We are thrilled to welcome our first team from the great state of Hawaii! Congrats to Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Little League of Kapolei!
Kapolei is located northwest of Honolulu on the island of Oahu.
Hawaii outlasted Arizona (Sunnyside LL, Tucson) in the West Region Championship, in San Bernardino last month, 5-4, to advance to the LLSWS.
Team Southwest will join us from Eastdale Little League, Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were undefeated as they marched through the Southwest Regional Tournament in Waco, Texas, and defeated Texas West (Lubbock) 8-5 in the final.
All of our teams can be found on this Google Map:
View 2012 Little League Softball World Series Teams in a larger map
Monday, August 06, 2012
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Quick Looks at New York and Florida
Team East for the 2012 Little League Softball World Series will be represented by New Hyde Park Little League, New Hyde Park, New York!
New York earned its berth with a championship game 4-1 win over Robbinsville LL of New Jersey, who had narrowly defeated them earlier in pool play at Eastern Region Headquarters, Bristol, CT.
New Hyde Park is located in Nassau County on Long Island, New York.
Team Southeast comes to Portland from Windermere Little League, Windermere, Florida, a small town surrounded by lakes in Central Florida, near Orlando. Windermere LL, however, is one of the state's biggest, and is actually made up of several small communities: Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, MetroWest, Pine Hills, Rolling Hills, South Lake, Winter Garden + Windermere.
Florida recorded wins over West Virginia in the semifinals, then defending champs North Carolina in the Southeast Regional tournament in Warner Robins, Georgia, to advance to Portland.
A Google Map of all our teams can be found here: http://bit.ly/R1AHsU
Safe travels and good luck to the players and coaches from New York and Florida!
New York earned its berth with a championship game 4-1 win over Robbinsville LL of New Jersey, who had narrowly defeated them earlier in pool play at Eastern Region Headquarters, Bristol, CT.
New Hyde Park is located in Nassau County on Long Island, New York.
Team Southeast comes to Portland from Windermere Little League, Windermere, Florida, a small town surrounded by lakes in Central Florida, near Orlando. Windermere LL, however, is one of the state's biggest, and is actually made up of several small communities: Dr. Phillips, Ocoee, MetroWest, Pine Hills, Rolling Hills, South Lake, Winter Garden + Windermere.
Florida recorded wins over West Virginia in the semifinals, then defending champs North Carolina in the Southeast Regional tournament in Warner Robins, Georgia, to advance to Portland.
A Google Map of all our teams can be found here: http://bit.ly/R1AHsU
Safe travels and good luck to the players and coaches from New York and Florida!
Saturday, August 04, 2012
A Quick Look at Riverfield LL, Anderson, Indiana
We are excited to welcome the girls and coaches from Riverfield Little League, Anderson, Indiana -- they are now Team Central for the 2012 Little League Softball World Series!
Riverfield LL advanced to the LLSWS via a 3-1 win over Ohio in the Central Region Championship in Indianapolis. Both teams were undefeated in pool play to set up the final game.
Anderson is about an hour's drive northeast from Indianapolis, in Madison County. Riverfield LL hails from IN District 6, and will wear the dark green "Central" uniforms worn by the 2011 LLSWS Champs from Sterling, Illinois (well, not the exact same ones, as all players get to keep their uniforms after the tournament) !!
Here is Anderson, Indiana on a map: 2012 LLSWS Teams on Google Map
Here is the local paper: The Herald Bulletin
Good luck to team Central: Riverfield Little League!
Riverfield LL advanced to the LLSWS via a 3-1 win over Ohio in the Central Region Championship in Indianapolis. Both teams were undefeated in pool play to set up the final game.
Anderson is about an hour's drive northeast from Indianapolis, in Madison County. Riverfield LL hails from IN District 6, and will wear the dark green "Central" uniforms worn by the 2011 LLSWS Champs from Sterling, Illinois (well, not the exact same ones, as all players get to keep their uniforms after the tournament) !!
Here is Anderson, Indiana on a map: 2012 LLSWS Teams on Google Map
Here is the local paper: The Herald Bulletin
Good luck to team Central: Riverfield Little League!
Thursday, August 02, 2012
A Quick Look at Raleigh Hills Little League
Let's kick off our team preview of the ten qualifiers for the 2012 Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon, with hometown Raleigh Hills Little League.
Alpenrose Dairy/Stadium is located within Portland city limits, in a beautiful wooded neighborhood in the southwest quadrant of the city. It is right next to the Washington County line, which is home to Beaverton and Nike and Intel and is Portland's westside suburb.
It also sits in Oregon Little League District 4, and when LL Inc. moved to a Host team per World Series in (looking up the date :), the local girls have been able to play in August at Alpenrose after spending time there in April through July.
The 2012 winner of the OD4 tournament, played July 16-19, was Lincoln-Raleigh Hills LL, playing as RHLL. By virtue of a huge comeback in the 5th inning of the title game, RHLL roared back from a 6-1 deficit and defeated Tualatin City LL 7-6 in the championship game to earn the LLSWS automatic berth.
