Penn College put out the Wildcat welcome mat Wednesday for visitors to the Little League Baseball World Series, the 66th edition of which begins Thursday and concludes with the Aug. 26 championship game in nearby South Williamsport. The college hosted its fourth annual campus cookout for the 16 Series teams, providing them a breather before one of the most-watched and beloved sporting events begins in earnest. After alfresco dining near the Victorian House, the players – joined by coaches, team "uncles" from the local community, umpires and Little League officials – were led to a cross-campus staging area for the Grand Slam Parade to downtown Williamsport. Maintaining the college's perennial presence in the procession, President Davie Jane Gilmour (chair-elect of the Little League International board of directors), students and employees handed out "Go to Work, Cat!" playing cards, coloring books, pins and wristbands that evoke the hands-on nature of the college's academic majors. Rain ultimately fell on the parade, but failed to douse the excitement surrounding one of late summer's signature events.
– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist; Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
– Photos by Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist; Jennifer A. Cline, writer/editor-One College Avenue; and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday