The summer stars of Simpsonville, South Carolina, got a chance to think about their victorious August as the 2008 Little League Softball World Series champs were invited to meet President and Mrs. Bush during a stopover in South Carolina:
"Softball Champs say meeting President not Bush League"
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
2008 LLSWS: Final Links
The teams from the 2008 Little League Softball World Series have all gone home...the tournament website has been updated and Alpenrose Stadium/Dairy has been cleaned up and is a little quieter these days...
Here are some final links as local papers/websites follow the girls in their hometowns:
"Simpsonville Holds Parade for Little League Softball Champions"
"It Was A Dream Come True"
"Sterling Celebrates Third Place Finish"
"Robbinsville Softball to be Feted with Parade"
Thanks!
Thank you to the volunteers who make the Little League Softball World Series happen. Just like millions of dedicated youth sport volunteers around the world, they do it for the kids. From hosting players in their homes, to concessions, to scorekeeping, to groundskeeping, to painting, to websiting (?), to picture-taking, to video-ing, to coordinating of Opening/Closing ceremonies, to announcing, to umpiring, to running around setting up tents and lights and getting ice and giving directions to the local grocery store...I could go on and on. Great job!
See you in August 2009!
Here are some final links as local papers/websites follow the girls in their hometowns:
"Simpsonville Holds Parade for Little League Softball Champions"
"It Was A Dream Come True"
"Sterling Celebrates Third Place Finish"
"Robbinsville Softball to be Feted with Parade"
Thanks!
Thank you to the volunteers who make the Little League Softball World Series happen. Just like millions of dedicated youth sport volunteers around the world, they do it for the kids. From hosting players in their homes, to concessions, to scorekeeping, to groundskeeping, to painting, to websiting (?), to picture-taking, to video-ing, to coordinating of Opening/Closing ceremonies, to announcing, to umpiring, to running around setting up tents and lights and getting ice and giving directions to the local grocery store...I could go on and on. Great job!
See you in August 2009!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
"The Happiest Girl(s) In The Whole USA"
THANK YOU to the girls who play softball...safe trip home and keep those memories close. Work hard in school and sports...the world is yours!
P.S. This is why so many volunteers spend almost two weeks of their lives in tents, scooping ice cream, selling 50/50 tickets, announcing games, taking photos, getting ice, painting bleachers, dragging fields, holding flags, videoing, and organizing it all... :
(from this morning's Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, and writer Paul Skrbina)
Sterling (Little League) spent Wednesday night at a hotel pool, swimming with their third-place game opponents from Puerto Rico. "That's extremely awesome," McKenna Pearson said. I never imagined hanging out with a team from Puerto Rico in Portland, Oregon."
The experience even inspired Jennifer Rahn to dream bigger.
"I'll look back on it as the experience of a lifetime," she said. "I'm going to love telling all the stories I can.
I might even try to coach a team and get them here."
Jennifer, we can't wait.
2008 LLSWS Wrap-Up
The 2008 Little League Softball World Series is in the books, and we have a new champion: Simpsonville Little League, Simpsonville, South Carolina, representing the South region.
I think the competition at this year's tournament was the best ever. It's a credit to the teams, coaches and fans that keep Little League Softball chugging along, and to the many volunteers who make the LLSWS happen.
Links
"Little League Softball World Series: Final Day" (Oregonian newspaper + slideshow)
"Daniel's Hoover Leads South to World Series Title"
"Simpsonville Girls Win Little League Softball World Series"
"Rooting For Robbinsville"
"A Week of Alpenrose Magic Will Last A Lifetime"
"Sterling Takes Third in the World"
"Third Is The Word"
"Two's Company for Portland Family Hosting Girls"
"DeMotte Native to Work Softball Title Game"
Link to my photos from last night
I think the competition at this year's tournament was the best ever. It's a credit to the teams, coaches and fans that keep Little League Softball chugging along, and to the many volunteers who make the LLSWS happen.
Links
"Little League Softball World Series: Final Day" (Oregonian newspaper + slideshow)
"Daniel's Hoover Leads South to World Series Title"
"Simpsonville Girls Win Little League Softball World Series"
"Rooting For Robbinsville"
"A Week of Alpenrose Magic Will Last A Lifetime"
"Sterling Takes Third in the World"
"Third Is The Word"
"Two's Company for Portland Family Hosting Girls"
"DeMotte Native to Work Softball Title Game"
Link to my photos from last night
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
South Wins Again!
Congratulations to Team South: Simpsonville Little League, Simpsonville, South Carolina, your 2008 Little League Softball World Series champs!
They broke open a close ball game with five runs in the top of the sixth inning to defeat Team East from Robbinsville, New Jersey, 9-5, in tonight's championship game, which aired live on ESPN2. A team from the South has won the last three of four final games.
