Cubs Win 3rd Annual Little League Classic in Williamsport

Anthony Rizzo with the Chicago Cubs in 2019.
Anthony Rizzo with the Chicago Cubs in 2019. Photo by Nicholas T Loverde/CSM/Shutterstock (10328946aa)

2017 was the first year MLB decided to combine the Little League World Series tournament with an MLB game. The Pirates played the Cardinals and it was such a big hit for both the little leaguers and the professional players, that it is now an annual event.

Hosted in the small town of Williamsport, in Central PA, the professional players arrive early to watch some of the Little League action and to hang out with the kids before taking the field for their own game. While it leaves the young ballplayers mesmerized to interact with real baseball players, the Cubs and Pirates enjoyed reminiscing about their childhood baseball days as well.

Anthony Rizzo homered off the scoreboard for the Cubs and had the ball given to one of the players on Japan’s Little League team. Javier Baez fist-bumped kids in the stands the whole game, while displaying his usual flashy defense. Jason Heyward and Nicholas Castellanos also homered for the “Cubbies” as was written on their jerseys. The Pirates wore jerseys with the words “The Burgh” written across their chests.

When all was said and done, the Cubs came away with a much-needed win, after having a terrible road trip. But even more important was the once a year reminder that whether you’re a 12-year-old from Indiana or a professional millionaire baseball player for the Chicago Cubs, everyone there has one thing in common: The love of the game.