RHLL then must wait and practice as the rest of the world competes in state and regional tournaments, a mixed blessing for sure.
Good luck to the players and coaches of Raleigh Hills Little League, Host Team (Oregon District 4)!
Alpenrose Dairy/Stadium is located within Portland city limits, in a beautiful wooded neighborhood in the southwest quadrant of the city. It is right next to the Washington County line, which is home to Beaverton and Nike and Intel and is Portland's westside suburb.
It also sits in Oregon Little League District 4, and when LL Inc. moved to a Host team per World Series in (looking up the date :), the local girls have been able to play in August at Alpenrose after spending time there in April through July.
The 2012 winner of the OD4 tournament, played July 16-19, was Lincoln-Raleigh Hills LL, playing as RHLL. By virtue of a huge comeback in the 5th inning of the title game, RHLL roared back from a 6-1 deficit and defeated Tualatin City LL 7-6 in the championship game to earn the LLSWS automatic berth.
RHLL then must wait and practice as the rest of the world competes in state and regional tournaments, a mixed blessing for sure.
Good luck to the players and coaches of Raleigh Hills Little League, Host Team (Oregon District 4)!
Canada is "on the clock" for our final berth
Nine of ten teams have punched their ticket for the 2012 Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon!
They will travel here Tuesday, August 7th, have Opening Ceremonies and the Easton Skills Challenge on Wednesday and (phew!) the actual games begin Thursday, August 9, at 10amPDT with OR District 4 (Raleigh Hills LL) taking on Central (Riverfield LL, Indiana).
The Canada Regional, in Victoria BC, begins today and they will crown their champion and ship them to Portland on Monday.
Here is a complete listing of the teams; congrats to all the players and coaches for playing hard all summer and reaching the LL Softball WS!
Pool A
Canada TBD
Central
Riverfield Little League, Anderson, Indiana
Latin America
Softbol Femenil Mexicali Little League, Mexicali BC, Mexico
Southwest
Eastdale Little League, Albuquerque, New Mexico
West
Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Little League, Kapolei, Hawaii
Pool B
Asia Pacific
ILLAM Central Little League, Makati City, Philippines
East
New Hyde Park Little League, New Hyde Park, New York
EMEA
Midden-Nederland Little League, Utrecht, Netherlands
Oregon District 4 (Host)
Raleigh Hills Little League, Portland, Oregon
Southeast
Windermere Softball Little League, Windermere, Florida
They will travel here Tuesday, August 7th, have Opening Ceremonies and the Easton Skills Challenge on Wednesday and (phew!) the actual games begin Thursday, August 9, at 10amPDT with OR District 4 (Raleigh Hills LL) taking on Central (Riverfield LL, Indiana).
The Canada Regional, in Victoria BC, begins today and they will crown their champion and ship them to Portland on Monday.
Here is a complete listing of the teams; congrats to all the players and coaches for playing hard all summer and reaching the LL Softball WS!
Pool A
Canada TBD
Central
Riverfield Little League, Anderson, Indiana
Latin America
Softbol Femenil Mexicali Little League, Mexicali BC, Mexico
Southwest
Eastdale Little League, Albuquerque, New Mexico
West
Makakilo Kapolei Honokai Hale Little League, Kapolei, Hawaii
Pool B
Asia Pacific
ILLAM Central Little League, Makati City, Philippines
East
New Hyde Park Little League, New Hyde Park, New York
EMEA
Midden-Nederland Little League, Utrecht, Netherlands
Oregon District 4 (Host)
Raleigh Hills Little League, Portland, Oregon
Southeast
Windermere Softball Little League, Windermere, Florida
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ramping up for 2012!
WELCOME! We are excited to kick off the 2012 Little League Softball World Series!
Volunteers are busy preparing for the tournament, from the fields to the uniforms to meal preparation to luggage coordination, to wi-fi access and accommodations for our wonderful sponsors and fans.
Every year, the stadium at Alpenrose Dairy transforms from host of Oregon District 4 baseball and softball regular season and postseason games to world showcase for the top ten teams in Little League (majors) softball, vying for the title and the opportunity to play in one of our three live ESPN2 games.
Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design does an amazing job turning the grass infield into the finest softball field in all the land, complete with mound removal, removal of infield grass, custom painted logos, bright white bases, and smooth, groomed dirt.
Last year, he set up a camera to capture the process of preparing Alpenrose Main field for the championship game and the ESPN2 audience. Here is a great time-lapse You Tube video you will enjoy.
As your excitement builds, so does ours. We love having the world's eyes on our own Field of Dreams and sharing with you the beautiful city of Portland. Stay tuned for more news, features and photos as we get closer to Opening Ceremonies.