They broke open a close ball game with five runs in the top of the sixth inning to defeat Team East from Robbinsville, New Jersey, 9-5, in tonight's championship game, which aired live on ESPN2. A team from the South has won the last three of four final games.
2008 LLSWS Championship Day
What an amazing night of softball yesterday! And what a treat for viewers -- two, one-run ball games. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay for Semifinal II: I missed the three-hour game while I was running a three-hour Little League meeting :) Here is a fast recap:
Semifinal I: East 1, Central 0
Semifinal II: South 7, Latin America 6
Championship: East (Robbinsville, NJ) vs. South (Simpsonville, SC)
4pmPDT, broadcast live on ESPN2. Both teams are undefeated in the tournament -- it wil be a good one!
Today's Schedule
All of the 2008 LLSWS teams are in action today, finishing out their tournament experience with a game and one last opportunity to play together.
If you are local, join us at Alpenrose. The barbeque is not your run-of-the-mill stuff: great burgers and chicken salads and polish dogs from the Traeger. You can get a huge cup of Baskin-Robbins/Alpenrose ice cream for $2. There are mascots, music, and yesterday, an ESPY winner! Has your son or daughter seen an ESPN production up close? Admission and parking are free -- while a 4pm start is a challenge for working folks in the Portland area, the time was set by ESPN to put the game in primetime on the east coast. Join us as soon as you can :)
Links
I took photos from the first game last night (East vs. Central) and uploaded them here.
"East, South Win, Advance to Finals"
"Simpsonville Stars Reach Final..."
"Robbinsville One Win Away From World Title"
"Sterling Drops Heartbreaker"
"Driving Them Batty" (Sterling, Illinois)
"Series Offers Father-Daughter Therapy" (Sterling LL team)
Semifinal I: East 1, Central 0
Semifinal II: South 7, Latin America 6
Championship: East (Robbinsville, NJ) vs. South (Simpsonville, SC)
4pmPDT, broadcast live on ESPN2. Both teams are undefeated in the tournament -- it wil be a good one!
Today's Schedule
All of the 2008 LLSWS teams are in action today, finishing out their tournament experience with a game and one last opportunity to play together.
If you are local, join us at Alpenrose. The barbeque is not your run-of-the-mill stuff: great burgers and chicken salads and polish dogs from the Traeger. You can get a huge cup of Baskin-Robbins/Alpenrose ice cream for $2. There are mascots, music, and yesterday, an ESPY winner! Has your son or daughter seen an ESPN production up close? Admission and parking are free -- while a 4pm start is a challenge for working folks in the Portland area, the time was set by ESPN to put the game in primetime on the east coast. Join us as soon as you can :)
Links
I took photos from the first game last night (East vs. Central) and uploaded them here.
"East, South Win, Advance to Finals"
"Simpsonville Stars Reach Final..."
"Robbinsville One Win Away From World Title"
"Sterling Drops Heartbreaker"
"Driving Them Batty" (Sterling, Illinois)
"Series Offers Father-Daughter Therapy" (Sterling LL team)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Semi-Final Game I: Sights
I'm blogging live from Alpenrose right after the first semifinal game of the 2008 Little League Softball World Series. In a battle of two tough teams, great pitching, and amazing defense, East (Robbinsville, New Jersey) defeated Central (Sterling, Illinois), 1-0. Team East advances to the Championship Game tomorrow at 4pmPDT live on ESPN2.
Here are some quick photos of the site today:
ESPN Day I + Links
This day is always my favorite day of the Little League Softball World Series.
At this point, all of the teams have played their hearts out and four are very happy. The remaining six teams are relaxed, having fun, acting like girls... Tonight there will be more laughter and silliness and excitement in the stands, as they will be filled with fans and lots of PLAYERS who have the night off and can watch and enjoy the games, and ice cream, and snow cones, and texting :)
ESPN's Holly Rowe and other staff were roaming around last night, talking to folks and getting the tower ready for tonight's broadcasts.
Here is today's schedule:
10amPDT: All-Star Game
The six teams not plaing in tonight's semifinal games will each send players to this morning's All-Star Game to join forces and to play a fun game with new friends and new coaches.
The game is followed by a wonderful barbeque hosted by the Cadonau Family, owners and operators of Alpenrose Dairy.
