- Welcome to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the home of Little League Baseball, and today the Challenger Exhibition game between Syracuse, New York, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

During the week here at Volunteer Stadium, 16 international games have been played, plus the home run derby.

But Tom Spelcher, this is going to be the most important and exciting game of the week.

- Oh, without a doubt, Ken.

You know there are very few guarantees in life, but one guarantee we have for you today is that after this game, you will have a big smile on your face, it is that special.

- We'll meet the teams when we come back to Volunteer Stadium.

- [Narrator] Funding for the Challenger Exhibition game has been made possible by Eggland's Best.

(upbeat orchestral music) (bat clinks) - [Narrator] Here the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd.

See their smiles as they cross home plate.

Eggland's Best knows these moments are some of the best times of your child's life.

Getting ready for the big game takes good nutrition.

Eggland's Best is a sponsor of Little League and the Challenger Game broadcast to support families in leading healthy lives, on and off the field.

More information at egglandsbest.com.

(cheerful music) (upbeat orchestral music) - [Coach] Let's have some fun today.

- [Coach] Win or lose always do your best.

(whistle blows) - [Coach] Good job.

- [Coach] Here we go, kid.

- [Coach] Let's do this girls, we got this.

- [Team] Pump it up.

Pump it up, pump it up.

(upbeat orchestral music) - Yeah!

- [Coach] Let's get the bats going.

Find yours, find yours.

(bat clinks) - [Coach] Get there, baby, get there, kid.

(children chanting indistinctly) - 1, 2, 3.

- [Team] Gordon.

- [Coach] Let's go, Gordon!

- [Coach] Come on, come on.

- [Team] 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, Little league.

- [Coach] All right, girls, let's go get 'em.

Come on.

- [Announcer] WVIA is proud to present, live from the home of the Little League World Series in historic Williamsport, Pennsylvania, the 2023 Challenger Division Exhibition Game, featuring Challenger of Lancaster County, Little League, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse Challenger Baseball from Syracuse, New York.

Now it's the 2023 Challenger Division Exhibition Game.

- [Ken] This is the 21st game in the Challenger Exhibition Division.

It started back in 2001 and as of today, Tom Spelcher, we will have the 16th state plus two Canadian provinces that have participated in this game, as New York joins.

Pennsylvania teams have been here 14 times, and we're ready to see some exciting baseball.

Tell us a little bit about the rules of the game.

- [Tom] Yeah, this is like a game you've never seen before, that's for sure.

Continuous batting order.

Everybody bats.

Everyone plays the field.

Now, players will have a buddy, somebody to assist them if necessary.

We're gonna play one inning.

There'll be a combination of coach pitch and hitting off the tee and the last batter, now this is something to see, Ken.

The last batter clears the bases, this is my favorite part.

It's awesome.

- [Ken] You know, one of the things about these two leagues, it is appropriate that they are here, because the Syracuse Challenger Baseball actually started in 1982, prior to the 1989 started the Challenger program.

The Challenger of Lancaster County Little Leagues started in 1989, Syracuse joining in.

So these two teams have been there since the beginning.

It's only right they should play here.

- [Tom] Oh, you better believe it, and it's an honor to play here.

About 30 to 40 Challenger programs every year applied to participate in this game.

And the growth of the Challenger program has been tremendous.

We have over a thousand leagues worldwide now, about 30,000 players.

- [Ken] Let's go to our public address announcer, Sean Carey, for the Challenger Medal Presentation.

(upbeat music) - [Sean] Welcome to Volunteer Stadium, and the 2023 Challenger Exhibition game, presented by Eggland's Best.

This year's teams, the Syracuse Challenger Baseball from Syracuse, New York.

(people cheering) And The Challenger of Lancaster County, Little League from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

(people cheering) - Lets go.

- [Sean] As we introduce the players and coaches of both teams, the medals will be presented by Steve Johnson, the chairman of Little League, International Board of Directors and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Alan Trammell.

(players applauding) First, let's introduce the players and coaches from Syracuse Challenger Baseball from Syracuse, New York.

(people cheering) Number 7, Rachel Sartori.

(people cheering) Number 5, Domenico Cambareri.

(people cheering) Number 8, Bradley Six.

(people cheering) Number 4, Kelly Meigs.

(people cheering) Number 21, Jaedin Feathers.

(people cheering) Number 2, Leah Marvin.

(people continue cheering) Number 13, Travis TJ Trudell, Jr. (people continue cheering) Number 1, Daniel Bayardi.

(people continue cheering) Number 6, Zachary Montondo.

(people continue cheering) Number 11, Jude Langstaff.

(people continue cheering) Number 12, Tyler Cicali.

(people continue cheering) Number 16, Finn O'Brien.

(people continue cheering) Number 15, Zachary Cotrell.

(people continue cheering) Number 3, Tyler Hodge.

(people continue cheering) Number 14, Connor Childress.

(people continue cheering) Number 10, Brittany Del Toro.

(people continue cheering) And number 9, Daniel Ireland.

(people continue cheering) And the Syracuse coaches Coach Dom, Dom Cambareri, coach Sam, Sam Cicali, and coach Nancy, Nancy Montondo.

Let's hear it for Syracuse Challenger Baseball from Syracuse, New York.

(people continue cheering) (indistinct chatter) And now the Challenger of Lancaster County Little League from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

(people continue cheering) Number 1, Dominick Barnhart.

(people continue cheering) Number 2, Logan Clohessy.

(people continue cheering) Number 3, Ryan Dew.

(people continue cheering) Number 4, Jordan Escobar.

(people continue cheering) Number 5, Julia Kylie.

(people continue cheering) Number 6, Liam Kutz.

(people continue cheering) Number 7, Rocky Lantz.

(people continue cheering) Number 9, Jack Link.

(people continue cheering) Number 11, Fallon Net.

(people continue cheering) Number 12, Javion Rodriguez.

