Yankees soak in awestruck, Williamsport, Pa. — As anticipation for the Little League World Series reached its peak, the buzz around Bowman Field was electric. Fans from across the globe—Tokyo, Cuba, Sydney, and Staten Island—filled the stands, eagerly awaiting the clash between the Yankees and the Tigers. But before the major league action unfolded, the spotlight was on an equally captivating event: the New York Yankees’ visit to the Little League World Series complex.

The Yankees’ visit was a highlight of the day, offering a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement. Lamade Stadium, usually the stage for aspiring young baseball players, turned into a playground for some of the biggest names in the sport. The sight of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge navigating through the stands created a frenzy of excitement among the young players and their families.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. captured the moment on his camcorder, documenting the interactions and the vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, Yankees players such as Gleyber Torres, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza mingled with the Venezuelan teams, sharing their experiences and enjoying the camaraderie.

Pitching coach Matt Blake found himself in a special section of the stadium, surrounded by the team from his home state of New Hampshire. Relievers Clay Holmes and Jake Cousins also engaged with the international teams, including the squad from Tokyo. Holmes went the extra mile, using his phone as a translator to discuss his pitching techniques with the young players. The Japanese team was particularly interested in Holmes’ sinker and sweeper, highlighting their eagerness to learn from the pros.

For many of the young players, meeting a major league player was a dream come true. One standout moment occurred when a Little Leaguer approached Rookie of the Year candidate Luis Gil, inquiring about Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ shortstop closest in age to the kids before Jasson Dominguez joined the team. The excitement of getting an autograph from a player they admired was palpable.

Volpe reflected on the experience with genuine enthusiasm. “Just to be able to interact with so many fans and so many players and seeing their excitement to watch us—but I think a lot of guys are equally as excited to just be there and see the field and the whole experience,” he said. The brief visit was a meaningful trip down memory lane for many of the Yankees, who recalled their own Little League days with a sense of nostalgia.

Giancarlo Stanton, known for his imposing presence on the field, reminisced about his childhood. “Around eight [years old], I started trying to wear a big league hat of whatever team I was on,” Stanton said. “You start copying what the players do. I just couldn’t imagine, at that age, being able to hang out with big leaguers at the time.” The awe that the Little Leaguers felt when meeting players like Stanton and Judge was mutual, as they were amazed by the size and talent of the big leaguers.

The day started with a warm welcome at the airport, where teams from Venezuela and Nevada greeted the Yankees with enthusiastic cheers and autographs. The excitement continued as the Yankees boarded buses to the Little League complex. There, players from all 20 teams not actively participating in games had the opportunity to interact with the major leaguers, ask questions, and collect autographs.

Stanton noted the inquisitive nature of the young players. “They had loads of questions for us and just the curiosity of what this means for us, what it’s like playing in the big leagues, the steps that it takes,” he said. It was a chance for the Yankees to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of baseball players.

Volpe and Austin Wells added a playful touch to the day by sliding down the hill at Volunteer Stadium on a slab of cardboard, a tradition that delighted both the players and the fans. The team from Tokyo, enthusiastic and respectful, took a keen interest in Holmes’ pitching techniques, demonstrating their fascination with the game and its finer details.

As the day concluded, the focus shifted to the major league game between the Yankees and the Tigers. While the game itself was thrilling, the memories made during the visit to the Little League World Series were likely to linger long after the final score was settled. Manager Aaron Boone summed up the sentiment perfectly: “When I first walked out through the stands and got to see the field and the games going on, it’s like, ‘This is pretty awesome.’ Just a really special place.”

The Yankees’ visit to the Little League World Series was more than just an appearance; it was a heartwarming reminder of the joy and wonder that baseball brings to players of all ages. For the young athletes and their families, it was a day filled with inspiration, excitement, and the magic of the game.