4pmPDT: Semifinal I/Game 21 (broadcast live on ESPN2)
East (Robbinsville, New Jersey) vs. Central (Sterling, Illinois)
6:30pmPDT: Semifinal II/Game 22 (broadcast live on ESPN2)
South (Simpsonville, South Carolina) vs. Latin America (Paunabo, Puerto Rico)
**Please note: there will be no internet video or audio coverage of the semifinal and championship games due to agreement with ESPN. You can follow the live boxscores for Game I, Game II , and the Championship/Game 27 from the main website.**
Tuesday Morning Links
"Sterling tops California; Advances to Semifinals"
"Sterling Advances to Final Four With Shutout"
"Family Makes Room For Six" (story about hosting Sterling players)
"Robbinsville's Battery Recharged"
"Simpsonville Stars Go National"
At this point, all of the teams have played their hearts out and four are very happy. The remaining six teams are relaxed, having fun, acting like girls... Tonight there will be more laughter and silliness and excitement in the stands, as they will be filled with fans and lots of PLAYERS who have the night off and can watch and enjoy the games, and ice cream, and snow cones, and texting :)
ESPN's Holly Rowe and other staff were roaming around last night, talking to folks and getting the tower ready for tonight's broadcasts.
Here is today's schedule:
10amPDT: All-Star Game
The six teams not plaing in tonight's semifinal games will each send players to this morning's All-Star Game to join forces and to play a fun game with new friends and new coaches.
The game is followed by a wonderful barbeque hosted by the Cadonau Family, owners and operators of Alpenrose Dairy.
4pmPDT: Semifinal I/Game 21 (broadcast live on ESPN2)
East (Robbinsville, New Jersey) vs. Central (Sterling, Illinois)
6:30pmPDT: Semifinal II/Game 22 (broadcast live on ESPN2)
South (Simpsonville, South Carolina) vs. Latin America (Paunabo, Puerto Rico)
**Please note: there will be no internet video or audio coverage of the semifinal and championship games due to agreement with ESPN. You can follow the live boxscores for Game I, Game II , and the Championship/Game 27 from the main website.**
Tuesday Morning Links
"Sterling tops California; Advances to Semifinals"
"Sterling Advances to Final Four With Shutout"
"Family Makes Room For Six" (story about hosting Sterling players)
"Robbinsville's Battery Recharged"
"Simpsonville Stars Go National"
Monday, August 11, 2008
Final Pool Play Game
There was a buzz in the Alpenrose stadium bleachers this evening as Pool Play of the 2008 Little League Softball World Series wrapped up with Game 20, Central vs. West. The winner of the game would take second place in Pool B, and thus move on to Tuesday's semifinal match-up with Pool A winner (East/Robbinsville, New Jersey) broadcast live on ESPN2.
Team Central (Sterling, Illinois) and Team West (Grand Terrace, California) played an outstanding ballgame with great pitching, timely hitting and agressive baserunning. Through five innings, there was only one run (Central) and the cheering sections were getting louder and the line for ice cream nonexistent. Who wanted to leave even for a few minutes during this game?
Central defeated West, 5-0. Here are some photos of Alpenrose tonight, readying for ESPN games tomorrow:
Semifinal I, 4pmPDT: East versus Central and
Semifinal II, 6:30PDT: South versus Latin America
Pix from Game 19: Southwest vs. Latin America
2008 Little League Softball World Series: #19, What a game!
Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) and Southwest (Waco, Texas) battled for the second place spot in Pool A and the chance to play on ESPN2 in Tuesday's 6:30PDT semifinal. The girls from Puerto Rico outlasted the ones from Texas, 5-4 in a game that saw Team Southwest score all their runs in the second inning, including a homerun over the fence by Sarah Beth Tobin that made the score 4-1. But Team Latin America scored a run in each the remaining innings for the win.
Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) and Southwest (Waco, Texas) battled for the second place spot in Pool A and the chance to play on ESPN2 in Tuesday's 6:30PDT semifinal. The girls from Puerto Rico outlasted the ones from Texas, 5-4 in a game that saw Team Southwest score all their runs in the second inning, including a homerun over the fence by Sarah Beth Tobin that made the score 4-1. But Team Latin America scored a run in each the remaining innings for the win.
Setting The Table for ESPN + Links!
Today is a big day for the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon. Several teams are still in contention for playing on ESPN2 in tomorrow's semifinal games:
Pool A: The East team (Robbinsville, New Jersey) has gone undefeated and finally gets their bye day to rest for the first (4pm local) semifinal game vs. Pool B #2.
The Pool A #2 spot is still open with two teams tied at 2-1 records, Southwest (Waco, Texas) and Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) -- and those two play each other tonight at 5:30pm on the East field.
Pool B: The South team (Simpsonville, South Carolina) has also gone undefeated in pool play. They play in the first game of the day versus Asia-Pacific. If they win, they will be Pool B #1 and play at 6:30pm on ESPN2 in the second semi-final. If they lose, we must look at the Pool Play Tiebreaker rules.
Two teams are tied with 2-1 records in Pool B: West (Grand Terrace, California) and Central (Sterling, Illinois). And, you guessed it, they will play each other in the final game of Pool Play this evening at 8pm on the main field.