(people continue cheering) - Trying get the (indistinct) umpires gonna be in my way.

I know.

- [Sean] Number 14, Caleb Showalter.

(people continue cheering) Number 15, Jason Southwick.

(people continue cheering) Number 17, Jack Sullivan.

(people continue cheering) Number 18, Rebekah Wenrich.

(people continue cheering) And number 19, Adam Wolf.

(people continue cheering) - [Speaker] Maybe not, they're gonna sing the anthem, I'm sure.

- [Sean] The coaches are Lance Hustler, Luke Senkowski, and Mike Lavreti, and the manager is Mike Tafelsky.

(people cheering) Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Challenger of Lancaster County Little League from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

(people cheering) And now let's bring out the umpires for today's game.

We thank the umpires for their tireless efforts, not just today, but for the entire season.

We thank you.

(people cheering) And now ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, we ask if you are able to please stand and remove your hats.

We call your attention to the microphone in front of the pitcher's mound.

For the pledges, first will be the Little League pledge.

It'll be recited by Lancaster County's Jack Sullivan.

- Excuse me.

- Yeah.

I trust in God, I love my country, and I will respect its laws.

I will pray, fail, and strive to win, but win or lose, I always do my best.

Have a good game.

(people cheering) Have a good game, everybody.

- Hey, killed it.

(indistinct) - [Sean] And now to give the coach and parent pledge from Lancaster County, Lance Hosler.

(people cheering) - I'll teach our children.

- I will teach our children.

- To play fair.

- To play fair.

- And do their best.

- And do their best.

- I will positively support.

- I will positively support.

- All managers.

- All managers.

- Coaches and players.

- Coaches and players.

- I will respect.

- I will respect.

- The decisions of the umpires.

- The decisions of the umpires.

- I will praise a good effort.

- I will praise a good effort.

- Despite the outcome.

- Despite the outcome.

- Of the game.

- Of the game.

- Let's go.

- God bless baseball.

(people cheering) - [Sean] Please remain standing as we honor our great nation with the national anthem performed by the manager of New York District eight, Little League Challenger division of Syracuse, New York, Dom Cambareri.

(people cheering) ♪ O say can you see by the dawn's early light ♪ ♪ What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming ♪ ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪ And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air ♪ ♪ Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there ♪ ♪ O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave ♪ ♪ O'er the land of the free ♪ And the home of the brave (people cheering) Dom Cambareri.

- [Ken] We'd like to thank the following networks and affiliates for carrying this 2023 Little League Challenger Exhibition game.

Thank you all for being a part of a special moment throughout Pennsylvania and throughout the whole entire world of Little League baseball and softball.

What a great rendition by the national anthem.

- [Tom] Oh, you know, I was joking yesterday we were saying how long his rendition would be, and I guessed 2:35.

I don't know how close I was.

- [Ken] Let's take a look at the starting lineups for these ball clubs today.

New York, of course, will be the visiting team, and they'll start out with Rachel Sartori, Domenico Cambareri, Bradley Six.

It'll be Kelly Meigs, followed by Jaedin Feathers.

They'll bring in Leah, Marvin, TJ Trudell, he prefers, Daniel Bayardi, Zachary Motondo, Jude Langstaff, Tyler Cicali, Finn O'Brien, Zach Cotrell.

It'll be Tyler Hodge and Connor Childress.

That's the starting line-up for Syracuse Challenger Baseball.

(indistinct chatter and upbeat music) And the coaches of the team, they like to call it this Coach Dom, Coach Sam, and Coach Nancy is the way they prefer it.

- [Tom] Well, that's what's on their uniforms, Ken.

- [Ken] That's right.

Nancy.

Okay, let's talk about Lancaster County.

Dominick Barnhart, Logan Clohessy, Ryan Duh, Jordan Escobar, Julia Kiley, Liam Kutz, Rocky Lantz, Jack Link, Fallon Nett, Javion Rodriguez, Caleb Showalter, Jason Southwick.

It'll be Jack Sullivan, Rebekah Wenrich and Adam Wolf.

And those are the starters.

Mike Tafelsky, Lance Hosler, Luke Senkowski, and Mike Lavrety will be the coaches for this ball club.

As the ball club from Lancaster takes the field to get ready to start this game.

We know there's watch parties going on all around and people having a good time, getting ready to support their teams.

- [Tom] Oh you bet, Ken, and we have a great crowd.

One of the largest crowds I've seen here in the history of the Challenger game at Volunteer Stadium.

We should point out that these two teams had a big day yesterday, that's for sure.

They got to play a senior league Challenger game at the original league.

These two teams themselves had a practice game at the original league where the First World Series were played from 1947 through 1958.

And I know they enjoyed that.

They've had a lot of pin trading going on, a picnic yesterday at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

So they've been living it up while they've been here in Williamsport.

- [Ken] And they're gonna have another picnic coming up today.

And of course, as you saw, Alan Trammell, Hall of Famer presenting their medals to them, and you saw some of the excitement that these players have in those medal presentations.

- [Tom] Oh my gosh.

- [Ken] No question about that.

All right, leadoff batter, coming up for Syracuse Challenger baseball, Rachel Sartori, will stand in and get us started today.

As was mentioned, some of them will be pitched to, some will hit off a tee, some it'll be a combination of being ready to go.

- [Tom] (chuckles) Look at Rachel's waving to the crowd.

- [Ken] That's right, and that's what you do.

- [Tom] Yeah, you gotta take this moment in the sunshine, and enjoy it to its fullest.

Rachel, now she's a big hockey fan.

- [Ken] Really?

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] I noticed quite a few of the kids and you would expect that from Syracuse, New York.

- [Tom] Well, yeah.

They have a great American Hockey League affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch.

And a lot of these kids pointed out that they love going to those games.

- [Ken] Coach Dom will be tossing the ball to her and he's the one that sang the national anthem.

