>> Welcome to volunteer Stadium, league baseball headquarters in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Williamsport is the birthplace of Little League baseball.

16 winners and losers on this stadium, but today, no lasers, all winners.

>> You bet, can.

I guarantee this game will be the best of the bunch.

Why?

Countless smiles.

>> We will see who has those smiles when we come back.

>> Funding for the Challenger exhibition game has been made possible by Eggland's Best.

>> To be of EIA is proud to present on -- present the 2024 Challenger division exhibition game, featuring Manalapan Township and California District 68 Challenger division from Mission Viejo, California.

Now it is the 2024 exhibition game.

>> There is a great crowd on hand today to see these two teams play.

Tom Spicer and Ken Sawyer with you.

Tom, over 1000 communities in 10 countries play challenger baseball.

These two teams have the honor of being here today for this great game.

Tom: And they found out about this honor back in the wintertime and they have been counting the days for this moment right here that we are going to witness.

The Challenger exhibition game.

Kids play challenger throughout the world, and these individuals that the golden opportunity today to showcase their skills.

Ken: California District 68 from Mission Viejo, California challenger division is the visiting team.

Let's learn more about them.

>> For our team, and being able to represent Orange County and all of the different Little League chapters that are going, it is going to showcase what we do here with victory -- with District 68.

It's going to give these kids a lifetime opportunity to play in the same place that Little League was born and have a real fun bunch of memories in between.

>> Oh, yeah, it's a lot of fun.

I enjoy my teammates and getting stuff together and just have a good time, and just getting ready for the World Series.

>> I think it is going to be great.

I think Alexis is going to have a lot of fun with the big field, the cameras, and I think she will enjoy it.

>> He has been playing for a while, so it is exciting for him to be traveling like I have for baseball across the country.

>> Baseball is a good sport, and I'm a good player.

>> When I made this team I called my SON and told him I was on this team, and they were excited about it.

>> I think baseball has gotten us closer as brothers.

That is what is beautiful about sports in general.

>> When we find out we were going to the Little League World Series with district 68 challenger we were ecstatic.

For him to be able to play with the big kids, absolutely a dream come true for him.

>> The whole inspiration for me being involved in challenger in the first place is this former player.

He is a graduate of the program.

He has played for a few years and is now coaching.

>> For our kids it doesn't matter.

They are out there having a good time.

I think baseball brings people together.

Communities, friends, families.

It is the real deal.

>> Each of these players will be receiving metals and we will get a chance to receive the teams.

Let's get to our public address announcer for the metal presentation.

>> Good morning, Little League fans, and welcome to volunteer Stadium for the 2024 Little League World Series Challenger exhibition game, presented by Eggland's Best.

[APPLAUSE] Joining us for our game today we have our little league baseball umpires.

Let's have a round of applause for all of the bodies -- buddies in today's game.

[APPLAUSE] Presenting our medals's Steve Johnson and Suzanne Burnett.

Now let's meet our teams for this morning's game.

First the visiting team from California District 68, Mission Viejo, California.

[APPLAUSE] Number 25, Nate Celaya.

Number eight, Alexis Hunter.

, 27, Austin Underhill.

Number 13, Harper Anderson.

Number 15, Ryan Forster.

Number 24, Charlie Hoerner.

Number 23, Tatiana Bell, -- Tatiana Bell,.

Number 10, Kyle gal.

Number 19, Maverick will let -- Burlette.

Number one, Bryson Prabu.

Number 11, Josh Darren.

Number 22, Kevin Trinidad.

Number 20, Carson called Dara -- Caldera.

Number 12, Isabella Montoya.

Number two, Roux Ramos.

The coaches are Kevin Horstman, Joe Rispoli, and Dylan Horstman.

Correction, the manager is Denny Doyle your, Stephanie Adams, Katie Brouillette, and Rod Hurt.

And now it is time to meet our home team on the first base side from Manalapan Township, New Jersey.

Number 29, Jose Monroy.

Number one, Michael Clooney.

Number five, Nicholas Stroman.

Number two, Mason Mohan.

Number 11, Justin Marquis.

Number eight, James Muzzio.

Number 21, Matthew Dell fico.