Monday Morning Links
Bacolod Little League (Philippines)
Midway All Stars (Southwest team)
"Robbinsville's Speed is Decisive"
"Girls At Home In Oregon" (Sterling, Illinois)
Pool A: The East team (Robbinsville, New Jersey) has gone undefeated and finally gets their bye day to rest for the first (4pm local) semifinal game vs. Pool B #2.
The Pool A #2 spot is still open with two teams tied at 2-1 records, Southwest (Waco, Texas) and Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) -- and those two play each other tonight at 5:30pm on the East field.
Pool B: The South team (Simpsonville, South Carolina) has also gone undefeated in pool play. They play in the first game of the day versus Asia-Pacific. If they win, they will be Pool B #1 and play at 6:30pm on ESPN2 in the second semi-final. If they lose, we must look at the Pool Play Tiebreaker rules.
Two teams are tied with 2-1 records in Pool B: West (Grand Terrace, California) and Central (Sterling, Illinois). And, you guessed it, they will play each other in the final game of Pool Play this evening at 8pm on the main field.
Monday Morning Links
Bacolod Little League (Philippines)
Midway All Stars (Southwest team)
"Robbinsville's Speed is Decisive"
"Girls At Home In Oregon" (Sterling, Illinois)
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Friday, August 08, 2008
Alpenrose Sights
The motto of the West Team!
Teams are issued courtesy cars for use during the week. It's great to spot one on the freeway or around town.
You've heard of the Olympic Village...this is the Umpire Village at the Softball World Series!
Oh Canada!
Teams are issued courtesy cars for use during the week. It's great to spot one on the freeway or around town.
You've heard of the Olympic Village...this is the Umpire Village at the Softball World Series!
Oh Canada!
Pix from Day 1
Click here for a photo album from Day 1 of the 2008 Little League Softball World Series.
Friday Morning Links
"Italian Team's Expedition for Competition Makes a Portland Stop" Oregonian (Portland's main daily paper)
NJ.com ("everything New Jersey")
"Midway Wins Opener"
Grand Terrace Opener
"Sterling All-Stars Take a Break Before First World Series Game"
NJ.com ("everything New Jersey")
"Midway Wins Opener"
Grand Terrace Opener
"Sterling All-Stars Take a Break Before First World Series Game"
Softball World Series Day 1: Three Great Games
Wow, some great softball was played last night! Here is a summary of the scores:
Game 1: East (Robbinsville, NJ) 4, Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) 2
Game 2: South (Simpsonville, SC) 1, West (Grand Terrace, CA) 0
Game 3: RESCHEDULED EMEA will take on Asia Pacific on Monday at 10am
Game 4: Southwest (Waco, TX) 2, Host/Oregon D4 (Beaverton, OR) 1
The competition is the best I've seen in the Little League Softball World Series. I can't wait for tonight!
Game 1: East (Robbinsville, NJ) 4, Latin America (Maunabo, Puerto Rico) 2
Game 2: South (Simpsonville, SC) 1, West (Grand Terrace, CA) 0
Game 3: RESCHEDULED EMEA will take on Asia Pacific on Monday at 10am
Game 4: Southwest (Waco, TX) 2, Host/Oregon D4 (Beaverton, OR) 1
The competition is the best I've seen in the Little League Softball World Series. I can't wait for tonight!
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Five Quick Pix from Day 1
It is 11pm and I am just getting home from a long day at Alpenrose...here are some photos from today. I will post some more tomorrow.
LIVE from Alpenrose: Day 1
I'm coming to you live...well as live as I can get. I have the laptop up here at Pin Trading Central while the East vs. Latin America game continues right below me. There are some familiar traders here on the picnic benches, from years past and tournaments all around.
I visited the Admin/Media trailer and am very aware of the problems with the live video feed. This was the first attempt at providing video for viewers over the internet, and there are some glitches here at the first game. However, they are all working diligently to get it up and going...the vendor is onsite and they are well aware that it is down. THANK YOU for your patience... Please remember that the Softball World Series is managed and run by volunteers.
Now, if you are local, please join us here in Southwest Portland. The Traeger barbeque is putting out some great food, the Alpenrose/Baskin Robbins ice cream is flavorful and plenty... Admission is free, and so is parking. The competition is very good, and it is a great family atmosphere!
I visited the Admin/Media trailer and am very aware of the problems with the live video feed. This was the first attempt at providing video for viewers over the internet, and there are some glitches here at the first game. However, they are all working diligently to get it up and going...the vendor is onsite and they are well aware that it is down. THANK YOU for your patience... Please remember that the Softball World Series is managed and run by volunteers.
Now, if you are local, please join us here in Southwest Portland. The Traeger barbeque is putting out some great food, the Alpenrose/Baskin Robbins ice cream is flavorful and plenty... Admission is free, and so is parking. The competition is very good, and it is a great family atmosphere!