Rachel Set for that first pitch.

- [Tom] That's a good cut.

- [Ken] Another good cut.

You see Dom has a bunch of balls out there and everyone line out after that shortstop, and Rachel runs down the first base to be the first runner of the ball game.

- [Tom] Everybody's safe in a Challenger game, and Rachel gets down there.

It's nice that the World Series umpiring crew is all here taking turns, making the calls behind the plate and on the base bats.

- [Ken] This brings up Domenico Cambareri, and Domenico will come up, and of course the buddy system.

You know, I was interested that in the buddies.

Some of the buddies are fathers, some are mothers.

On the Syracuse team, we have some brothers and sisters involved, on the Lancaster team, we have some grandparents involved.

- [Tom] Yes, that's awesome to see.

It really makes the Challenger a family affair.

- [Ken] And Dominick getting up there, with his buddy to help, to be able to get this thing underway for the second batter for Syracuse.

- [Tom] Dominick's a big fan of pizza.

Good choice there, Dominick.

Swimming and listening to music.

- [Ken] Pizza seems to be the dominant food choice among these teams, although there are a few rare exceptions.

- [Tom] Yeah, there's somebody who put down their favorite food, everything.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) (people cheering) Here he goes.

- [Ken] And Dominick will stroll down the first base and get down there and brings up our next batter.

You know, it is the love that you see among the players, coaches, parents, players, is what makes this program special.

Back in 1997 when our sons were playing Little League Baseball, was coming up next is Bradley Six.

Bradley likes pizza also and he likes "Daniel Tiger" on PBS.

- [Tom] He also likes to read books.

- [Ken] Back in 1997, our local manager took the regular Little League team and he gets the first pitch.

- [Team] Whoa.

- [Ken] Good job.

Bradley heads on down to first base.

Took our local Little League team, instead of practice one day, they became buddies for the Challenger program, and ironically on that team was Sam Rank, who now heads up- - [Team] The Challenge- - [Ken] The Challenger program here at Little League Baseball and Softball.

- [Tom] Wow.

(people cheering) And he does a great job.

It's grown tremendously under Sam's leadership.

- [Ken] Kelly Meigs standing in now, or should say wheeling in, rolling in.

These young people, you can see the intensity.

- [Tom] Oh yeah.

- [Ken] Just as you do the other games that have been played at this stadium this past two weeks.

- [Tom] This is a tremendous honor to play on this field, and let's see, Kelly get a hit here.

She's very specific.

When asked about her favorite TV show, she said, "I really don't have one, but I have a favorite character.

That's the beast from Beauty and the Beast."

(people cheering) - [Ken] Oh, what a sharp hit the shortstop.

And you'll see that many of the defensive players will also charge the ball if possible.

- [Tom] That was Jordan Escobar, who made a nice grab out there at short.

(people cheering) - [Ken] Standing in next, Jaedin Feathers.

- [Tom] Now I hope after this game, he gets to go to Chuck E. Cheese, because that's what he likes to do.

- [Ken] He's also one of the younger ones we'll be seeing today at age seven.

And he's an Aaron Judge fan, we'll see if he can hit one like Aaron.

- [Tom] This division is four ages four to 18.

- [Ken] Dominick Cambareri has had experience.

(people cheering) - [Tom] All right.

- [Ken] That's a nice one back to the mound.

(chuckles) - [Tom] And we're gonna score our first run here too.

He's knocked in a run.

- [Ken] Yeah, coming in to score.

Rachel Sartori that's come in, and now also Domenico Cambareri in the score as well.

(people cheering) (cheering intensifies) The joy from the crowd.

- [Tom] Sometimes they'll slide into home plate.

- [Ken] Yes.

(chuckles) Well, I've noticed in past Challenger games, we've also seen some of the fielders almost escorting them in as well.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Liam Marvin stands up now.

I was kind of intrigued.

Her favorite baseball player is Tim Tebow.

- [Tom] Yes, yes.

Who made it to Triple A with the Mets.

- [Ken] But buddy helping adjust to make sure the positioning is right.

We had a pitching change for the ball.

Proud of Syracuse and so far we have not used any tees.

- [Tom] Oh, oh, nice.

- [Ken] First one down the third base side.

And Leah Marvin trots down.

(people cheering) - [Tom] Awesome.

- [Ken] TJ Trudell.

(Ken chuckles) You can't have fun.

You cannot have fun here at Little League with this Challenger teams.

They're so exciting.

They're so much on top of things and enjoying themselves.

- [Tom] And it's so special for the parents and other family members to see their deserving child get the spotlight.

- [Ken] TJ Trudell now comes up.

DJ likes "Dinosaur Train" and I've watched that with some of my grandchildren endlessly.

(Tom chuckles) - [Tom] He also likes to make his own YouTube videos.

- [Ken] Yes.

Trending, he's trending with that.

- [Tom] Probably.

(both laughing) - [Ken] Down low.

- [Tom] Chicken, fries, and soda are his three favorite foods.

- [Ken] Sounds like some other people I know.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Nice toss.

Got a good stroke.

Just trying to make that connection.

- [Tom] Keep trying, young man.

- TJ will work at it.

And turn to the buddy and say, hey, get the tee ready just in case.

- [Tom] Yep.

- And he says, oh look here, right here.

Look at the ball.

That's what you want to do, eyes on the ball.

How many coaches have told people that?

Can you imagine the patience and hard work it takes to run these programs and these are two huge programs.

- [Tom] Oh my goodness.

Yes.

I mean Syracuse, about 250 players.

(people cheering) Lancaster, 175.

And Lancaster also has four teams that play the senior Challenger division, which is for ages 15 and above.

- [Ken] We often see in Little League, parents are involved, while their children are involved, but with the Challenger program, and you can see everybody's trying to encourage TJ as TJ approaches the tee.

