DETROIT — Aaron Boone's 12-year-old Southern California Little League team never got close to Williamsport, but he eventually got there as an announcer for ESPN.
The Yankees manager has some idea of what his players will be up to on Sunday, weather permitting. The Yankees are scheduled to visit the Little League World Series complex before playing the Tigers in the Little League Classic at Bowman Field.
“I was amazed when I took the mound for the first time,” Boone said before Saturday's 4-0 loss to the Tigers at Comerica Park. “It's everything I ever imagined and dreamed of and more. It's a great experience to pitch for so many years and then watch a big league team take the mound. I think our players are going to love it.”
The Cardinals and Pirates line up along the baseline during the 2017 MLB Little League Classic at Bowman Field. The Yankees will play against the Tigers at the same field on Aug. 18, 2024. AP
“I'm looking forward to getting there (Sunday) and interacting with the Little League World Series players and hanging out with them. You all know how excited they are to meet our players. It's a great day and we're fortunate to be able to do that.”
Of course, if the weather is good.
Storms were in the forecast for Williamsport on Sunday, but at least as of Saturday afternoon, the Yankees were scheduled to fly to Williamsport on Sunday morning to interact with Little League players and then play a game.
If the game is postponed, the teams would return to Detroit on Sunday night and play the series finale on Monday at Comerica Park.
While such a scenario would create headaches for the Yankees from a travel standpoint, Boone is confident his players would enjoy a cameo at the Little League World Series.
“I think they're going to love it because of my experience and knowing what's to come,” Boone said. “I've talked to (Aaron Judge) a little bit and I know he's excited about it. The kids are going to be in awe of our guys — Aaron, Juan (Soto), Giancarlo (Stanton) and Gerrit (Cole) — but they're going to go home excited about the experience.”