Thursday Morning Links
Lots of folks talking about the 2008 Little League Softball World Series:
"For Robbinsville, A Time to Adjust" (East team)
"Once in a Lifetime Experience, Priceless" (today's Oregonian)
"Simpsonville Girls Playing for Softball Series Title" (South team)
"Little League Softball World Series Kicks Off at Alpenrose (Portland Tribune)
"Midway Reaches First Little League Softball World Series Since 2004" (Southwest team)
"Sterling on the Sidelines as Series Start" (Central team)
"Beaverton Majors Stars Gear Up For the World Series" (host/Oregon District 4 team)
"For Robbinsville, A Time to Adjust" (East team)
"Once in a Lifetime Experience, Priceless" (today's Oregonian)
"Simpsonville Girls Playing for Softball Series Title" (South team)
"Little League Softball World Series Kicks Off at Alpenrose (Portland Tribune)
"Midway Reaches First Little League Softball World Series Since 2004" (Southwest team)
"Sterling on the Sidelines as Series Start" (Central team)
"Beaverton Majors Stars Gear Up For the World Series" (host/Oregon District 4 team)
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Skills Challenge Photos
After the girls' enjoyed ice cream, it was time for the DeMarini Skills Challenge on the stadium field:
Late Wednesday Updates
I spent the afternoon at the LLSBWS and have lots of photos to share... But what I may need to publish is an x-ray, for perhaps my heart was swelling during today's Opening Ceremony.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, most of the crowd was probably on vacation, and while the event may not compare to the Olympics, it is nonetheless a wonderful affair, with teams of girls singing their national anthems, dignitaries saying a few words, and heroes from ESPN throwing out the first pitch. The owners/founders of Alpenrose were honored, and Lexi Cadonau herself sang the United States' National Anthem.
Asia Pacific Update
Well, I had assumed that all ten teams had made it to Portland yesterday (and today, in the case of Team Canada), we found out today that the team from the Phillippines has been delayed. They are expected to be in town by tomorrow's Game 3 versus EMEA.
Lots of Accents
One reason I love the Opening Ceremony is that it is one of the few times during the week that all the teams are on site. As the tournament progresses, teams and host families use their bye day for a trip to the beach or to Mt. Hood. So, hanging out in the crowd reveals all that is special about bringing together girls from all over the world: accents and other languages. What a treat for a suburban mom to hang out with world travelers!
Sara & Mallory: ESPY Winners
What an honor for the teams and fans to have the 2008 ESPY Winners for "Best Sports Moment of the Year" Sara Tucholsky and Mallory Holtman onsite, participating in the Opening Ceremony and signing autographs today.
Text Message Updates
Text messages will start tomorrow. You can sign up at any time during the tournament -- it's free and I won't bombard you with spam.
Online Scoring
Follow each game's scorebook on the SoftballWorldSeries.com website by going to the "Bracket/Results" page, then clicking on the game you are following. Thanks to many volunteer hours and hi-tech equipment, the ballfields are equipped with wireless connectivity, thus each game features LIVE BOX SCORES. Not even the boys have that :)
Photos
Click here.
At three o'clock in the afternoon, most of the crowd was probably on vacation, and while the event may not compare to the Olympics, it is nonetheless a wonderful affair, with teams of girls singing their national anthems, dignitaries saying a few words, and heroes from ESPN throwing out the first pitch. The owners/founders of Alpenrose were honored, and Lexi Cadonau herself sang the United States' National Anthem.
Asia Pacific Update
Well, I had assumed that all ten teams had made it to Portland yesterday (and today, in the case of Team Canada), we found out today that the team from the Phillippines has been delayed. They are expected to be in town by tomorrow's Game 3 versus EMEA.
Lots of Accents
One reason I love the Opening Ceremony is that it is one of the few times during the week that all the teams are on site. As the tournament progresses, teams and host families use their bye day for a trip to the beach or to Mt. Hood. So, hanging out in the crowd reveals all that is special about bringing together girls from all over the world: accents and other languages. What a treat for a suburban mom to hang out with world travelers!
Sara & Mallory: ESPY Winners
What an honor for the teams and fans to have the 2008 ESPY Winners for "Best Sports Moment of the Year" Sara Tucholsky and Mallory Holtman onsite, participating in the Opening Ceremony and signing autographs today.
Text Message Updates
Text messages will start tomorrow. You can sign up at any time during the tournament -- it's free and I won't bombard you with spam.
Online Scoring
Follow each game's scorebook on the SoftballWorldSeries.com website by going to the "Bracket/Results" page, then clicking on the game you are following. Thanks to many volunteer hours and hi-tech equipment, the ballfields are equipped with wireless connectivity, thus each game features LIVE BOX SCORES. Not even the boys have that :)
Photos
Click here.