Remember that we are also on Facebook, Twitter and you can follow us via text message, too. We'll keep you connected to all the action, and especially love your feedback! Let us know how we can enhance this experience for our families, fans, players and coaches!
Volunteers are busy preparing for the tournament, from the fields to the uniforms to meal preparation to luggage coordination, to wi-fi access and accommodations for our wonderful sponsors and fans.
Every year, the stadium at Alpenrose Dairy transforms from host of Oregon District 4 baseball and softball regular season and postseason games to world showcase for the top ten teams in Little League (majors) softball, vying for the title and the opportunity to play in one of our three live ESPN2 games.
Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design does an amazing job turning the grass infield into the finest softball field in all the land, complete with mound removal, removal of infield grass, custom painted logos, bright white bases, and smooth, groomed dirt.
Last year, he set up a camera to capture the process of preparing Alpenrose Main field for the championship game and the ESPN2 audience. Here is a great time-lapse You Tube video you will enjoy.
As your excitement builds, so does ours. We love having the world's eyes on our own Field of Dreams and sharing with you the beautiful city of Portland. Stay tuned for more news, features and photos as we get closer to Opening Ceremonies.
Remember that we are also on Facebook, Twitter and you can follow us via text message, too. We'll keep you connected to all the action, and especially love your feedback! Let us know how we can enhance this experience for our families, fans, players and coaches!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
ESPN Day!
Today is a most exciting day ... after five days of Pool Play, four teams have advanced to the semifinals of the 2011 Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon!
ESPN is onsite, with their trucks and cameras, extra lighting, and on-air personalities. What a treat for the girls to mingle with USA Softball legend Michele Smith!
Here are today's match-ups:
Semifinal 1
Central (Sterling, Illinois) vs. Asia Pacific (Muntinlupa City, Philippines)
4pmPDT
live on ESPN2
Semifinal 2
Southeast (Wilkes County, North Carolina) vs. Southwest (Waco, Texas)
6:30pm PDT
live on ESPN2
The winners will play in the championship game tomorrow (Wednesday, August 17),
live on ESPN2, at 4pmPDT.
While we wait for the hours to pass before the big games, here are today's media links:
"Trip Worth it for Umpires"
http://www.saukvalley.com/columnists/columns/2011/08/16/r_6olex6wtrpsv30tda3vva/index.xml
"Sterling Blasts Windsor to Finish Pool Play 4-0" (Central)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/16/r_n0mpk8hvqomaadwplnnsug/index.xml
"Hair Raising Experience" (Central's Kylie Powers' hair braids)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/16/r_je0kkp24swgxdtpr5qjvwa/index.xml
"Semifinals Bound" (Southeast)
http://www.journalpatriot.com/news/article_853aef8a-c767-11e0-8d0e-0019bb30f31a.html
"Munti LLers Noth No. 3" (Asia Pacific)
http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=717238&publicationsubcategoryid=69
"Mutinlupa Earns World Series Semis" (Asia Pacific)
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/330820/muntinlupa-earns-world-series-semis
"New City's World Series Hopes Crushed" (East)
http://nyack.patch.com/articles/new-citys-world-series-hopes-crushed
"Westchester Del Rey Softball Team has its Season Ended"
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_18683019
ESPN is onsite, with their trucks and cameras, extra lighting, and on-air personalities. What a treat for the girls to mingle with USA Softball legend Michele Smith!
Here are today's match-ups:
Semifinal 1
Central (Sterling, Illinois) vs. Asia Pacific (Muntinlupa City, Philippines)
4pmPDT
live on ESPN2
Semifinal 2
Southeast (Wilkes County, North Carolina) vs. Southwest (Waco, Texas)
6:30pm PDT
live on ESPN2
The winners will play in the championship game tomorrow (Wednesday, August 17),
live on ESPN2, at 4pmPDT.
While we wait for the hours to pass before the big games, here are today's media links:
"Trip Worth it for Umpires"
http://www.saukvalley.com/columnists/columns/2011/08/16/r_6olex6wtrpsv30tda3vva/index.xml
"Sterling Blasts Windsor to Finish Pool Play 4-0" (Central)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/16/r_n0mpk8hvqomaadwplnnsug/index.xml
"Hair Raising Experience" (Central's Kylie Powers' hair braids)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/16/r_je0kkp24swgxdtpr5qjvwa/index.xml
"Semifinals Bound" (Southeast)
http://www.journalpatriot.com/news/article_853aef8a-c767-11e0-8d0e-0019bb30f31a.html
"Munti LLers Noth No. 3" (Asia Pacific)
http://www.philstar.com/sportsarticle.aspx?articleid=717238&publicationsubcategoryid=69
"Mutinlupa Earns World Series Semis" (Asia Pacific)
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/330820/muntinlupa-earns-world-series-semis
"New City's World Series Hopes Crushed" (East)
http://nyack.patch.com/articles/new-citys-world-series-hopes-crushed
"Westchester Del Rey Softball Team has its Season Ended"
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_18683019
Monday, August 15, 2011
Final Day of Pool Play in 2011 LLSWS
This happens every year...I get so busy during the tournament, I can't get over here and add some fun details and stories as they are unfolding up at Alpenrose and the 2011 Little League Softball World Series.