Oh, what a shot.

(people cheering) - [Tom] Yeah.

He got all that one down the third base line.

- [Ken] And TJ's got great speed going down to first.

- [Tom] (chuckles) He couldn't wait to get down.

- [Ken] No question about it.

(people continue cheering) - [Team] Oh.

- [Ken] As the runs keep coming.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Kelly Meigs comes in to score.

For this ball club out of Syracuse, you know, you had the opportunity to interview longtime Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim here at the World Series when he was here to watch the World Series several years ago, and he's been a big supporter of this Challenger program.

- [Tom] Oh yes he has, and I'm sure he's watching this one, that's for sure.

He really enjoyed his time here at the series that day.

That was several years ago.

He came as part of a Little League World Series weekend that a friend of his captured in an auction, I believe.

- [Ken] Yes, that was right.

I think it was the with, I wanna say with the Jimmy V. Daniel Bayardi slams one back through the middle and Daniel is on a roll down to first base, first left-handed batter we've seen in the game.

(people cheering) - [Tom] And I think Daniel's dog, Percy, will like that hit, that's for sure.

- [Ken] And sliding in Jaedin Feathers.

And Tracy Duh as the home plate umpire said, you're safe.

Max Scherzer to come up now.

(people continue cheering) It's amazing when you look at some of the things they like to do, and so many of them like to play other sports, the players here.

Here's Zachary Motondo.

- [Tom] Now he's a bowler two, as are some of these kids.

We have another pitching change.

I guess the pitch count rules are in effect here.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) Oh.

- [Ken] Oh, whoa, right back, off the pitcher's leg.

What a smash.

- [Tom] Oh man.

- [Ken] Motondo hits it right back.

Zachary and Ron First base.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) And the irony of that is that that's mom.

- [Tom] Yes.

Yes.

- [Ken] It was mom that got hit with the line drive and she goes over and gives him a big hug.

- [Tom] Well, she told us yesterday, she's been hit many times and she said that with a big smile on her face.

- [Announcer] Langstaff.

- [Ken] Jude Langstaff comes in now.

- Now Jude knows what he likes because asked about his favorite food, he just put pizza.

No question.

(Ken laughing) - [Ken] Likes to listen to music and collect music posters also.

- [Tom] That's very unique.

- [Ken] First pitch, coach Nancy.

Trying to find a groove, giving some coaching and that's all what this is about.

To bid to enjoy this exciting- - [Tom] Nice.

- [Ken] There's one right out in front.

Catcher can't get to it, neither can the pitcher and another run will score.

(people cheering) As TJ comes in to score.

- [Tom] The umpires have had to make some close calls this week, difficult calls, during the World Series action.

So they're probably reveling in this moment today.

Everybody's safe.

- [Ken] Tyler Cicali stands in now.

And Tyler, I was intrigued by this, favorite baseball player, Babe Ruth.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- [Ken] That didn't seem like to be in the same age group, you might say.

- [Tom] No, no.

Ironically Babe Ruth played in Williamsport on a barnstorming tour many, many moons ago.

- [Ken] And now Tyler can say the same thing.

- [Tom] Yes, that's right.

- [Ken] Played Williamsport as well.

- [Tom] Yes.

Also likes "Curious George."

- [Ken] The man with a yellow hat with all that?

(Tom chuckles) Come on, Tyler.

- [Ken] Tyler is gonna get some help from the buddy, steps in.

Adjust the bat just a touch.

It's like we've said- - [Tom] Oh, nice.

- [Ken] What a nice ground ball down a third base.

Gonna go all the way in and the circling of the bases will continue.

Tyler likes to fish too.

- [Tom] There's a couple kids that do the mentioned that.

- [Ken] That's a great place to fish, of course, so are a lot of great fishing in New York state as well.

Look at the joy.

- [Tom] Oh my goodness.

- [Ken] Look at that joy.

- [Tom] That is awesome.

- [Ken] There we see some of the Little League teams who are joining us.

You'll see him up in the stands.

- [Ken] Yep.

- [Tom] Along the third base side.

Finn O'Brien now.

(people cheering) Ben's a lanky young man.

- [Tom] Sure is.

(people cheering) He loves chicken parm.

- [Ken] Good choice.

And basketball, has the height for it.

- [Tom] Yes, he does.

- [Ken] There's this opportunity here.

It's great that they... Oh my.

This is one that's not gonna come down.

There he is.

That's the first real big fly ball we've seen of the game.

Finn O'Brien chalks it up.

- [Tom] Good job, Finn.

(people continue cheering) - [Ken] We're moving through the Syracuse batting order very quickly here.

These folks have put together a program that's envious.

If you're thinking about starting Challenger in your area, these two places, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Syracuse New York, are both good places to start.

And of course you can contact littleleague.org and they'll be happy to help you with it too.

Zachary Cotrell now stands in, another right-handed batter.

- [Tom] It's fair to say that these two programs are model Challenger programs.

Another Babe Ruth fan, Ken.

Oh.

(people cheering) - [Ken] Yeah, well, here's one in the out.

Finn it's gonna roll almost to the fence.

- [Tom] Wow.

Speaking of Babe Ruth.

- [Ken] That's about 150 feet, line drive to third base for Zachary Cotrell.

Zach likes to put the power into it.

My goodness.

Man.

- [Tom] He probably had some of his favorite mac and cheese this morning to go that energy to knock it into left field.

- [Ken] The pitchers you're seeing as they come off toward the third base dugout after scoring are priceless.

All right, now Tyler Hodge stands in.

That's from the left side, has his own special helmet, which is all a part of the Challenger division.

Make things so people can enjoy it.

- [Tom] Yes, yes.

Everybody plays.

- [Ken] Don't worry about so much.

You know dotting the I and crossing the T and look about having fun.

- [Tom] Tyler loves all Syracuse teams as well as the Mets.

- [Ken] All right.