"A Beautiful Sight" and "A Beautiful Site"
Within two minutes of stepping out of the car at Alpenrose today, I got my first taste of the delight that is the Little League Softball World Series. I had stopped to take this photo:
Just then, a gentleman in a "Latin America" t-shirt says, "Beautiful sight, isn't it?" Yes, it is.
Just then, a gentleman in a "Latin America" t-shirt says, "Beautiful sight, isn't it?" Yes, it is.
Wednesday: Fun Day Set For The Girls
Is this Day 1 or Day 0? :)
With the Canadian team arriving late last night after a long trip, all the 2008 Little League Softball World Series participants are in Portland and today brings the Opening Ceremonies, Ice Cream Social, and DeMarini Skills Challenge. The girls get a chance to hang out at Alpenrose, meet the other teams and soak up some of the World Series atmosphere before the actual games start tomorrow.
Opening Ceremonies
At 3pm today (local time), the newly uniformed teams will take the field and the anthems will be sung. Look for photos here.
Ice Cream Social
The girls will be invited to the onsite ice cream parlor to enjoy ice cream as the field is set up for the Skills Challenge. The official ice cream of Alpenrose is Baskin Robbins, which is made by the dairy. Yep, Alpenrose is a working dairy as well as ball fields, a midget car race track, and cycling velodrome.
DeMarini Skills Challenge
In the final event of the day for the girls, the main field will be home to tires and buckets and even a cow :) as a fun competition unfolds including pitching, hitting and running, with t-shirts and prizes for the participants. Look for photos here.
General Info
Feel free to sign up for free text message updates on this blog.
The games begin tomorrow. Admission and parking are (always) free. Full concessions and souvenirs are onsite. If you are local, join us for a low-cost evening with the family watching girls from all over the world play softball in a beautiful park.
Links
"Welcome to Portland" (central: Sterling LL)
"Spotlight on the Tantum Park Gang" (east: Robbinsville LL)
"BeavertonAllStars" (host: Beaverton Area LL)
With the Canadian team arriving late last night after a long trip, all the 2008 Little League Softball World Series participants are in Portland and today brings the Opening Ceremonies, Ice Cream Social, and DeMarini Skills Challenge. The girls get a chance to hang out at Alpenrose, meet the other teams and soak up some of the World Series atmosphere before the actual games start tomorrow.
Opening Ceremonies
At 3pm today (local time), the newly uniformed teams will take the field and the anthems will be sung. Look for photos here.
Ice Cream Social
The girls will be invited to the onsite ice cream parlor to enjoy ice cream as the field is set up for the Skills Challenge. The official ice cream of Alpenrose is Baskin Robbins, which is made by the dairy. Yep, Alpenrose is a working dairy as well as ball fields, a midget car race track, and cycling velodrome.
DeMarini Skills Challenge
In the final event of the day for the girls, the main field will be home to tires and buckets and even a cow :) as a fun competition unfolds including pitching, hitting and running, with t-shirts and prizes for the participants. Look for photos here.
General Info
Feel free to sign up for free text message updates on this blog.
The games begin tomorrow. Admission and parking are (always) free. Full concessions and souvenirs are onsite. If you are local, join us for a low-cost evening with the family watching girls from all over the world play softball in a beautiful park.
Links
"Welcome to Portland" (central: Sterling LL)
"Spotlight on the Tantum Park Gang" (east: Robbinsville LL)
"BeavertonAllStars" (host: Beaverton Area LL)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Travel Day Pictures
Check out this page from the SoftballWorldSeries.com website for photos of the teams arriving at Alpenrose for the 2008 Little League Softball World Series!
Turtle Club LL Joins the Party + The Latest Links
Canadian Team Emerges
Turtle Club Little League of Windsor, Ontario, will represent Canada in the 2008 Little League Softball World Series. Turtle Club, the Canadian Regional host team, outlasted Windsor South Canadian Little League, 10-8 yesterday in the championship. The teams are all now set and on their way to Portland! Keep an eye out on the SoftballWorldSeries.com website for pictures as they teams arrive in their limos.
Today's Schedule
Today is travel day! By plane, bus and/or car, the players and coaches will make their way to Alpenrose Stadium in southwest Portland, Oregon.
Text Message Scoring
I am happy to continue a very popular blog feature of last year: scores sent via text message. If you sign up on this blog (to the right), you will be sent text messages of game scores from Game 1 through the Championship game. This is a free service.
Game Video Available
In 2008, LLSBWS staff has worked diligently to provide free video of games not covered by ESPN. You can check the SoftballWorldSeries.com website and watch via computer.