Number five's, James Mantia.

Number seven, Brian Townsend.

Number 12, William darkest -- D ardest.

Mariam haggis a -- hegeset.

Chris wall.

Number 25, Giancarlo Gianni -- Triani.

Number 20, Salvatore cc -- As isi.

Number 33, Ryan Hanson.

The New Jersey coaches, Kevin Horstman, Joe Rispoli, and Dylan Horstman.

[APPLAUSE] And now it is time for our Little League pledges.

First the Little League player plans.

Decided today by Alex Hunter and her brother Tyler from California District 68 Mission Viejo, California.

>> I trust in God.

I love my country.

And will respect its laws.

I will play fair.

And strive to win.

But win or lose, I will always do my best.

>> Play Ball.

[APPLAUSE] And now the coach parent pledge.

I'll come coach Katie Brouillette and SON maverick from California 68, Mission Viejo, California.

>> I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.

I will positively support all managers, coaches, and players.

I will respect the decisions of the umpires.

I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.

[APPLAUSE] >> And now it is time for our national anthem, performed today by an umpire from Manalapan New Jersey, district 19.

>> ♪ oh say can you see By the dawn's early light Whose broad stripes and bright stars Through the perilous fight O'er the ramparts we watched Were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare The bombs bursting in air Gave proof through the night That our flag was still there O say, does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave O'er the land of the free And the home of the brave ♪ ♪ Ken: We are almost set to play ball here in the 2020.

Let's take a look at the starting lineups were California District 68.

It will be batting first.

There will be leading off with Nate Zelaya, followed by Alexis Hunter, followed by Austin Underhill, Harper Anderson, Ryan Forster, Charlie Hoerner, Tatiana Bell,, followed by Kyle gao, the pitcher, and that brings up maverick or lead, Bryson probably out, Josh Darren, Kevin Trinidad, Isabella Montoya, and Roe Ramos.

Now for Manalapan, New Jersey.

They will lead off with Jose Monrovia, followed by Nicholas Stroman, Mason Mohan, Justin Marquis, James Muzziotti, Matthew Delfico, Brian Townsend, William Curtis, Mariam Haigazi, and Ryan Hanson.

And their coaching staff.

Those are starting lineups as we get just about set to get this name underway between these two teams.

They are impressed by the smile you are talking about earlier as the introductions were done and look on the kids as they got their medals from Steve Johnson.

Tom: They were mesmerized by those medals.

Even Doug was out there greeting the kids.

We should go over the rules for the Challenger exhibition game.

First of all, everybody bats, everybody plays offensively.

Batters have to take one base at a time.

The last batter will clear the bases.

You are going to see a combination of coach, pitch-hitting off the tee.

If contact has not been made then they will bring the tee out.

You will see a lot of the kids have somebody else with them.

That is their body, to provide -- buddy, to provide assistance.

Your favorite part, as is mine, when the last batter clears the bases, because that is a sight to behold.

Ken: It is a mad rush, and sometimes runners will go over each other.

Nate Zelaya is going to lead things off of the California team.

Nate will be -- well, you can see on the screen some of his favorite things.

We noticed Mike Trout.

Of course, this team being from Orange County, Mission Viejo, there is a strong leaning toward the Angels and all of the things they have done for challenger Paul.

And challenger Little League ball.

First pitch, right down toward first base.

No chance for the first baseman as he will race down first with his buddy pushing him down.

We have the first run of the game on.

Tom: I have to laugh.

On his bio sheet he said he loved curious George -- when he was a kid.

[LAUGHTER] Ken: Alexis Hunter comes up to bat now.

Likes to swim.

Alexis was one of those that helped with a swing, and we will get another swing going at it.

One of the coaches up there and buddies trying to get it to the right spot.

Nice smash down to shortstop.

It will be knocked down, and so we have the first two runners on base for California, District 68.

Good hitters already at the top of the lineup.

Tom: You bet.

One of the favorite things to do for this next batter, Austin Underhill, I have never seen.

He listed working at a brewery.

[LAUGHTER] They came in third after football, basketball, and working at a brewery.

Ken: Maybe that ties in with his favorite food being ribs.

Somehow that goes together.

The right-hander will get that first pitch up there.