Also, I have to admit, I am doing a lot more on Facebook these days. I love how interactive it is and we can get instant feedback on scores and photos, and it really gives the fans a chance to cheer on their teams online.
For example, during the Central vs. West game, we had our first out-of-the-park homer on the main field since 2005! I was able to track the player down after the game, take a photo on my phone and instantly post it to the Facebook page...voila! The fans at home could see her smiling face holding the very ball that went over the fence!
I truly believe that 2011 has brought some of the best competition this tournament has ever seen. There have been some thrilling games and some great softball played by the international teams.
Today, we have two undefeated teams squaring off for #1 and #2 in Pool B: Southeast (Wilkes County, North Carolina) vs. Asia Pacific (Muntinlupa City, Philippines), at 2pmPDT. Either way, both teams will play on ESPN in the semifinals tomorrow.
In Pool A, Southwest (Waco, TX) and Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) will square off at 5:30pmPD today. Winner will join Central tomorrow in the semifinals.
It is going to be a great day!
While we wait for the action to begin, here is a roundup of the newspaper and media links regarding the LLSWS and the teams:
"Willow Creek breaks out with a win..."
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/little_league_softball_world_s_14.html
"No Typical Day Off" (Central)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/13/r_yjktwdriraakvilpul6awa/index.xml
"In LLSWS, New City Finds Fast Friends" (East)
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110815/SPORTS05/108150342/In-Little-League-World-Series-softball-tourney-New-City-finds-fast-friends?odyssey=mod_sectionstories
"Wilkes County Stays Unbeaten" (SE)
http://www2.journalnow.com/sports/2011/aug/14/wssport05-wilkes-county-stays-unbeaten-in-little-l-ar-1297955/
"Westchester Del Rey's Furious Rally Comes Up Short..." (West)
http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/ci_18679557
"Philippines Rallies, Clinches Berth..." (Asia Pacific + summary of all Sunday games)
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/philippines_rallies_clinches_a.html
Also, I have to admit, I am doing a lot more on Facebook these days. I love how interactive it is and we can get instant feedback on scores and photos, and it really gives the fans a chance to cheer on their teams online.
For example, during the Central vs. West game, we had our first out-of-the-park homer on the main field since 2005! I was able to track the player down after the game, take a photo on my phone and instantly post it to the Facebook page...voila! The fans at home could see her smiling face holding the very ball that went over the fence!
I truly believe that 2011 has brought some of the best competition this tournament has ever seen. There have been some thrilling games and some great softball played by the international teams.
Today, we have two undefeated teams squaring off for #1 and #2 in Pool B: Southeast (Wilkes County, North Carolina) vs. Asia Pacific (Muntinlupa City, Philippines), at 2pmPDT. Either way, both teams will play on ESPN in the semifinals tomorrow.
In Pool A, Southwest (Waco, TX) and Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) will square off at 5:30pmPD today. Winner will join Central tomorrow in the semifinals.
It is going to be a great day!
While we wait for the action to begin, here is a roundup of the newspaper and media links regarding the LLSWS and the teams:
"Willow Creek breaks out with a win..."
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/little_league_softball_world_s_14.html
"No Typical Day Off" (Central)
http://www.saukvalley.com/articles/2011/08/13/r_yjktwdriraakvilpul6awa/index.xml
"In LLSWS, New City Finds Fast Friends" (East)
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110815/SPORTS05/108150342/In-Little-League-World-Series-softball-tourney-New-City-finds-fast-friends?odyssey=mod_sectionstories
"Wilkes County Stays Unbeaten" (SE)
http://www2.journalnow.com/sports/2011/aug/14/wssport05-wilkes-county-stays-unbeaten-in-little-l-ar-1297955/
"Westchester Del Rey's Furious Rally Comes Up Short..." (West)
http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/ci_18679557
"Philippines Rallies, Clinches Berth..." (Asia Pacific + summary of all Sunday games)
http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/philippines_rallies_clinches_a.html
Monday, August 08, 2011
The Countdown has Begun
All but one of the teams are set for the 2011 Little League Softball World Series! Tonight, the Canadian championship will be played, with the winner heading to Portland, Oregon, to claim the final berth in this year's championship.
The Canada region final is an all-Windsor, Ontario, affair: Turtle Club LL vs. Windsor South.
Tomorrow, the teams will begin arriving at PDX and will be driven by limo to Alpenrose Dairy. Yes, on the grounds of working dairy facility, within Portland city limits, the world's attention will be focused for about 10 days!
Here is a sky view of Alpenrose, with the main diamond/stadium, two side fields, a quarter-midget car race track, a bicycle velodrome and an old fashioned ice cream parlor (as Alpenrose is the local producer for Baskin Robbins).
