LHU Sport Administration faculty, students work MLB Little League Classic

RecordStaffAugust 19, 2019Last Updated: August 19, 2019

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MLB LL Classic – Shown from left, are Dallas Kurtz, Tyler Whary, Corey Woomer, Damian Young, Brady Bauer, Devin Burr, Patrick Barner, Alisha Wein, Dakotah Miller, Ethan Corbin, Tyler Rothmann and Dr. James Mattern. Not pictured are Brett Arnold, Tyler Johnson and Keith Corson.

WILLIAMSPORT — The third annual MLB Little League Classic was held Sunday night at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, as the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the Chicago Cubs.

In attendance for the game were all 16 teams competing in the 2019 Little League World Series as well as the players’ families and Little League teams from the surrounding area. The game was broadcast live on ESPN as the weekly Sunday Night Baseball game.

For the third straight year, the Lock Haven University Sport Studies Department was in attendance for the game, representing the program as game day staff members.

Dr. James Mattern, assistant professor of sport studies, along with 14 sport studies students worked the event as ushers, ticket takers, way-finders and concessions distributers. Through working the event, students were able to appreciate the preparation side of converting a minor league ballpark into a spectacle worthy of being in the limelight.

Patrick Barner, sport administration major, worked the game last season and was back again this year. “Being part of this experience and having the opportunity to work the game another year is truly spectacular. … Something like this really stands out on my resume,” Barner said.

Students also were able to gain experience in the sport industry as well as network with other industry professionals who also were working the event.

“Witnessing the preparation that goes into major events like this one is something that students cannot comprehend until they see it firsthand,” said Corey Woomer, sport administration major. “So much work went into this game and I’m glad to have been a part of it.”