I think it is interesting that the home plate umpire in this case is going to be the home plate umpire for a game later today.

So, it is amazing how these umpires work, and they are a crucial part of this World Series.

They have really done a great job this year.

There is a hard smash.

Goes down into the outfield.

Rate job.

Austin Underhill powering that ball down.

That will bring up Harper Anderson.

Harper, defensively, will play left field.

We got away from Mike Trout now to Shohei Ohtani, who played here at Williamsport.

Tom: A couple of years ago here for the classic.

And of course, a walkoff grand slam last night, becoming the first 40 for 40 player.

40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in one season, in light sometime.

Ken: That is in foul territory.

Tom: Harper wants to hit a fair ball, umpire.

Ken: The umpires trying to help him get on base.

Tom: She is a hockey fan.

Ken: These teams spent yesterday practicing at the original field in Williamsport, without -- where all of this World Series of stuff all -- stuff started.

Tom: They had a picnic last night at nearby Pennsylvania College of technology.

Ken: Ice cream.

That is all I heard about, ice cream.

There is one fouled.

The umpire says it is fair.

It goes into the corner and the first run of the game will go around several of the teams that have been involved in the Little League World Series are here watching this game today.

This is Clayton Kershaw says his favorite for Ryan Forster.

Ryan Forster plays right field defensively.

The Czech Republic, Mexico came in, also Japan came in.

They are up here watching this game and supporting these young people.

Tom: Texas came in right before it started.

Texas playing for the U.S. championship later this afternoon.

Ken: Ryan trying to poke it out there, and so far we have seen some great hitters.

Like the way he shows him the ball, the pitcher does, and lets them see a good look at it.

The coaches are hovering, but to make challenger baseball work you have to have a real dedicated contingent of people behind it and working hard in it.

That is what we have seen from both of these teams and both of these communities.

Tom: It is not just today.

Far from it.

Ken: I was talking to some of the folks from Mission Viejo and I said, how do you find your program?

Ryan is going to bring out the tee, I think.

They are going to give him another shot at it.

Tom: Good cut, though.

Ken: Very good cut.

That is what I notice about these Mission Viejo guys.

Now they are going to put the tee out, which will help.

Tom: They're going to swing for the fences with the bases loaded.

Ken: Just get it lined up.

Right back to the mound, and everybody runs, and runs hard.

And a slide.

[LAUGHTER] A slide, as Alexis Hunter came in.

She says, I've got this nice, white uniform, let's get it dirty.

[LAUGHTER] And look at the smile.

Here comes Charlie Hoerner up to hit.

In Charlie's going to come up there.

Tom: Charlie listed his favorite show as Barney and then put, "sorry, dad."

[LAUGHTER] Ken: There was an online fundraiser, and I was told most of the donations are anonymous, and they said they had one donation that was in the five figures.

Tom: Wow.

Ken: It really helped this program in Mission Viejo.

Right-handed bat her for Charlie.

Second baseman.

It's a shot.

Down the left-field line.

Looking Austin Underhill.

Really running to be able to cross the plate.

Tom: Alston tried to go home last batter but was held up by the Third Base Coach.

I thought he was going to run through the stop sign.

[LAUGHTER] Ken: Tatiana Bellamo comes up.

Loves ice cream.

Had to be happy at the risk -- at the picnic yesterday.

It's going to be a tough play for the New Jersey guys.

They're going to pick it up.

Runners will come in as Harper Anderson comes around.

This will bring up Kyle Gao, who will be pitching defensively.

Tom: Kyle was listed as a switch hitter.

And he has a very unique favorite food.

Pickles.

Ken: Mission Viejo in Orange County started in 1991 as part of District 55, and then moved into District 68 challenger in 2004.

Prior to COVID they had five teens with 70 players, and they are now rebuilding a back up again and have had great support.

Tom: Come on, Kyle.

He hit one foul already.

Let's see if he can straighten that out a little bit.

Ken: Here's the toss.

Right down to third base.

Kyle is down to first base.

And another runner coming into the plate, safe.

Tom: Did a bellyflop there.

Got that jersey dirty.

There you go.

Ken: That is what it is all about.

I'm telling you.

