Little League World Series and a Train Engineer

Being from Philly I have to root for the Philly team. The first time ever a Philly team ever reached the little league World Series. 

Yes that perked my ears up when he said locomotive engineer.

I too enjoy watching the kids play. I did plenty of coaching as well thru the years as my oldest started playing baseball when he was 4-1/2 years old. Coached both boys at the same time for a few seasons. Then, when my oldest turned 10 he started playing travel ball. He would play from Feb to Nov... talk about no time for trains! They did make State Champs at 14. Fun times and some of the best I had with my kids, all of them. The LLWS brings back those memories for sure.

 

I think they said the Chicago coach worked for Union Pacific, but I don't recall in what capacity.

 

Batter up!

 

ARNO

 

 

David:

 

It has been fun to watch the Philly team as well. They have been getting a good deal of notoriety because of their young lady who is sensational.

 

Arno, my guess when I heard that Mr. Butler was a train engineer was UP, BNSF, or Metra that all have a big presence in the Chicago area. I'm sure we could share many happy stories about our boys and State Baseball Championships. Baseball and trains build character.

Brian:

Inasmuch as "our Braves" have suddenly remembered how to play baseball, I've had to keep jumping back and forth between their games and the LLWS. 

All three of our boys played Little League and eventually Dizzy Dean, American Legion and/or travel baseball so, like you, the LLWS is something I look forward to each August.

I had not heard the Chicago coach was a railroader but, will note that Pearland, Texas is an old Santa Fe town.

Curt

Brian, thanks for posting that update about the Chicago coach. Great series even though they beat our home state team from Cumberland. The Cumberland coach gave one of the most passion filled speeches,that I have ever heard, to his team after they lost. Those kids will never forget that.

Brain, great information on the Train Engineer from Chicago.  As

native's of Rhode Island it was of great interest to me following

the Little League Team from Cumberland, Rhode Island. 

 

They had a great run before their loss to a good team from

Texas.  I will now cheer on the team from Chicago, with a Train

Engineer as Coach they are a team to root and cheer for.

 

Many Thanks,

 

Billy C 

Curt:

 

We have the MLB package just so we can watch the Braves. Like you, this week has been tough as I had to jump back and forth.

Chicago, UP, train engineer as coach, and Little League, what's not to like?

 

Art

Art, I knew you would agree!!!!

Chicago is playing now. 6 to 1 over Texas in the last inning.

 

Great story.  I will pull for them too.

During the Chicago game last evening, it was confirmed that Mr. Butler works for the Union Pacific Railroad. Chicago won the game.

As you would expect the team is getting a lot of publicity here in Chicago.

 

Art

My wife's Father was from Anna, Ill. and her Mother from Scranton, then Nanticoke, Penna., so I don't know who to root for, but on her Mother's side of the family was a cousin who was a P.RR. Engineer.

Ralph

Hi Brian,

 

I coached Little League for many years. One year we won the NY State Championship and went on to the regionals in Bristol Connecticut, where we were eliminated. It was a lot of fun.

 

I also watch the LL World Series every year with much appreciation for what it takes for a U.S. team to get there!

LLWS.Pure unadulterated baseball.I,personally,watch nothing else while this is on and I look forward to it every year."When baseball was a game".Ya gotta luv it.

I was impressed by the young female pitcher who now has made it on the cover of

Sports Illustrated! I was a little leaguer many years ago and am enjoying watching my grandsons playing organized baseball now. Baseball and trains, great combo!

Brian,

I have been following the series also. I love baseball at this level because it is played purely for the love of the game! I have been really moved by things I've seen and heard. Right before that coach gave his speech to the team that Chicago had beat by a run I saw a character building moment that defined the spirit of this whole event

  The Jackie R. player had just hit a three run homer in the second or third inning. As he rounded third with a huge smile he gave his team a fist pump.

When he returned to the dugout his coach congratulated his player then told him to immediately go to the other coach and apologize for showboating!

The player went over to the other teams dugout and apologized to the coach who told him "you just hit a home run in the world series... that's a good reason to celebrate" or something to that effect and sent him back with a smile!! These coaches and managers are all exceptional men and role models for their players!

 

 

That's a great story, Rich.  They're building good young men in addition to good ball players.

 

Art

I started this thread because I was really impressed that the Chicago LL Manager was a railroad engineer. One might say, so what's the big deal. I think the big deal is what we learn in the course of our professional careers spills over do other aspects of our lives. A railroad engineer has a lot of responsibility when they climb into their locomotive cab and take the controls.

 

In this case, Engineer Butler has chosen to help kids, who by participating in this LL baseball program, has added much to their lives. Anyone who has ever coached kids at this level knows just how much work is involved. I watched the story unfold that Forum member RD relates to and it shows what a class act Managers Butler and Belisle really are. For Manager Butler to be a railroad engineer, it should make this remarkable story even more special to all of us.

I have had 3 of my sons in Little league at one time. Last year my sons team came in second in our State championship. The team that won went on to the Little League World Series where they survived for 3 weeks, beat out by New Mexico.

 

this year my godson is IN IT !! His Dad is one of the coaches!! I sure am following and really like Little League

 

AND

 

We are all TRAIN lovers!!! It seems to go hand in hand!!

I have easily watched more LLWS than MLB this year.  Last year my wife and I went the semi finals at Williamsport.  I was planning on going again this year but my back is out.

One thing they don't talk about on TV is tickets and getting into the game.  Last year a team from Boston was there and the hill was a tight, standing room only crowd.

If you don't know it's all free.  No advance sales, no scalpers, each person goes to the window and gets a ticket.  No tickets needed outside the stadium.  And... the field is gorgeous.  The kids are remarkable.  

With this year's team from Philly, the attendance has been huge.  The championship game will probably be easy to get into compared to those games.

Way to costly for our industry, but just think about how many folks of all ages could be reached with a TV ad for the LLWS. However, there may be a way for the manufacturers to capitalize on this event like a first class train display somewhere in Williamsport during this event.

 

The Union Pacific Railroad extended a track directly across the street form where the College World Series is played in Omaha and displayed the 844 during this event. If they can do this on a larger scale (excuse the pun), the O-Gauge manufacturers should be able to do this as well.

A great thread and a great point. Coach Butler has taught these kids hard work and commitment. Hopefully as they mature they will remember a hardworking professional and strive to emulate him.

The team won last nights game against Philly by one run!

What a great game.... They go on to face Vegas for the US championship on Saturday...(Vegas is the only team to beat JRW 13-2 in a slaughter.)

If they win that game it's on to the World Championship game against the

international champ.

How exciting !!  much better to watch than the majors..

They have been a lot of fun to watch.  Last night's game was a nail biter.

 

Art