Stats and Stories
Worldwide media resources are talking about the 2008 Little League Softball World Series:
"Flying to the World Series" (Grand Terrace LL)
"Southern California Squad Takes Regional Title" (Grand Terrace LL)
"Oregon, Here They Come" (Robbinsville LL)
"Sterling Ready to Take On the World" (Sterling LL)
"Send-Off for Midway" (Midway LL)
Lombardia Little League (Italy)
"Alpenrose to Host Girls LL Softball World Series" (KGW TV, Portland)
Turtle Club Little League of Windsor, Ontario, will represent Canada in the 2008 Little League Softball World Series. Turtle Club, the Canadian Regional host team, outlasted Windsor South Canadian Little League, 10-8 yesterday in the championship. The teams are all now set and on their way to Portland! Keep an eye out on the SoftballWorldSeries.com website for pictures as they teams arrive in their limos.
Today's Schedule
Today is travel day! By plane, bus and/or car, the players and coaches will make their way to Alpenrose Stadium in southwest Portland, Oregon.
Text Message Scoring
I am happy to continue a very popular blog feature of last year: scores sent via text message. If you sign up on this blog (to the right), you will be sent text messages of game scores from Game 1 through the Championship game. This is a free service.
Game Video Available
In 2008, LLSBWS staff has worked diligently to provide free video of games not covered by ESPN. You can check the SoftballWorldSeries.com website and watch via computer.
Stats and Stories
Worldwide media resources are talking about the 2008 Little League Softball World Series:
"Flying to the World Series" (Grand Terrace LL)
"Southern California Squad Takes Regional Title" (Grand Terrace LL)
"Oregon, Here They Come" (Robbinsville LL)
"Sterling Ready to Take On the World" (Sterling LL)
"Send-Off for Midway" (Midway LL)
Lombardia Little League (Italy)
"Alpenrose to Host Girls LL Softball World Series" (KGW TV, Portland)
Monday, August 04, 2008
The 2008 LLSBWS Teams
The teams are (almost) set for the 2008 Little League Softball World Series.
Today, Turtle Club LL, Windsor, Ontario, will face Windsor South Canadian LL, for the right to represent Canada in this year's tournament. We should know the outcome by this evening. In the meantime, here are the teams traveling to Portland for arrival at Alpenrose tomorrow:
West: Grand Terrace Little League, California
South: Simpsonville Little League, South Carolina
Southwest: Midway Little League, Waco, Texas
East: Robbinsville Little League, New Jersey
Central: Sterling Little League, Illinois
EMEA: Lombardia Little League, Milano, Italy
Latin America: ASOFEM Little League, Maunabo, Puerto Rico
Asia Pacific: Bacolod West Little League, Philippines
Host: Beaverton Area Little League, Oregon
Here is Google Map representing "where in the world" the teams are located.
Today, Turtle Club LL, Windsor, Ontario, will face Windsor South Canadian LL, for the right to represent Canada in this year's tournament. We should know the outcome by this evening. In the meantime, here are the teams traveling to Portland for arrival at Alpenrose tomorrow:
West: Grand Terrace Little League, California
South: Simpsonville Little League, South Carolina
Southwest: Midway Little League, Waco, Texas
East: Robbinsville Little League, New Jersey
Central: Sterling Little League, Illinois
EMEA: Lombardia Little League, Milano, Italy
Latin America: ASOFEM Little League, Maunabo, Puerto Rico
Asia Pacific: Bacolod West Little League, Philippines
Host: Beaverton Area Little League, Oregon
Here is Google Map representing "where in the world" the teams are located.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
SoCal is in the house!
With an 11-0 win over Red Bluff Little League, Grand Terrace Little League won the "Battle of California" in the West Regional today to become the final American team to advance to the 2008 Little League Softball World Series. Red Bluff represented Northern California and GTLL represented Southern California.
Congrats to Sterling Little League!
Sterling Little League of Sterling, Illinois, defeated Girard, Kansas, yesterday in the Central Regional to advance to the 2008 Little League Softball World Series.
Sterling LL emerged the winner of the 13-team tournament in Joplin, Missouri.
Two regions are left to complete their tournaments and round out the ten teams playing in Portland, Oregon, for the World Series title: West and Canada.
Sterling LL emerged the winner of the 13-team tournament in Joplin, Missouri.
Two regions are left to complete their tournaments and round out the ten teams playing in Portland, Oregon, for the World Series title: West and Canada.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
"R-Ville" is heading to Portland!
Robbinsville Little League of New Jersey will fly west to represent the Eastern Region in the 2008 Little League Softball World Series. They advanced with a 7-0 win today over Maine and were undefeated in the tournament!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Southwest Regional: Welcome Back Waco!
Midway Little League of Waco, Texas, is returning to the Little League Softball World Series after coming back to defeat San Antonio Northwest/Northside Suburban twice in the last two days in the Southwestern Regional tournament.