[LAUGHTER] Tom: I bet you some of these kids will not be able -- will not want to take the jersey off today.

Maverick Burlette stands in now.

That was Ryan who did the bellyflop across the plate.

What a shot.

Knocked down by one of the New Jersey players.

So, Maverick gets on right away.

Tom: Maverick's favorite player, Mike Trout, would be very proud, as we have another run scored.

Ken: I thought it was kind of interesting that most of the Caliph when your players' favorite player was Mike Trout, who is from New Jersey.

Tom: Right?

.

Of course, he plays there.

Ken: And the favorite player for most of the New Jersey kids is Aaron Judge, who is from California.

[LAUGHTER] There is a shot by Bryson Prabu I'll.

He will throw at first base but not in time.

Bryson did a great time -- a great job.

Tom: He sure did.

Bryson loves curious George and roller coasters.

Ken: Here is Josh Therin.

Hit it up there.

Coach is talking to him, giving him some words of encouragement.

What excitement it is to play here.

Right back up.

A nice throw by the New Jersey player over to first base.

Tom: Backhanded stab over at first base as well.

[LAUGHTER] Ken: This is probably the biggest crowd these two teams have played before, and they are enjoying it so much.

Tom: This is a great crowd, and they deserve this.

I cannot stress enough, these kids are inspirational, and the way they display their joy makes you tear up at times actually.

Ken: Kevin Trinidad coming up to bat next.

That was Kyle Gao who came in.

Kyle wanted to stay out there.

Trinidad puts it down that first-base line on the first pitch.

That is in there.

Once again they will come around and take a look.

Great job, everybody.

Tom: Kevin loves to serve.

So, the surfer knocked in a run at the Little League World Series.

How about that?

Ken: Carson Caldera comes up next.

A couple of famous folks from Mission Viejo include Mark Sanchez and someone who has been around here the last two weeks, Julie fatty -- Julie Foudy.

Tom: And she is a class act.

Ken: Called Dara strides up to the -- Caldera strides up to the plate.

Carson looks like a guy who is going to call his shot, point to the outfield.

Tom: I love how he specified he loves chicken wings, but they have to be barbecued chicken wings.

[LAUGHTER] Ken: Got a wide stance.

Tom: He is kind of intimidating up there.

Ken: Pounds the plate, ready to go.

Now he is doing stretches.

[LAUGHTER] Loosen back up a little bit.

Tom: Yeah.

Ken: All right, Carson, here comes.

Tom: I think he nicked that a little bit.

Nice.

Ken: There is, right out in front of the plate, and he's going to run and head on down to first base.

Two more batters coming up for California District 68.

Before the game we saw Suzanne Burnett accepting the Howard Hartman friendship award for Dr. DeRo Burnett, who is closely tied to this program from Mission Viejo.

Tom: Darrell was a vital prod of the as part of this broadcast for many years.

Just a tremendous man.

Ken: Isabella Montoya taking the slow walk.

Tom: She is like J-Lo out there.

[LAUGHTER] I love it.

Ken: Isabella getting some final instructions before stepping into the batter's box here at volunteer Stadium at the 2024 Little League baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Tom: She is strolling, taking her time.

Ken: Bats from the left-hand side.

Tom: Good stance.

Ken: What a shot.

A stream or out to left center field.

It's going to roll all the way to the wall, to hunt at 25 feet away.

Tom: Wow -- 225 feet away.

Tom: Wow.

Ken: Spectacular.

Tom: She knocked it so far some of the runners got confused and a couple of extra runners came home.

You know what?

If you hit the ball like that you deserve to stroll to the plate.

Ken: Roe Ramos is going to come up next.

Roe loves steak and football, and it is almost football season.

There is a college game today.

Tom: Week zero.

Ken: A lot of things going on.

So, batting last California, here is Roe.

Tom: He's going to knock in the remaining base runners.

The big steak-eater.

[LAUGHTER] I love the instructions.

Ken: Yes.

Tom: He's going to go up there and do his best, that is for sure, as he gets the bat.

Ken: roe, right-handed batter up in the front of the batter's box.

Now backs up a touch.

There is that point I was looking for.

[LAUGHTER] I'm going to hit it out of here.

