The Champs Took to the Field: District 12 Champions Honored at 2024 LLWS
By Autumn Gavlock
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT – On the evening of August 21, 2024 thousands of baseball fans, family and friends packed the hill above and stands of Lamade Stadium for the game against Southeast Region & West Region as part of the 2024 Little League World Series. Before the electric game took play fans witnessed as 9 District 12 Champion teams took to the field to be honored for their high level of performance, hard work and achievements.The teams were met with an uproar of applause from supporters, bringing infectious smiles and undeniable joy to their young faces! As part of the acknowledgement, teams ran the bases of the legendary Lamade field displaying their awarded banners, noting their titles earned. After each team took to their designated positions lining the field with pride, the ceremonial first pitch was released, marking the official start of the game, thrown by Tri-Town Little League pitcher Beaux Richmond.
The respected teams that were recognized at this event were of the following BASEBALL:
8-10 Loyalsock, 9-11 Keystone, East Lycoming Tri-Town, Intermediate Keystone, Jr. Loyalsock, and Sr South Williamsport. SOFTBALL: 8-10 Clinton LL, 9-11 Williamsport Area LL, and Montoursville LL.
Each team faced its own set of challenges, obstacles, and learning curves, which they overcame to earn their well-deserved titles. Little League baseball and softball requires immense dedication and hard work from players, coaches, and their families. The path to winning titles involves countless hours of practice, disciplined training, and relentless perseverance. Each game and practice is an opportunity to refine skills, build teamwork, and overcome challenges. The commitment to excellence and the chase for victory reflects not just the players’ passion for the game but also the unwavering support of their entire community. Winning a title in Little League is an indication of the combined effort and grit of everyone involved.
In baseball, the Loyalsock Township Little League earned the title of District 12 Champs for the 8-10 age group. For the 9-11 age group, the Keystone Little League achieved 3rd place in the state and claimed both District 12 and Section 3 Champion titles. The East Lycoming Tri-Town Little League finished 5th in the state and also earned their District 12 and Section 3 titles. Due to the lack of competing teams from their district or Section 3, the Keystone Little League Intermediate team advanced automatically to the state level, where they were crowned PA State Champs and finished 3rd in the East Region. In the Junior division, Loyalsock Little League placed 4th in the state and won the District 12 and Section 3 titles. In the Senior division, South Williamsport also achieved both District 12 and Section 3 titles.
In softball, the Clinton Little League team for ages 8-10 earned the title of District 12 Champs and was the Section 3 Runner-up. For the 9-11 age group, the Williamsport Area Little League secured the same titles. The Montoursville Little League softball team finished 8th in the state while claiming both District 12 and Section 3 champion titles. Finally, in Junior Softball, Williamsport Area ended their season as District 12 champions and Section 3 Runner-up. Hats off to these young teams for their impressive achievements and remarkable accomplishments! As for the Little League World Series game, the Southeast Region narrowly defeated the West Region with a final score of 4-3.
As the evening’s excitement at Lamade Stadium drew to a close and celebrations of Southeast Region’s victory over the West Region, radiated through the stadium, the honored teams, having displayed remarkable skills and dedication, left the field with a sense of pride and accomplishment, reflecting their hard-earned success. As the Little League World Series continues over the coming months and concludes in late October, countless young athletes will carry not just their titles, but also cherished memories and an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.
