Bryson Stott uses a pencil-decorated bat during the 2023 Little League Classic - Rob Carr/Getty Images
It was quite a show for the little leaguers in Williamsport, Pennsylvania yesterday as the Phillies and Nationals took to the field. The major leaguers squared off in a game that was part of the Little League Classic, an annual tradition since 2017. This event, which is an MLB game in front of the kids, takes place in the midst of the Little League World Series every August.
As is often the case, the idea is to bring the stars of the game into the little leaguers’ light. The young kids get to meet the heroes on the Major League diamond whom they strive to be. And that often involves adding a little bit of pizzazz to the game to make it as lively as possible.
Fun for the Kids
The Phillies did not fail at that task, whipping out the dazzling decorated bats for all to see. When Bryson Stott stepped up to the plate, he did so by clenching a No. 2 pencil-inspired bat. Similarly, Bryce Harper donned a bat decorated like the Phillie Phanatic, the team’s wild mascot. Alec Bohm’s bat was inspired by the Liberty Bell, a Philadelphia icon used in one of the team’s logos. And even the Nationals got in on the fun, with Joey Meneses swinging a crayon-inspired bat.
“That was really cool,” Stott said of the game. ”It was awesome to be able to see both those teams in person and connect with some of the kids.”
This added flair, sadly, did not aid the Phillies in a victory, as they fell to the Nationals, 4-3. The Nats took the early lead in the first inning, with three consecutive singles to load the bases. Catcher Keibert Ruiz doubled to score two, and then Dominic Smith doubled to drive in two more. Starter Trevor Williams delivered six shutout innings.
“Even just to get a little taste of it today, coming off the airplane and saying hello to the team, to after the game seeing Little Leaguers and their families ask for autographs,” Williams said. “I also got to walk around downtown Williamsport today, to experience that a little bit. Overall, it’s a fun day. It’s something that everyone wants to come back and do again.”
Yes, the Bats are For Sale
The Phillies were stunned for most of the game until a Jake Cave home run in the ninth inning made it 4-3. However, the fun would end there for them, as that was the final score. And yes, in case you were wondering, the bats are for sale, though they’ll cost you. Made by Victus Sports, the pencil bats are $250 for a youth model and $300 for a regular-sized bat.
But if you’ve always dreamed of a baseball bat decorated like a No. 2 pencil, your dream has become a reality.