Tom: He might have if he had connected on that swing.

Ken: That is for sure.

Challenger involves the community.

Those who work hard to keep it going and those who fund it.

Asking the crowd for support.

Tom: That is awesome.

[APPLAUSE] You know what?

I'm surprised he did not want walk-up music.

Ken: You suggested it.

That will have to come next year.

Here is a hard shot down to third base, and that will roll the bases as they will run around, and all 15 players will have gotten on base and all 15 will have scored.

Roe it's the distinction of doing the circuit.

Sliding headfirst in.

[APPLAUSE] All right.

That is beautiful.

Tom, what did you think about the first part of our game here?

Tom: Everything I expected, ken.

Sensational, entertaining.

Like we said in the pregame, the smiles are countless.

You will never go to a baseball game that generates more smiles than a Challenger exhibition game.

Ken: In of the things these young people get to do is the thing all of a sudden wanted to do but get the chance.

Like the coach tells you, don't go headfirst.

Here, let it all hang out.

Let's go have some fun.

That is what challenger ball is all about.

Over 30,000 play challenger ball around the world.

Tom: It has come along way since it was founded in 1989.

This is the 35th anniversary.

30,000 participants.

I would say Little League International has done great things over the years, but establishing the challenger division and growing it is the best thing they have ever done.

Ken: You are watching the 2024 challenger exhibition game.

Let's go to Garrett for a special presentation.

>> As the official egg of Little League, Eggland's Best is happy to fuel Little League years.

Eggland's Best is committed to supporting the Little League challenger division through a grant program which helps support the operation of local challenger leagues.

Joining us to celebrate all of the participants in today's game is Eggland's Best president and CEO, Kurt Mischa lack.

And now Kurt will present each league participating in this challenger exhibition game with a $50,000 donation courtesy of Eggland's Best to help offset travel cost for future Little League activity.

Ken: We are halfway through this ballgame here at volunteer Stadium, as the New Jersey team is going to come up to bat, and face -- we will learn about them in a moment.

Tom, I have a trivia question for you.

Challenger baseball is played in how many states have been here, to the exhibition game?

And in how many countries?

This is the 22nd game.

How many states have been represented and how many countries?

Tom: I will say two countries.

Canada has been here twice.

As for states, I'm going to take a wild guess and say nine.

Ken: 18 states in two countries.

Let's learn more about this ballclub we are about to see come up and back.

Manalapan, New Jersey.

Let's learn about them.

>> Manalapan is in central New Jersey.

If you put your finger in the middle of the state, that is where we are.

Very family-friendly, and the community supports as well.

We have a lot of characters on this team.

Back in 2015 my SON had started playing Little League baseball and thought it was a good idea for someone to take him up to Williamsport to see the Little League World Series.

So the two challenger teams warmed our hearts up.

It is something that changed both of our lives.

When we went back to the hotel that night my SON Dylan said, dad, can we get involved in the challenger program locally?

>> What coach Kevin does is amazing.

I don't know where he gets the energy from.

>> The file sense of belonging.

That they are part of it.

Just like any other kid on any other sports team, they have a practice, they have a game, they have jerseys.

With that they gain confidence and it helps them overcome other challenges.

>> Coach Kevin?

Changed my SON's life.

>> Today was a fun day.

>> The bodies are also him -- buddies are also amazing.

Like a family, they became close.

>> We actually were driving to a winter practice and Sam from Little League called me and said, you are selected.

Your team is selected to go to Williamsport.

He screamed with excitement.

>> I felt shocked, and then I felt excitement.

>> That is something I will never forget.

>> On three, ready?

Who is counting?

1, 2, 3.

Ken: And those other folks here from New Jersey.

They are ready to come up and get their turns at volunteer Stadium on this gorgeous Saturday in South Wayne's port, as we are set to see them come up to bat.

They are just part of New Jersey, western Monmouth County, just east of I-95.

They started challenger in 2016.

They also have a senior division team.

Let's get started, first one up, Jose Monroe.

Tom: I have something to tell you about Jose in one second.

He listed on his sheet one of his favorite things to do, play with fire alarms.

[LAUGHTER] I wonder if his parents know that.