Midway earned the LLSBWS berth tonight with an 8-1 win over the Host team from San Antonio. They begin World Series play on Thursday, August 7th, versus the host team, Beaverton Area Little League.
Midway earned the LLSBWS berth tonight with an 8-1 win over the Host team from San Antonio. They begin World Series play on Thursday, August 7th, versus the host team, Beaverton Area Little League.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
South Carolina & Italy: On Their Way to Portland
Congrats to Simpsonville Little League of South Carolina District 7!
They defeated Florida in the Southern Regional to advance to the Little League Softball World Series, beginning next week in Portland.
And from the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) regional, congratulations to Lombardia Little League of Milano, Italy! Italy went 4-0 in the tournament and defeated Poland in its final game to earn the LLSBWS berth.
They defeated Florida in the Southern Regional to advance to the Little League Softball World Series, beginning next week in Portland.
And from the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) regional, congratulations to Lombardia Little League of Milano, Italy! Italy went 4-0 in the tournament and defeated Poland in its final game to earn the LLSBWS berth.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Beaverton Area LL Punches Its Ticket
Beaverton Area Little League emerged the winner from the 2008 Oregon District 4 Little League Softball tournament tonight and their next stop will be right back on the main field at Alpenrose: the Softball World Series.
BALL beat Tualatin City LL 17-2 in four innnings, to earn an appearance as the host team in next week's tournament. They will open up their World Series run with Game 4 versus the winner of the Southwest Regional.
BALL beat Tualatin City LL 17-2 in four innnings, to earn an appearance as the host team in next week's tournament. They will open up their World Series run with Game 4 versus the winner of the Southwest Regional.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Ten Teams Working Their Way to Portland
State tournaments are wrapping up around the country...it is that time of the summer when some families are heading to Regionals and some families are heading for vacation after a run in their local tournaments.
To follow the 11-12 Year-Old teams as they work their way toward the Little League Softball World Series here in Portland, you can use the following links:
Western Regional (July 26-August 3)
hosted by Washington District 4 in Vancouver
Eastern Regional (July 26-August 2)
hosted by New York District 13 in Albany
Southern Regional (July 25-29)
St. Petersburg, Florida
Southwestern Regional (July 26-August 1)
hosted by Texas District 19 in San Antonio
Central Regional (July 26-August 3)
hosted by Missouri District 2 in Carthage
Canadian Regional (July 31-August 4)
Windsor, Ontario
Asia Pacific Regional
played July 7-12 in Guangzhou, China
Bacolod West LL, Bacolod, Philippines, beat Guam to advance to the LLSBWS
EMEA Regional (July 24-28)
played in Kutno, Poland
Latin America Regional
played July 16-20 in Maunabo, Puerto Rico
ASOFEM LL, Maunabo, Puerto Rico, advances to the LLSBWS
Host/Oregon District 4 (July 21-28)
played at Alpenrose Stadium, Portland, Oregon
To follow the 11-12 Year-Old teams as they work their way toward the Little League Softball World Series here in Portland, you can use the following links:
Western Regional (July 26-August 3)
hosted by Washington District 4 in Vancouver
Eastern Regional (July 26-August 2)
hosted by New York District 13 in Albany
Southern Regional (July 25-29)
St. Petersburg, Florida
Southwestern Regional (July 26-August 1)
hosted by Texas District 19 in San Antonio
Central Regional (July 26-August 3)
hosted by Missouri District 2 in Carthage
Canadian Regional (July 31-August 4)
Windsor, Ontario
Asia Pacific Regional
played July 7-12 in Guangzhou, China
Bacolod West LL, Bacolod, Philippines, beat Guam to advance to the LLSBWS
EMEA Regional (July 24-28)
played in Kutno, Poland
Latin America Regional
played July 16-20 in Maunabo, Puerto Rico
ASOFEM LL, Maunabo, Puerto Rico, advances to the LLSBWS
Host/Oregon District 4 (July 21-28)
played at Alpenrose Stadium, Portland, Oregon
Friday, July 11, 2008
A Night of USA Softball in Portland
It has been a busy week with Little League tournaments starting and my son finishing up his regular season of baseball (and vying for the league championship on Tuesday night!) and blogging for "(just another) Little League Mom" and for "SunCreek Little League." But Tuesday night my dad and I joined hundreds of other dads and daughters, and moms, too, at soldout Erv Lind Stadium in NE Portland to cheer on and admire the USA Softball team on its Bound for Beijing pre-Olympic tour.
I was able to take some photos from our seats at the game, but they didn't come out great. Hope you enjoy them. Oh, Team USA beat the Portland All-Stars, 19-0.
I was able to take some photos from our seats at the game, but they didn't come out great. Hope you enjoy them. Oh, Team USA beat the Portland All-Stars, 19-0.
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