This is what youth sports should be all about. This is what we’re supposed to take away from the game of baseball as kids. Kudos to team Venezuela (and their coaches) for physically embodying the definition of sportsmanship. Also, shout out to Uceta, for pitching a hell of a tournament! You might see that kid in pinstripes someday.
Thank you to the little league world series for restoring my faith in humanity.
ESPN: “Monday night’s Little League World Series game between Venezuela and the Dominican Republic offered the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat and the sportsmanship found this time of year in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Dominican Republic Little Leaguer Edward Uceta has been the breakout star of this year’s Little League World Series, but he took the loss Monday as his second pitch following a lengthy rain delay was hit for a triple by Omar Romero to give Venezuela a 3-2 walk-off win in the bottom of the sixth inning.
While the Venezuelan players celebrated the victory that moved them forward in the Little League World Series, Uceta collapsed face-down on the ground at the pitcher’s mound.
Eschewing their own team’s celebration, some of Venezuela’s coaches and players went out to the mound to console the 4-foot-8 player.”