Ken: He's got Braves on the back of his jersey, and all of these kids are brave, to be able to play challenger ball.

All of the parents and coaches, the buddies associated with them are outstanding people with just an unbelievable amount of dedication.

>> And a big hearts.

Ken: We know, many organizations in the Little League structure, you are involved while your kids are involved and you move on.

And we have some dedicated people who stay.

Longshot.

Hit it behind second base.

Jose Monroe starts it off here for the ballclub from an Alpine Township, New Jersey.

[LAUGHTER] Tom: He is over there at first base telling the crowd, get on your feet.

Ken: Michael Clooney is coming up next.

Tom: He was great, by the way, meeting with the kids, and was very responsive to all of the autograph requests.

Ken: From the right hand side, Michael Cooney steps in wearing number one.

These pitchers have no fear.

Look how close they stand, putting that ball up there.

And they are throwing it pretty hard.

Tom: They have something in common with Michael.

His favorite food is spaghetti.

Ken: Good any time.

Always good.

Getting the balls back in play.

This league, this challenger division hosts a statewide tournament in 2023.

And in that tournament -- we are going to get a souvenir.

Michael goes to first base.

That is going to bring up, as you see him getting the congratulations from the umpire and the body -- the buddy.

Next up, Nicholas drone.

Likes to play PS five.

Tom: And play with his cousins at the beach.

Spider-Man is a particular favorite.

Ken: They hosted this tournament, they had eight teams from all over -- and there is one down the first-base side.

Putting the bat on the ball.

Tom: He is motioning to the crowd as he trots on down to first base.

Ken: They invited challenger teams from all over New Jersey and they played.

They had six fields available in Manalapan Township, and the used four of them to put that tournament on.

And they also had one this year that happened to be the week it was 105 degrees.

So they only had three teams this year.

That is something they're going to keep doing to help promote challenger baseball throughout New Jersey.

Tom: Nice shot.

Ken: From Mason Mohan, down the side.

Mason runs in a hurry, and now we have Jose Monroe just, right on top of that plate.

Mason, able to get things into play.

That brings up Justin Marquis.

Tom: He is already raising his arm in triumph as he comes up to the batter's box.

[LAUGHTER] Ken: They have these coaches pitching to them because they know their players.

They know where to put the right ball and let them put it in play.

We have the California catcher there.

Up in the air, big pop up high in the sky.

It will move the bases up.

Justin Marquis gets on base.

Coming up next, James Muzzio.

Tom: I think Justin deserves some of his favorite food, which is Chinese food, after this one.

Nice hit, young man.

Ken: James Muzzio is coming up, a fan of dinosaur train.

I remember watching out with grandchildren.

Learning a lot more than I ever wanted to know.

[LAUGHTER] It is fun.

Chicken fingers and fries, the favorite food.

Tom: He also loves to bowl.

We don't see that often.

Ken: No.

Good sport.

Here is James, batting right-handed.

Going to try to put this ball in play.

Tom: There is a nice sign in stand -- the stands in honor of James with his picture on it.

Ken: I see that.

Outstanding.

Tom: He connected, but it had so much spin on it that it rolled behind home plate foul.

Ken: Having a different catcher every time up.

That would be a tough chance, throwing it over to first, and the runners are coming in to score like crazy.

That is Nicholas drone Beckham -- Nicholas Strohm that comes in.

Tom: That was impressive getting down the line like that.

Ken: Next up, Matthew Delfico.

Matthew loves writing the bike.

A lot of folks around here like to do that.

Tom: He also loves woodworking.

How cool is that?

Ken: That takes real dedication.

It takes a lot of people to help put this on.

And we are certainly appreciative of all of the folks who worked so hard in the local communities.

There is another chopper.

Back out toward the mound.

Come on, Matthew.

Tom: Get down to first base.

He does.

Ken: Third base comes down and makes the play across.

James men Tio now coming up to bat.

-- James Mantio coming up to bat.

Tom: He loves hamburgers.

You can get some great hamburgers here at the Little League World Series, that is for sure.

He said this -- the science kid is his favorite show.

And once again, Aaron Judge, favorite player.

Ken: Getting talked to very closely by the coach to make sure that James knows what is coming.