Alpenrose sits in the middle of Southwest Portland Little League, and Oregon District 4. All of the local leagues are able to use the fields for baseball and softball during the regular and tournament season.
As soon as the last out is made in the final summer tournament, Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design, takes over. Mike and his crew skin the grass from the infield and begin greening the outfield and applying the spray-paint logos from templates he has built.
Staff and volunteers begin touch-up painting and the bleachers are all cleaned. Two years ago, a new and permanent set of bleachers was placed above the first-base side. Those bleachers were from a dealer who salvaged them from the old Seattle Kingdome.
Soon, all the barbeques, trailers and souvenirs will arrive, the noise will pick up, the computers and free onsite wi-fi get fired up and finally, the girls arrive via limo from PDX. It is the moment we all wait for! So much promise and excitement! Hello world ... welcome to Portland and the Little League Softball World Series!
The Canada region final is an all-Windsor, Ontario, affair: Turtle Club LL vs. Windsor South.
Tomorrow, the teams will begin arriving at PDX and will be driven by limo to Alpenrose Dairy. Yes, on the grounds of working dairy facility, within Portland city limits, the world's attention will be focused for about 10 days!
Here is a sky view of Alpenrose, with the main diamond/stadium, two side fields, a quarter-midget car race track, a bicycle velodrome and an old fashioned ice cream parlor (as Alpenrose is the local producer for Baskin Robbins).
Alpenrose sits in the middle of Southwest Portland Little League, and Oregon District 4. All of the local leagues are able to use the fields for baseball and softball during the regular and tournament season.
As soon as the last out is made in the final summer tournament, Mike Hebrard of Athletic Field Design, takes over. Mike and his crew skin the grass from the infield and begin greening the outfield and applying the spray-paint logos from templates he has built.
Staff and volunteers begin touch-up painting and the bleachers are all cleaned. Two years ago, a new and permanent set of bleachers was placed above the first-base side. Those bleachers were from a dealer who salvaged them from the old Seattle Kingdome.
Soon, all the barbeques, trailers and souvenirs will arrive, the noise will pick up, the computers and free onsite wi-fi get fired up and finally, the girls arrive via limo from PDX. It is the moment we all wait for! So much promise and excitement! Hello world ... welcome to Portland and the Little League Softball World Series!
Monday, August 01, 2011
Little League Softball World Series 2011: Here We Go!
August 1st, 2011, is finally here. This is the day I traditionally fire up the blog and Twitter accounts to start reporting on the Little League Softball World Series, here in Portland, Oregon.
Who am I? I am a local Little League President, former LL softball player, coach and umpire. I am a huge fan of the Little League Softball World Series and of Alpenrose Stadium (more on Alpenrose later).
I am looking forward to this year's tournament for a very special reason: my local softball program is competing as the Host/Oregon District 4 team! I cheer for all the teams, but will have a soft spot in my heart for Willow Creek Softball Little League :)
Good luck to all the players, coaches, parents, umpires, volunteers and fans...together you make up a most unique festival of softball, of Little League, of true sportsmanship, and of celebrating the girls, who join us from all over the world!
Who am I? I am a local Little League President, former LL softball player, coach and umpire. I am a huge fan of the Little League Softball World Series and of Alpenrose Stadium (more on Alpenrose later).
I am looking forward to this year's tournament for a very special reason: my local softball program is competing as the Host/Oregon District 4 team! I cheer for all the teams, but will have a soft spot in my heart for Willow Creek Softball Little League :)
Good luck to all the players, coaches, parents, umpires, volunteers and fans...together you make up a most unique festival of softball, of Little League, of true sportsmanship, and of celebrating the girls, who join us from all over the world!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
2011 Tournament Sites Announced
Little League has announced the sites and dates of the 2011 World Series Tournaments for baseball and softball. We are excited to hear that the Little League Softball World Series will return to Alpenrose Dairy Complex in Portland, Oregon, next August.
Here is a rundown of the softball championship tournaments:
Little League Softball
Portland, Oregon
August 11-17, 2011
Junior League Softball
Kirkland, Washington
August 14-20, 2011
Senior League Softball
Lower Sussex, Deleware
August 7-13
Big League Softball
Kalamazoo, Michigan
August 4-10
Here is a rundown of the softball championship tournaments:
Little League Softball
Portland, Oregon
August 11-17, 2011
Junior League Softball
Kirkland, Washington
August 14-20, 2011
Senior League Softball
Lower Sussex, Deleware
August 7-13
Big League Softball
Kalamazoo, Michigan
August 4-10
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
LL Regional Centers to Host Tourneys in 2011
Little League announced this weekend that the existing Regional Centers will begin to host softball regional and state tournaments next summer:
"All five of the U.S. regional tournaments in the Little League Softball Division will now be played at the regional centers, it was announced today by Patrick Wilson, Vice President of Operations for Little League Baseball and Softball."