And Tyler hits it down the first base side, bounces right over the back, nice catch down there.

And first base making a nice catch down there.

I think that's Adam Wolf.

- [Tom] It is.

- [Ken] Adam Wolf made a nice catch.

He's gonna make the tag anyway.

(Ken and Tom laughing) And now we come to the last batter for Syracuse, Connor Childress.

Connor Childress coming up.

- [Tom] And Connor will have the opportunity to clear the bases, I love it.

Any sports Mascot is his favorite baseball player.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) We had lots of mascots here last week when the Phillies and nationals were in town.

- [Ken] Likes and the presidents were here too.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Key lime yogurt, his favorite food.

(Tom chuckles) That's different.

Right hand hitter.

- [Tom] Nice job.

- [Ken] And there's a nice chopper back to short stop.

We're gonna clear the bases this time.

Touch 'em all as they say.

- [Tom] He's getting high fives as he goes around the base bats.

That's wonderful.

- [Ken] And all the team from Syracuse will come out (people cheering) and enjoy coming down the line.

(people continue cheering) - [Tom] Just listen to that crowd.

- [Ken] Enjoying it, cheering them on positive feedback.

And that's what we're looking for.

You can see the nice crowd up here at Volunteer Stadium.

Many of them standing to salute Syracuse.

(people continue cheering) - [Tom] Excellent job.

Excellent.

And some good fielding too by Lancaster.

(people continue cheering) - [Ken] Ladies and gentlemen, you're watching the 2023 Challenger Exhibition game from the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

And right now, we want to go to PA announcer Sean Carey, because we're looking for a special check presentation that was made earlier today.

- [Sean] As the official egg of Little League, Eggland's Best is proud to help fuel Little Leaguers to be their best on and off the field.

Eggland's Best is committed to supporting the Little League Challenger division through a grant program, which helps support the operation of local Challenger leagues.

Joining us to celebrate all participants in today's game is Little League President and CEO, Mr. Steve D. Keener, chairman of the Little League International Board of Directors, Steve Johnson, and Eggland's best president and CEO, Kurt Michalik.

Mr. Michalik is here today to present each league participating in this Challenger Division Exhibition Game with a $5,000 donation, courtesy of Eggland's Best to help offset travel costs and be used for future league activities.

Thank you to Eggland's best for your support and good luck to all players in today's game.

- [Ken] Ken Saywer and Todd Spelcher, as the teams are changing over and we get for Lancaster County, little League Challenger of Lancaster County to come up.

They're the host team this year.

And as Tom mentioned earlier, they have about 175 players and in 2016, they added a senior Challenger division.

So that's why, as Todd mentioned earlier, they had that senior Challenger game yesterday at the original field.

These two teams have bonded.

When they knew they were coming here, they were able to get here and save the day, you might say, by adding things to their schedule.

And they just thoroughly enjoyed every moment that they've been in Williamsport, and this is the highlight of it.

This is the peak of the day for them.

- [Tom] And they've been showcasing their various activities via social media.

It's been wonderful to see, and I know that was a special treat yesterday, playing at the original league field and also having a practice game in the pinch rating.

(people cheering) - [Ken] Dominick Barnhart's all set to get started here.

There you see some of the young people from Mexico sitting in the stands.

Dominick Barnhart, the lead off batter.

It's nice to see some of the teams coming in.

Dominick, another one of our fishermen.

- [Tom] Also likes Italian hoagies.

- [Ken] (chuckles) Have to make that distinction.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- [Ken] Mike Tafelsky throwing the pitches for this ball club from Lancaster County.

- [Tom] You don't see this very much anymore.

It's great.

Building model cars is another one of his hobbies.

- [Ken] Oh yes.

- [Tom] I mean, that was big when I was a kid.

- [Ken] Dominick Barnhart.

What century was that?

- [Tom] Yeah.

Really.

(people cheering) - [Ken] Pokes it down the first base side and Dominick's gonna head on down the first base.

- [Tom] Good job, young man.

- [Ken] Yes, indeed.

So Dominick gets us started here in the bottom of the inning.

We're playing one inning today and having a lot of fun doing it.

Logan Clohessy stands in now.

Now Logan were told as a switch hitter, he can band either right or left.

Let's see what he decides to do today.

- [Tom] Oh, that's a rarity here at the Challenger game.

Well, you got it right on the mound, let's see.

- [Ken] Besides the bat, right.

- [Tom] This young man likes to blow bubbles and swim for hours.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) - [Ken] Pops it up in the foul territory.

Hey, umpire almost had that one on the foul ball.

- [Tom] He's getting some good wax at it, that's for sure.

- [Ken] Yes he is.

- [Tom] Oh right.

- [Ken] Oh, there's one up in the air.

Mike can't make the play, pitcher Mike cannot make the play, and we've got runners at first and second to start things for Challenger of Lancaster County Little League.

Ryan Duh coming up next.

Ryan strolls to the plate from that first base dugout, and it is quite a stroll here at Volunteer Stadium.

- [Tom] It is.

It is.

And I think that's very appropriate.

The more time they have in the limelight, the better.

I think they should have walkup music too.

- [Ken] I was just thinking that.

- [Tom] Yeah.

We'll talk to Sam Rank about that for next year.

- [Ken] They have to work it out with Sean Carey, Ryan Charles Duh.

His favorite baseball player's anyone on the Phillies, should have been here last Sunday.

- [Tom] Yes.

Oh.

Nice job.

- [Ken] There's a nice one-handed hit.

That's amazing.

Using one hand to dull that hit that bat.

- [Tom] Yep, he loves roller coasters, but I bet that hit means more to him right now is more fun than going on a coaster.

- [Ken] Absolutely.

Here comes Jordan Escobar, who's only six years old.

- [Tom] Wow.

Look at him.

He's ready for action too, you can tell.

- [Ken] You'll see the age ranges here quite wide.

