be a lost season. It turned out I had the best coach in all my years, Tim Halloran. To this day, I remember his name and the positive impact he had on me.”
Curt Schilling, ESPN MLB analyst
Jaymee Sire, SportsCenter anchor
