Little League brings out the best in area kids

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

The Little League District 2 tournaments is nearly wrapped up, advancing one local team to the state tournament.

While I was unable to attend the championship game between the Gig Harbor American and National 9- and 10-year-old teams last weekend, there couldn’t have been a better ending to a fun-filled season of Little League competition.

The Gig Harbor Americans were crowned District 2 champions for the second year in a row. They beat the Gig Harbor Nationals 6-3 last Saturday and will head to Valley Ridge Park in Seatac this weekend for the state tournament.

Although the Nationals fell short, they gutted out a 10-9 victory over South Kitsap Southern and sought revenge against the Americans.

It’s a pretty cool sight when you see friends and family pack the stands of the Gig Harbor Little League Complex. I’ve noticed more fan turnout there than in most high school baseball games.

As much as I like covering high school sports and taking pictures, reporting on Little League baseball has a much different feeling. I enjoy watching the determination of each kid as they strive to play their best.

Little League attracts great camaraderie at such a young level. The kids show more emotion when events during the game transpire.

There are gloomy moments after a strikeout and elation when they cross the plate after hitting a home run.

Being under the spotlight with large crowds puts a lot of pressure on them, but they handle it well. And the managers and coaches also deserve credit for instilling positive sportsmanship and a hard work ethic.

Whether it was at Art Mikelson Field in Port Orchard or at the Gig Harbor Little League Complex, watching the kids play was a treat. I had fun gathering insight during post-game interviews and listened to their thoughts on how the game went.

Baseball is not an easy sport to play. It requires a high level of concentration — at the plate and in the field. Watching a kid make a play on defense or hit a home run is exciting, because they’ve trained their bodies to perform at a relatively high level at a relatively young age.

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.