And that's simply because trying to help people who have special challenges in their lives and put 'em all together and learn from each other.

He pokes one up in the Air.

- [Tom] Jordan's favorite baseball player, he says, "My pop pop."

(Ken chuckles) - [Ken] Jordan really going after it.

- [Tom] He like also likes "Arthur."

And that has to be one of my all time favorite public television shows.

- [Ken] Of course, you're an author of children's books.

Do you have any ideas inspired by this game?

- [Tom] Oh, of course, Ken.

Always ideas.

- [Ken] Yep.

- [Tom] Yep.

We'll have another book coming out in late September actually.

(people cheering) - [Ken] All right, we're gonna have Jordan hit off the tee now.

Get them lined up, and this is what buddies and coaches are all about.

It's to help.

There you go.

- [Tom] Good job.

- [Ken] There's a good one.

Down that first base side.

Brings in the first of the runners for Lancaster County.

Both teams have, I think 15- - [Tom] Yep.

- [Ken] Players under their lineup.

And you know, as we bring our next batter up, and this is Julia Kiley.

- [Announcer] Number five- - [Ken] Challenger division was a forerunner 'cause this year in the Little League tournament play, continuous batting order has been used for the first time.

- [Tom] Yeah, you're right.

- [Ken] And Challenger's been doing that forever.

- [Tom] Yeah, see the Challenger was ahead of the game.

- [Ken] Absolutely.

They showed the the rest of Little League the light.

- [Tom] Now Julia like vanilla yogurt.

(Ken chuckles) - [Ken] Nice little poke right down that first base side.

- [Tom] Good job.

Look at her run down there.

- [Ken] Yes indeed.

(Tom chuckles) Coming over and picking the ball up, more of the challenges from Syracuse to keep the ball.

Look at the joy on that face right there.

- [Tom] Oh man.

- [Ken] Here's Liam Kutz coming in now.

Daniel Liam Kutz Jr., to be precise.

- [Tom] You cannot buy that happiness.

That is just beautiful.

- [Ken] And I think his educational for some folks.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Because other than baseball, what does Daniel, what does Liam like to do?

Go swimming, go fishing, go hiking.

And you say he's in a wheelchair.

- [Tom] Yeah.

- [Ken] And he hit the first pitch foul.

- [Tom] Yep.

- [Ken] And he's gonna run on down.

- [Tom] That's cool.

He is a real outdoorsman.

- [Ken] Yes, indeed.

Gonna drop that.

Doesn't want to give that bat up, but hey, I think Liam wanted to do a bat flip.

(Tom and Ken laughing) Toss that bat and get it going.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Lancaster County is a heart of a lot of things in Pennsylvania.

Rocky Lantz is coming up next.

Well, this has got to be... His favorite Food is one of many, many people I know.

Bananas and peanut butter.

- [Tom] And we have a player, I forget on what American team it is, who tries to eat that before every game, his mom told me.

- [Ken] There are a lot of superstitions.

- [Tom] Oh.

- [Ken] Among people in sports.

(people cheering) And look at him firing a crowd.

- [Tom] Oh yeah.

I love it.

- [Ken] Rocky's going for it.

- [Tom] I expect him to point.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) - [Ken] Indeed, Derek Jeter's his favorite.

Rocky's just under it.

Mike Tafelsky's going to try to adjust that pitch and they're gonna work on his stance a little bit with his buddy.

- [Tom] He's a big country music fan.

- [Ken] Got a nip on that one.

- [Tom] Yes he did.

- [Ken] Bow tip.

We've got our catchers back there, not protected with any gear.

They're light, they're lively folks.

- [Tom] They are.

- [Ken] Gotta be alert.

- [Tom] Yeah, he's ready to hit this one.

- [Ken] Pitcher Mike really encouraging him.

Okay, they're gonna bring the tee out.

- [Tom] I bet he's gonna blast it off the tee again.

(people cheering) (Ken chuckles) - [Ken] And a big roar goes up from this big crowd at Volunteer Stadium watching this 21st annual challenges.

The exhibition game.

Well look at it.

- [Tom] There you go.

- [Ken] Right back to the mound.

It would be a tough play in any case.

- [Tom] Awesome.

- [Ken] As runners traverse the bases.

And Rocky's... - [Tom] Rocky really flew down the base.

- [Ken] Rocky's gonna go over and do high fives with all the umpires over there.

Here comes Jack Link coming in.

(people continue cheering) Jack, this is something I can relate to for some of our grandchildren who have done this, likes to make slime.

- [Tom] That is funny.

- [Ken] Have you ever made slime?

- [Tom] I don't believe so.

Played with mud a lot, but not make slime.

- [Ken] Oh I tell ya, it does wonders for your kitchen.

- [Tom] (chuckles) I'm sure it does.

Hey, I love this, Jack is still wearing his medal.

- [Ken] Yes.

- [Tom] Might as well.

- [Ken] Not gonna give it up.

Another pizza fan.

Oh, it's our first pitch right now, the third base line.

Tough challenge for the third baseman, and another run scores.

- [Tom] Beautiful.

And Mike Tafelsky, the manager of Lancaster, is very animated on the mound, nice to see.

Now he got involved in the year 2002 with his daughter Elizabeth.

That's when he got involved with Challenger.

Elizabeth passed away in 2020, but he's remained very committed to this program, which speaks volumes about him and all the volunteers that are out here today.

- [Ken] Plus he had us planned trip this weekend.

- [Tom] He has, he did.

- [Ken] A very important trip for him.

But he gave up because this is more important and that's the difference- - [Tom] Yep.

- [Ken] Sometimes you see with Challenger folks, their dedication.

Fallon Nett is the batter.

Fallon's a big french fry person.

- [Tom] Oh, I love this.

He loves watching the "Local on the Eighths" on the weather channel.

