WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Mike Matheny took a moment to look around the Lamade Stadium bleachers and was transported back in time.
The sights reminded him of his childhood when the Cardinals manager idolized big leaguers just like the hundreds of Little Leaguers stretched out before him Sunday in seats beside their major league counterparts do. Hours later, St. Louis and Pittsburgh played in the Little League Classic just a few miles away.
“Our guys loved interacting with the kids,” Matheny said. “It was kind of a throwback to when our guys were Little League players.”
Matheny enjoyed watching the faces of the kids who’ve come from all regions of the world and the United States to chase a Little League World Series championship.