Norristown Little Leaguers Head to Little League World Series

From Norristown Little League:

All eyes have been on Williamsport, Pa. this week as the Little League World Series heads into its final days. Well, at least the eyes and hearts of many young ball players as they cheer on their favorite teams competing for the 2012 Little League World Championship.

For some ball players from right here in Norristown, Williamsport got a lot closer than their living room TV, courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods. Thanks to Dick's, a group of players representing our own Norristown Little League [NLL] headed to Williamsport for an up-close and personal experience!

On Sunday, Aug. 19, a group of 21 players and their chaperones boarded buses and headed out for an adventure of a lifetime. The trip included a tour of the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, as well as some skills competitions. The highlight, of course, was cheering for fellow Little Leaguers in a great game between teams representing Tennessee and California. In fact, NLL’s own A.J. Gardiner, age 12, took the field before the game, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

The Little League program, nationally and here in Norristown, are as much about the sport and player development as about personal development of the individual. So in a perfect fit, Brian Jordan, retired Atlanta Braves baseball player, spoke to the NLL contingency about the importance of staying in school and out of trouble, as well as making good decisions.

When asked about his experience in Williamsport, NLL player Elijah Stoudemire responded, "Watching the game with my teammates was so much fun. We had fun the entire day together."

For more information about NLL, visit their website at www.norristownlittleleague.com.