The excitement and opportunity to host LL Softball fans was noted by some local media:
"City Believes Little League Softball Could Be Next Big Thing" (San Bernardino)
"Softball Tourney Coming to Area" (Bristol)
"All five of the U.S. regional tournaments in the Little League Softball Division will now be played at the regional centers, it was announced today by Patrick Wilson, Vice President of Operations for Little League Baseball and Softball."
The excitement and opportunity to host LL Softball fans was noted by some local media:
"City Believes Little League Softball Could Be Next Big Thing" (San Bernardino)
"Softball Tourney Coming to Area" (Bristol)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Post-Tournament Media Coverage
The nine teams from the 2010 Little League Softball World Series have arrived home, exhausted, I'm sure, but hopefully also filled with the spirit of Portland and ten days of softball and the spotlight!
Here are some links to media coverage about the tournament and teams:
Sue Enquist and XProTex gloves
"Championship Bid Falls Short" (West)
"...Little Leaguers Get Heroes Welcome" (Central)
"WR Welcomes Home Little League Softball Heroines"
"Southeast Repeats at Home Away From Home"
Here are some links to media coverage about the tournament and teams:
Sue Enquist and XProTex gloves
"Championship Bid Falls Short" (West)
"...Little Leaguers Get Heroes Welcome" (Central)
"WR Welcomes Home Little League Softball Heroines"
"Southeast Repeats at Home Away From Home"
Thursday, August 19, 2010
2010 LLSWS Tournament: Georgia Repeats!
The 2010 Little League Softball World Series has come to an end, but the champions are the same as last year: Warner Robins American Little League, Warner Robins, Georgia, representing the Southeast region.
Southeast defeated West (Burbank LL, Burbank, CA) last night, 8-6 in front of a packed house at Portland's Alpenrose Stadium and an international television audience on ESPN2.
West advanced to the final game with a win over the host team from Oregon District 4 (Tigard LL) on Tuesday night, 10-0.
Southeast survived a thriller semifinal with Central, from Poland Ohio, 1-0, to earn a trip to the championship game. Both games were telecast live on ESPN2.
Huge thanks to the teams, families, fans and especially volunteers, for a fantastic 10-day run at this year's tournament!
Southeast defeated West (Burbank LL, Burbank, CA) last night, 8-6 in front of a packed house at Portland's Alpenrose Stadium and an international television audience on ESPN2.
West advanced to the final game with a win over the host team from Oregon District 4 (Tigard LL) on Tuesday night, 10-0.
Southeast survived a thriller semifinal with Central, from Poland Ohio, 1-0, to earn a trip to the championship game. Both games were telecast live on ESPN2.
Huge thanks to the teams, families, fans and especially volunteers, for a fantastic 10-day run at this year's tournament!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Links to Media Coverage
It is always great to see how the local media is covering the softball teams:
Poland, OH (Central)
http://www.myvalleysports.com/mostpopular/story/Poland-Advances-to-Semis-of-Softball-World-Series/eGn1aoqROkWRKAdKgUSVhg.cspx
http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/Hometown-Pulling-for-Poland-in-World-Series-Semi/qaQWP3RwwU6J_i8QZkm9SQ.cspx
Oregon District 4 (host)
http://www.tigardtimes.com/sports/story.php?story_id=128203075230764500
Robbinsville, NJ (East)
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2010/08/17/sports/doc4c6a2bd441013545942326.txt
Poland, OH (Central)
http://www.myvalleysports.com/mostpopular/story/Poland-Advances-to-Semis-of-Softball-World-Series/eGn1aoqROkWRKAdKgUSVhg.cspx
http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/Hometown-Pulling-for-Poland-in-World-Series-Semi/qaQWP3RwwU6J_i8QZkm9SQ.cspx
Oregon District 4 (host)
http://www.tigardtimes.com/sports/story.php?story_id=128203075230764500
Robbinsville, NJ (East)
http://www.trentonian.com/articles/2010/08/17/sports/doc4c6a2bd441013545942326.txt
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Catching Up on Days 2 & 3
The 2010 Little League Softball World Series is zipping along and I have a front-row seat to all the action! And we're not just talking about the games...we're talking parents and posters and dyed hair and foul balls knocking out wireless modems and yesterday, Frosted Flakes! That all makes sense if you were at Alpenrose Stadium with me :)
The weekend games of the LLSWS allow for some additional events, such as the Challenger Game (on the Alpenrose West field) and Fun Day, that help take the girls' focus away from softball, softball, softball. The team from the Southwest has a history of taking the lead as a buddy team for the Challenger kids and they have always been awesome about participating and connecting with the kids. The West team had just suffered a defeat at the hands of Southwest, but were nonetheless out on Alpenrose West field with these kids and families, also.
I have been a part of several Challenger games and they are always a treat. I find myself holding back tears as the afternoon unfolds...so much life and fun and struggle all spilling out at you on a softball diamond.