(people cheering) - [Ken] Yes.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) I'm sure he is gonna talk to them about it because they don't do it as often as they used to.

- [Tom] Yeah.

Yes.

- [Ken] Another run wheels in.

So Fallon Nett goes to first base.

- [Tom] Here, you're talking about Coach Mike.

He was supposed to be in Ireland, I believe, for the Notre Dame game today.

- [Ken] Yes, yeah.

Notre Dame Navy game.

Javion Rodriguez coming up.

- [Announcer] Javion Rodriguez.

- [Ken] That sounds appropriate because Javion Rodriguez is the name that's been called, the Rodriguez name has been called in this ballpark, 'cause all the international teams that played here, they've played 16 games here over the last week plus.

And with teams from all around the world, and that name Rodriguez has come up quite frequently.

- [Tom] I love the stroll to home plate, the confidence stroll.

- [Ken] Bryce Harper is his favorite baseball player.

- [Tom] Now this is the young man whose favorite food is everything.

- [Ken] That's it.

- [Tom] And eating is one of his favorite activities.

- [Ken] And I also like that his favorite activity other than baseball is spending time with family.

- [Tom] Yes.

That's so nice.

In today's age.

Right-handed batter.

- [Tom] All right.

He's sticking in there.

- [Ken] The pitchers for both these teams, really working hard.

Oh, look at that one.

Stroked out behind the mound towards second base.

What a hit.

Rocky comes in to score.

Can see his enthusiasm as he comes up.

(people continue cheering) Caleb Showalter's coming up next.

- [Tom] Another "Curious George" fan.

Pretzel sticks, I love how specific some of these kids get.

- [Ken] Yes.

Well, I as a grandfather, I can tell you that that's normal.

That's what they do.

Yes.

I don't like that brand.

I want that brand.

(Tom and Ken chuckle) No, don't cook it in the microwave, cook it in the oven.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] That type of thing.

Caleb Showalter, that's right.

Loves to ride his bike.

- [Tom] Also loves to play Mario Kart.

- [Ken] Batting on the right hand side.

A stately figure up there.

- [Tom] He is.

- Mike Tafelsky, tossing that ball right in there.

Here we go.

Keeps putting it through.

You gotta get...

The pitcher has a lot to do with this because, you're the pitcher's adjusting to the batter.

Trying to make them hit it as opposed to preventing them from making the hit.

- [Tom] Exactly.

And all the pitchers have been doing a great job today, that's for sure.

- [Ken] They sure have.

- [Tom] Caleb's gonna have the tee right now.

I picture some of these kids are gonna sleep in their uniforms tonight, Ken.

- [Ken] Oh, I think so.

All right, there's a good one, down that first base side by Caleb, and his first base coach is there to take care of it.

Lance Osler.

(people cheering) - [Tom] See that home plate?

(Ken chuckles) - [Ken] We're in down to the bottom of the order here.

Jason Southwick is the next new batter.

- [Announcer] Bat is (indistinct) number 13, Jason Southwick.

- [Ken] Three more batters after Jason.

(people cheering) Sometimes I'd like to see the coaches get a chance to bat.

- [Tom] Yeah, that'd be interesting.

- [Ken] Just to change things up a little bit.

Oh, look at that wave to the crowd.

- [Tom] Yeah.

Awesome.

Play to the crowd, young man.

- [Ken] That's right.

- [Tom] He loves family vacations, family bike rides and time with friends.

- [Ken] And the crowd you're seeing is certainly enthusiastic today, here at Volunteer Stadium at the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport.

The Challenger exhibition game... Oh my, what a poke.

It's gotta go way to the outfield.

(people cheering) Jason Southwick with a hard hit ball to the outfield.

Woo.

- [Tom] Woo.

He'll remember that the rest of his life.

What a hit here at Volunteer Stadium.

- [Announcer] 13, number 17.

- [Ken] Jack Sullivan's coming up now.

- [Tom] He's still playing to the crowd, Ken.

That's great.

(Ken and Tom chuckle) - [Ken] Yeah.

Enjoy.

Oh, - [Tom] Oh.

- [Ken] Dugout's here.

Dugout.

- [Tom] Dugout.

- [Ken] Hey, how you doing?

Dugout's in the booth with us.

- [Tom] The best mascot in all sports.

- [Ken] Absolutely.

And here to support the Challengers, Jack Sullivan.

Dugout wants to be a part of the broadcast.

Grabs the microphone.

Ready to go.

- [Tom] Oh man.

- [Ken] Jack's gonna bat left hand and you could see, just missed that one from the center-field camera.

- [Tom] I wanna see Dugout get out there and help you out.

- [Ken] Yeah, Dugout.

Are you gonna hit Dugout?

Dugout wants to hit.

All right.

Dugouts in the back cleanup.

Oh look, there's a nice poke down the third base side, going for it.

Thank you Dugout.

Appreciate it.

Oh, falling right on top of the plate, and that was planned, man.

That was planned.

- [Tom] Oh yeah.

- [Ken] Javion Rodriguez says, I'm sliding head first.

- [Tom] I don't care.

I'm going in, baby.

- [Ken] Yeah.

Javion, look at that face going back.

Like that smile, firing the crowd up.

- [Tom] Oh man.

- [Ken] Rebekah Wenrich stands in now.

Now here's an unusual food, meatloaf.

- [Tom] Yeah, well, hey, young lady knows what she wants.

- [Ken] And she too has picked up on the tradition of playing to the crowd here at Volunteer Stadium.

(crowd chanting) She'll bat left.

- [Tom] One of her favorite activities is going to see the Philly Union play.

- [Ken] Oh, soccer fan.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] It's hard to say first pitch was a called strike, but I can't say.

- [Tom] She's got a big smile on her face.

- [Ken] Oh yes.

Likes the ones up high, as you can tell, Mike done a great job trying to get it right there, where she can hit it.