Helping him focus.

Tom: James is not quite as tall as Aaron Judge, but he is a pretty lanky young man up there.

Ken: Waiting to retrieve the balls.

Coach says, all right, here it is.

Tom: Hang in there, James.

Ken: Trying to keep it going.

Tom: He's got the bases loaded for you, pal.

Ken: Chance for grand slam, sort of, in this one.

Tom: I think they're going to bring out the tee in a moment or so.

Ken: Made one more adjustment.

That adjustment was perfect.

A slow roller toward shortstop and another run scores for an Alpine Township.

-- for Manalapan Township.

Tom: so happy for James to get that pitch.

You can tell how excited he is too.

Ken: Brian Townsend coming up next.

Brian strolling up to the plate.

Once that walkup song.

Tom: I think we should talk about -- talk to the director of the challenger division.

Sam will love us for that suggestion, I'm sure.

[LAUGHTER] Brian, one of his favorite things?

Going to Broadway shows.

Ken: Wow.

Man, coach is right on top of it.

Trying to help Brian succeed.

There you go.

Right up through the middle.

We are seeing some good fielders out of both of these teams.

They have got good arms as they pick that up.

As we run through the lineup here.

Next one up is going to be William Curtis.

Tom: William likes to play chess, and I appreciate that.

That is a great hobby for any young person.

And Pete Alonso.

We get away from Aaron Judge, Pete Alonso is his favorite player.

Ken: There is a smash out toward shortstop.

They are hitting that ball hard now.

Excellent throw.

Some of the famous folks from Manalapan Township?

Dylan Dreyer and Jay Glazer, just among the few.

Mariam Hegazi stands in now.

Tom: Look at that smile.

That is beautiful.

Ken: Yes.

Comes up out of the first base dugout, bats on the right-hand side.

Tom: She also plays basketball.

Ken: Got to choke up a little bit on that bat.

Move that ball out of the way.

You can see a good pitcher, that smile -- picture of that smile we saw coming out of the dugout.

Tom: She loves to listen to music.

Ken: Hard swing there.

That was the one she wanted to hit.

Tom: She is going to get a couple more chances here.

Ken: Get those baseballs thrown back into action.

As we see these players putting their whole body and effort and mind into it.

And that is why, we were talking to the Manalapan Township people, they play all year round, and in the winter they played kickball.

They keep the program going.

It is not just a summer thing.

Tom: Nice.

Ken: They are going to head all around and run the bases, and high-fives all around.

A good crowd response as well, supporting these folks as well.

We have a big come up big crowd at volunteer Stadium.

Chris Wall is due up next.

Tom: Another fan of curious George.

[LAUGHTER] You can't go wrong with curious George.

Ken: That is for sure.

Tom: One of my all-time favorites.

Ken: Also the Teletubbies and pizza.

Can't go wrong with pizza.

Tom: Nope.

And he loves to swim.

Ken: Wearing number 99.

Popped up, almost going to hit us.

What a shot down the left-field line.

That is going to roll way down there.

Tom: Way to go, Chris.

Ken: If we were not limiting the one base, that would be a double.

One base thing is done here in order to get everybody through.

Tom: Not in a regular challenge again.

Ken: A regular challenger game some of these they would be able to take extra bases.

And some of them have been deserving of it.

Here is Giancarlo Triani.

Tom: He is going old school.

His favorite player?

Don Mattingly.

Ken: Old-school.

[LAUGHTER] That is one of my favorites too.

I learned all of these things that I can have my wife do.

My wife said, I don't know which end of the screwdriver to use, so she does all of the home improvement projects.

Giancarlo.

Write down the third-base side.

And a rugged first-pitch hitter.

Tom: Wow.

Ken: Salvatore Assisi coming up now.

Tom: Salvador likes to collect model airplanes.

Again, and of old-school.

Don't see that much anymore.

It is more video games, but good for him.

And he also is a basketball player, and also a ham, as he waves to the crowd.

Ken: Hey, this is my moment of fame.

Tom: You bet.

Ken: I'm on television, I'm playing before a crowd, as we see team Aruba coming in to watch this game.

Salvador stroking it around.

