Little League Begins With Big Burst of 'Penn College Pride'
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
— Photos by Tia G. La, student photographer, and Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday
Picnic and parade volunteers share a photo op with college President Davie Jane Gilmour, who also serves as chair of the Little League International Board of Directors.
The Mexico team from San Nicolas Little League alights from a River Valley Transit bus to be greeted by a college contingent outside the Bush Campus Center.
The college mascot's welcoming vibe directs guests to the food tent.
Members of President's Council form a friendly first point of contact on the Campus Center lawn.
The Midwest representative, from Iowa's Johnston Little League, takes its turn with a baseball legend.
A pennant-worthy group of campus volunteers shares a memorable moment with a Hall of Famer.
Morgan N. Keyser, one of the day's student liaisons, gets acquainted with players from Hills Little League in Sydney, Australia.
Makoto Nagase, back at the LLWS as a coach, was a catcher on Japan's 1976 team.
Adversaries on the field, allies in the chow line
... and tacitly invites exploration by those gathered atop and around.
A member of the Mexico squad adds to a one-of-a-kind souvenir for student Bryan M. Behm.
The Caribbean champs, from Pariba Little League in Willemstad, Curacao, pose for a team photo before a Penn College backdrop.
Bench obliged countless photo requests from players, any one of whom could follow in his footsteps.
Team members from Tokyo's Chofu Little League sign the T-shirts of event volunteers Lindsey A. King (left) and Megan L. Ripka.
Wildcat baseball coach Chris Howard, also a former big-league catcher, reunites with Johnny Bench on campus Wednesday. The two played in the same foursome in a golf tournament as part of the 1986 Major League Baseball All-Star Game; Howard was a student at the University of Oklahoma.
Michael Wallis, who once roomed near campus as a 22-year-old outfielder for the former Williamsport Cubs minor-league team, has returned to Williamsport as a coach for the Southwest entry. Son Caden is an outfielder for the McAllister Park American Little League in San Antonio, Texas – the same position his father played during the 1998 season at Bowman Field.
... and don't forget dessert!
Say "Hi" to the Southeast champions, representing Goodlettsville Baseball Little League in Goodlettsville, Tenn.
A campus landmark, “The Rock” welcomes Little Leaguers to Williamsport …
Baseball seed packets were among the items distributed by college representatives.
Fans of the West team make clear their allegiance.
A paradegoer excitedly snags a college giveaway.
Tina R. Strayer, on-boarding/professional development manager, instantly makes the West team feel at home upon arrival.
A little friendliness goes a long way, traveling across the world and transcending language.
A new take on "creative writing"
Mexico teammates savor the moment.
President Gilmour officially welcomes the 16 teams in the Little League Baseball World Series, recounting their phenomenal successes all along the tournament road to South Williamsport.
Quite possibly the greatest catcher in Major League history, Bench greets Little Leaguers with a hearty, “Hello, winners!” before delivering an inspirational and encouraging message on the eve of Series play.
An all-star keepsake
No stranger to the media attention drawn to Little League's international stage, President Gilmour deftly honors an interview request.
Canada teammates from Hastings Community Little League in Vancouver, British Columbia, prove that "game faces" aren't just for baseball.
Players watch last year's Series final while waiting for parade formation.
With a playfully intimidating stare and a right hand that was famously photographed holding seven baseballs, Bench dominates this high-five.
Walter J. Shultz Jr., director of the college's Office of Instructional Technology, helps the Wildcat navigate the fan-filled throng.
The president and a stalwart band of students headline the Penn College float ...
Kimberly R. Cassel, director of student activities, and son Cai happily acknowledge the familiar faces passing by.
Courting a lifelong learner with a green-thumb giveaway.
Engaging a future alumna?
A bounty of burgers, dogs, mac 'n' cheese ...
The West team from Park View Little League in Chula Vista, Calif., settles in for some pregame enjoyment.
Before making on-field memories, players leave their mark on a campus centerpiece.
The DIRECTV blimp flies over campus during the picnic.
This year's Asia-Pacific team hails from South Korea's East Seoul Little League.
The Wildcat in its natural habitat, dead-center in a swarm of smiles
The president photographs a winning lineup.
A banner day for Williamsport and Penn College
Off-campus housing offers a convenient vantage for the passing spectacle.
... themed around forest technology and other majors that help "Make It Green."
Curious onlookers take to the street for a closer look at the Baja vehicle.
The college entourage travels past City Hall.
Wildcat warmth for the Latin American team, hailing this year from Aguadulce Cabezera Little League in Aguadulce, Panama.
Who's our favorite mascot anywhere? It's you-know-who, hands down ... and paws up!
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers’ Baja competition vehicle, a traditional part of the college's parade presence.
Enthusiasm lines West Fourth Street