Alpenrose West field was specially enhanced and painted with the Challenger logo and spruced up to match Alpenrose Main by Mike Hebrard and Athletic Field Design, on a busy day when all three complex diamonds were played on and in need of field prep. Oregon District 4 Challenger kids played some ball in the heat with some new friends and with Tony the Tiger and without worrying about the number of outs or the pressures of must-win games. They played the game with a bat and a tee-ball and the world slowed down and smiled...
The weekend is also when the fatigue sets it, patience has run thin, the dirty laundry pile is higher, the heat and wind start to bother you, and some of the teams have suffered a loss or two and are now out of contention. Over the last ten years, I have witnessed girls and families bond stronger, commit to enjoying the experience, take deep breaths and enjoy the beauty and circus that is the nature of a Little League World Series. I have also seen tempers flare, strong words from coaches to 11 year old girls, tears of exhaustion, homesickness, and dissapointment...the stuff of life.
ESPN starts rolling in tomorrow and a new buzz will spark energy back into volunteers and participants of the Little League Softball World Series. There will be more smiles and more ice cream sold and lots more silliness and the macarena and life goes on. The girls and families have made an incredible journey this summer -- there is no other youth sporting event that compares to the LL Softball World Series.
Today's games start later as an Alpenrose tradition. Members of the Cadonau family still reside on the property, and out of respect for their peace and quiet, games never start before noon on a Sunday. I hope we see the same respect out on the ballfield today and in the stands today. I can think of thousands of kids and families that would love to be here... the kids and families who played on Alpenrose West field yesterday that will never have a chance to participate in a Little League World Series....what an honor and a treat, so ENJOY!
TOURNAMENT STANDINGS (as of 8/14/10)
Pool A
Central 2-0
Southwest 1-1
West 2-1
Latin America 1-2
Canada 0-2
Pool B
Southeast 2-0
Oregon Dist. 4 (host) 1-1
East 1-1
EMEA 0-2
Asia-Pacific (all games cancelled; team could not travel)
Sunday's Games:
Canada vs. Southwest (noon)
Central vs. West (2:30pm)
EMEA vs. Southeast (5pm)
East, Latin America and Oregon have byes today.
Pool play continues through Monday. Semifinal games on Tuesday will feature match-ups of Pool A #1 vs. Pool B #2 at 4:30pm(PDT) live on ESPN2. The other semifinal game will follow at 6:30pm(PDT) with Pool A #2 vs. Pool B #1, also on ESPN2. The Championship Game will be played/aired on ESPN on Wednesday, August 18th, at 4pm(PDT).
The weekend games of the LLSWS allow for some additional events, such as the Challenger Game (on the Alpenrose West field) and Fun Day, that help take the girls' focus away from softball, softball, softball. The team from the Southwest has a history of taking the lead as a buddy team for the Challenger kids and they have always been awesome about participating and connecting with the kids. The West team had just suffered a defeat at the hands of Southwest, but were nonetheless out on Alpenrose West field with these kids and families, also.
I have been a part of several Challenger games and they are always a treat. I find myself holding back tears as the afternoon unfolds...so much life and fun and struggle all spilling out at you on a softball diamond.
Alpenrose West field was specially enhanced and painted with the Challenger logo and spruced up to match Alpenrose Main by Mike Hebrard and Athletic Field Design, on a busy day when all three complex diamonds were played on and in need of field prep. Oregon District 4 Challenger kids played some ball in the heat with some new friends and with Tony the Tiger and without worrying about the number of outs or the pressures of must-win games. They played the game with a bat and a tee-ball and the world slowed down and smiled...
The weekend is also when the fatigue sets it, patience has run thin, the dirty laundry pile is higher, the heat and wind start to bother you, and some of the teams have suffered a loss or two and are now out of contention. Over the last ten years, I have witnessed girls and families bond stronger, commit to enjoying the experience, take deep breaths and enjoy the beauty and circus that is the nature of a Little League World Series. I have also seen tempers flare, strong words from coaches to 11 year old girls, tears of exhaustion, homesickness, and dissapointment...the stuff of life.
ESPN starts rolling in tomorrow and a new buzz will spark energy back into volunteers and participants of the Little League Softball World Series. There will be more smiles and more ice cream sold and lots more silliness and the macarena and life goes on. The girls and families have made an incredible journey this summer -- there is no other youth sporting event that compares to the LL Softball World Series.
Today's games start later as an Alpenrose tradition. Members of the Cadonau family still reside on the property, and out of respect for their peace and quiet, games never start before noon on a Sunday. I hope we see the same respect out on the ballfield today and in the stands today. I can think of thousands of kids and families that would love to be here... the kids and families who played on Alpenrose West field yesterday that will never have a chance to participate in a Little League World Series....what an honor and a treat, so ENJOY!