Tom: Right up the middle.

Ken: So many of these go up the middle and you see the players responding and the body's standing around.

-- buddies standing around.

Top-notch ball.

Coming up, our final batter for Manalapan Township.

This is going to be Ryan Hanson.

Even though he is batter number 15, the cleanup batter.

Tom: He gets to clear all of the bases coming up here.

A left-handed hitter.

Another Pete Alonso fan, and another fan of curious George.

Now he breaks into a smile when he gets into that batter's box.

He swings with one arm.

Ken: You see how important it is for the coaches.

He popped it up in the air.

Give him another one.

Tom: He says, I want to hit it farther.

Ken: Ryan winds up.

That is awesome.

Has not missed one yet.

There you go, there is a shot.

They are going to have a run now.

Clear the basis for Manalapan Township, New Jersey, as they and Mission Viejo, California have put on a spectacular game here today.

Folks standing up.

Tom: As well they should.

Ken: Standing ovation for these two teams.

Tom: And Ryan is coming around third base.

Ken: What is Ryan going to do?

He's going to stomp on the plate.

Yes, indeed.

And his body -- buddy right behind him.

A great performance by these two teams today.

If you and your community would like to start challenger baseball or softball, get in touch with Little League.

Your district administrator if you know how to reach them.

But if you don't, contact Little League headquarters and they will be happy to show you how to do that.

As we see the players getting ready to join with each other a little bit, they will do the traditional handshake at home plate as they will go by and light up.

Tom: We should point out too, if you have an established challenger program and want to put dissipate in the challenger exhibition game, also contact Little League.

Ken: We said earlier in the broadcast, Suzanne Burnett accepted the Hartman award, the friendship award for her late husband, Dr. Darrell Burnett.

He served on the Little League Board of Directors for more than 10 years.

He had a challenger classic at Angel Stadium in Southern California that served more than 700 of these youths annually.

Tom, tell us a little bit about it.

Have something special in memory of Dr. Burnett.

You had a chance to work with him.

Tom: For several years I was the man in the crowd for this broadcast while Darrell did the color commentary.

He is very much missed by all.

He is probably one of the most sincere individuals I have ever met.

He cared that much.

And his enthusiasm for the challenger division new no bounds.

He smiled doing this entire broadcast.

It meant so much to him and he touched so many lives because of his work.

Not only professionally, but because of his dedication to the challenger division.

Just a great and.

Ken: In memory of Dr. Darrell Burnett we have something special to remember him by.

Let's watch it now.

>> This is a great time of year for Dr. Darrell Burnett.

>> You are about to see the joy of youth sports.

He's going to score.

What a hit.

Go, baby, go.

Keep going.

Everybody scores.

Everybody scores.

Here they come.

These kids are fantastic.

We promised you some good times, I think we did it.

Ken: Dr. Darrell John Burnett and he died just a year ago.

We found out about it on this day a year ago.

Tom: The day of the challenger exhibition game.

I know he is looking down with that smile of his and as proud as can be of what the challenger division has become.

Ken: It has become massive.

1000 communities in 10 countries around the world.

30,000 youths.

That doesn't count the coaches, the buddies, all of the folks to be able to put this on.

And today we have been blessed by being able to see Mission Viejo out of California District 60 eight, and Manalapan Township, New Jersey District 19, there challenger teams enjoy the moment here.

It is one that choked you up a little bit, because you see what can be done by these young people, the activities they can have if you would just care about the people around you.

If you are willing to work, if you are looking for something to do this might be the best way you can help your community.

Tom: Without a doubt.

It is really cool right now because some of the World Series participants still remaining in Williamsport are out on the field.

ECT Mexico, team Japan.

They will be interacting with these challenger kids, and one of thrill for them too, because these challenger individuals, these boys and girls are really heroes.

As far as I'm concerned.

The way they put themselves out there and perform so well under the spotlight, and this game just means so much.

Ken: How are things to little league baseball and softball for all of their help, and our thanks to our W BIA crew.

-- WVIA crew.

For Tom Spicer, I'm Ken Sawyer.

So long from the Little League baseball World Series.

>> Funding for the challenger exhibition game has been made possible by Eggland's Best.

♪