- [Tom] Asked who her favorite baseball player is.

- [Ken] There you go.

- [Tom] Good job young lady.

She put down whoever wears number eight is her favorite baseball player.

(Ken and Tom chuckling) (people continue cheering) - [Ken] Oh my.

Dugout out helping to umpire now.

After leaving the broadcast, (indistinct) dugout, broadcast, umpires, whatever.

- [Tom] Does everything.

- [Ken] And gives a big high five to Caleb Showalter hitting toward the Dugout.

- [Announcer] 15.

- [Ken] And our last batter for Lancaster, Adam Wolf.

Adam will be rolling up to the plate.

I might mention that the buddies do have to work here.

This field is slanted because of rain.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Into foul territory, and you don't realize it until you go to push a wheelchair up or something along that line.

Oh, he gets out of the wheelchair.

All right.

- [Tom] Oh, he's got a stuffed buddy with him at the plate.

- [Ken] Yeah.

- [Tom] Yes.

Play to the crowd.

He's got the buddy in one hand, the bat in the other.

Loves mac and cheese and making people laugh.

- [Ken] And wants to clear the bases.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] And hit a swing like that too.

And there's a hard ground ball backed up the middle.

Adam drops on his wheelchair and starts wheeling himself down.

The Southwick will score.

Sullivan comes in.

- [Tom] They're all coming in.

- [Ken] And gonna keep on rolling.

And these teams have a great tradition.

Once the last batters are around, not only do they shake hands in traditional Little League manner.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] But they also get around them out and do a cheer together.

- [Tom] Right.

- [Ken] So- - [Tom] We have to keep that in mind here as they, 'cause we wanna allow time for everyone at home to see that cheer.

(people cheering) - [Ken] So with a Little league Challenger game, as you see the runners coming in and oh, there's another one under the plate as Wolf dives in and gets hands from everybody?

The Syracuse team coach Dom out there supporting and looking at him going back to the Dugout.

Oh man.

As you see the massive crowd here at Volunteer Stadium supporting it.

And now the two teams with Little League Tradition will line up.

They will line up and get themselves ready to go to exchange their greetings with each other.

High five shake hands, fist bumps, whatever's necessary as this 21st Little League Challenger game is coming down to the end of our broadcast today.

- [Tom] Yes, and... (people cheering) these teams have created a memory that will last a lifetime.

Not only for them, but for anybody who sees this game.

Ken, I know it's the first Challenger game that you've broadcast.

And I have to say, I think you enjoyed it almost as much as calling the championship ball game.

- [Ken] Absolutely.

It's remarkable when you're this close to it first.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Because now, you get a chance to see all the expressions.

You get a chance, not only to see the player's expressions, but the buddies, the coaches, the intensity, and look at the joy that was brought to the crowd today.

- [Tom] Oh, and it's such a community atmosphere.

- [Ken] Yes.

- [Tom] The Challenger, and the volunteers, like you said, the family members, the parents, it's just such a special, special occasion to play here at Volunteer Stadium.

But we have to remember they do this year round without any TV cameras around.

- [Ken] That's right.

And they do it sometimes for one or two innings.

- [Tom] Yes.

- [Ken] Sometimes, it's multiple innings.

It's not that.

And sometimes you do see the defensive people make plays.

It is not worried about out or safe, but they make the play to be part of learning, and it's also good for the body to be able to react, to learn those motions and things that are going on, as you're seeing the handshakes with the umpires, players, and coaches.

And then we will have a chance to see them gather around the mound and do what is necessary to do.

- [Tom] And we also have the Panama team coming down to hopefully greet these players.

That's nice to see the Panama, one of many teams here.

Mexico also coming out onto the field right now to get these players from Lancaster and Syracuse, some high fives.

- [Ken] And I see some of the Czech Republic players coming out as well.

Yeah, that's one of the things about the Little League World Series, 20 teams plus the two Challenger teams.

It's just remarkable how the world comes together in the world meets in Williams sport.

- [Ken] You know, I deal with a lot of the parents throughout the week for our radio coverage of the series, and they always tell me their kids' favorite activity here is meeting other kids from across the United States, and of course across the world.

- [Ken] There's a language barrier, not really- - [Tom] Nope.

- [Ken] The kids overcome it quicker than the parents do.

So it's just a magnificent thing.

And today, go ahead.

- [Tom] I think if you're inspired by what you saw today and wanna start your own Challenger program in your community, go to littleleague.org.

- [Ken] For Tom Spelcher, I'm Ken Sawyer.

We hope you've enjoyed this outstanding Little League Challenger exhibition game from Williamsport.

Thanks for being with us today.

I hope you'll have a Challenger program in your neighborhood soon.

Maybe we'll see you here soon.

- [Announcer] Funding for the Challenger exhibition game has been made possible by Eggland's Best.

(bat clinks) - [Narrator] Hear the crack of the bat and the cheers of the crowd.

See their smiles as they cross home plate.

Eggland's Best knows these moments are some of the best times of your child's life.

Getting ready for the big game takes good nutrition.

As a sponsor of Little League, Eggland's Best aims to inspire families to lead healthy lives on and off the field.

More information at egglandsbest.com.

- [Coach] Let's have some fun today.

Win or lose, always do your best.

(whistle blows) - [Coach] Good job.

- [Coach] Here we go, kids.

- [Coach] Let's do this.

Girls, we got this.

- [Team] Pump it up, pump it up, pump it up.

- Yeah.

- [Coach] Let's get bats going.

Find yours, find yours.

- [Coach] Get there, baby.

Get there, kids.

(children chanting indistinctly) - 1, 2, 3.

- [Team] Gordon!

- [Coach] Let's go, Gordon!

- [Coach] Come, come on.

- [Team] 2, 3.

1, 2, 3, Lily.

- [Coach] All right, girls, let's go get 'em.

Come on.

(upbeat rock music)