TOURNAMENT STANDINGS (as of 8/14/10)
Pool A
Central 2-0
Southwest 1-1
West 2-1
Latin America 1-2
Canada 0-2
Pool B
Southeast 2-0
Oregon Dist. 4 (host) 1-1
East 1-1
EMEA 0-2
Asia-Pacific (all games cancelled; team could not travel)
Sunday's Games:
Canada vs. Southwest (noon)
Central vs. West (2:30pm)
EMEA vs. Southeast (5pm)
East, Latin America and Oregon have byes today.
Pool play continues through Monday. Semifinal games on Tuesday will feature match-ups of Pool A #1 vs. Pool B #2 at 4:30pm(PDT) live on ESPN2. The other semifinal game will follow at 6:30pm(PDT) with Pool A #2 vs. Pool B #1, also on ESPN2. The Championship Game will be played/aired on ESPN on Wednesday, August 18th, at 4pm(PDT).
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 1: Great Games, Weather and Fans!
The first day of games in the 2010 Little League Softball World Series is in the books! Here is the first pitch of the tournament delivered by Nashaly Rivera of team Latin America (Puerto Rico):
Six teams were in action Thursday, with West (Burbank, CA), Southeast (Warner Robins, GA) and Central (Poland, OH) coming away with their first wins of Pool Play, with Canada, East and EMEA having the day off.
The new dirt infield came into play early on and showed why the extra work was worth it. We saw truer game play from these all-stars...the bunts rolled straighter and the infielders were treated to cleaner bounces and crisper play. A huge thanks to Mike Hebrard and his crew from Athletic Field Design!
I was super impressed by the quality of play on Day 1. I have watched LLSWS games for over 15 years and the competition gets better and better. The games are a treat and admission is (always) free at Alpenrose Stadium, great barbeque, and $1 scoops of ice cream -- how can you beat that? It's a long day of family entertainment, and will get better as the week rolls along.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
How to Follow the 2010 LLSWS
The 2010 Little League Softball World Series is so wired! And wireless! Here is a summary of ways to follow the action over the next week:
1) All games feature live scoring. Thanks to hard-working local volunteers, the LLSWS has been a leader in providing this feature. Simply go to the website and click on the game number. You will be taken to the scorebook software for each game.
2) Webcast: for a fee, you can watch all of the games over the internet with Watch'em Play. These games feature two-camera coverage and game announcers. The ESPN games (semifinals and championship) will not be webcast.
3) Facebook: scores and pix are updated on the LLSWS Facebook page.
4) Twitter: want scores and updates on your cell phone? Twitter is a quick and easy way for short updates throughout the day. You do not need a twitter account on your computer; simply text FOLLOW LLSOFTBALL to 40404 and you will get the feed.
5) and this Blog! I try to use this platform to feature longer articles and more pix.
Good luck to all the teams and thank you to all the family and fans who are following the teams. We are looking forward to a great week in Portland!
1) All games feature live scoring. Thanks to hard-working local volunteers, the LLSWS has been a leader in providing this feature. Simply go to the website and click on the game number. You will be taken to the scorebook software for each game.
2) Webcast: for a fee, you can watch all of the games over the internet with Watch'em Play. These games feature two-camera coverage and game announcers. The ESPN games (semifinals and championship) will not be webcast.
3) Facebook: scores and pix are updated on the LLSWS Facebook page.
4) Twitter: want scores and updates on your cell phone? Twitter is a quick and easy way for short updates throughout the day. You do not need a twitter account on your computer; simply text FOLLOW LLSOFTBALL to 40404 and you will get the feed.
5) and this Blog! I try to use this platform to feature longer articles and more pix.
Good luck to all the teams and thank you to all the family and fans who are following the teams. We are looking forward to a great week in Portland!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Opening Ceremonies, Skills Challenge and Sue Enquist
Retired UCLA coach Sue Enquist provided a spark of energy in the traditional Little League Softball World Series Opening Ceremonies today, with a rousing speech to the players, coaches, families and volunteers. She graciously recognized all of the above, reminded them they are champions and motivated them like they were one of her NCAA Championship teams!
The Opening Ceremonies were followed by an ice cream social (Alpenrose Dairy provides ice cream to the local Baskin Robbins shops) and then the girls gathered in a grassy picnic area for some treats from Schutt Sports: matching batting helmets and a set of catcher's gear for each team. Afterward, the Schutt spokesperson, former collegiate coach Diane Baker, opened the Schutt Skills Competition and the girls began a fun pitch, throw, run and bat competition.
Here are today's photos:
The Opening Ceremonies were followed by an ice cream social (Alpenrose Dairy provides ice cream to the local Baskin Robbins shops) and then the girls gathered in a grassy picnic area for some treats from Schutt Sports: matching batting helmets and a set of catcher's gear for each team. Afterward, the Schutt spokesperson, former collegiate coach Diane Baker, opened the Schutt Skills Competition and the girls began a fun pitch, throw, run and bat competition.
Here are today's photos:
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