Lock Haven Sport Management Students Begin Semester by Gaining Professional Experience at MLB Little League Classic

When Major League Baseball played its annual Little League Classic (LLC) in Williamsport on Sunday, Aug. 20, six sports management students from the Lock Haven campus of Commonwealth University had an up-close look into the operation of the game.

This year’s Little League Classic matchup between the Baltimore Orioles and the Boston Red Sox was played at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman FieldThe LLC is part of the MLB’s outreach to young players and fans and is a bonus for the Little League teams that make it to Williamsport. The LLWS teams from around the world have the opportunity to watch the MLB stars up close and be able to meet and connect with the players.

Ethan Walker, Lock Haven sport management student from Hillsgrove, had a good view of a pivotal moment in the game.

 “I was working in the temporary seating along the third baseline when Jorge Mateo hit a double down the third baseline with bases loaded and sent three runs in against the Red Sox after a tied game,” Walker said.

Zachary Kreider, of Elizabethtown, directed people to their seating sections and assisted with ushering and other fan and staff needs.

2022 marked the 75^th anniversary of the Little League World Series as well as the unveiling of three new statues in Market Square in Williamsport. In attendance at the LLC to celebrate the milestone was former President George W. Bush.

“One thing that I found cool about the event was seeing President Bush and being able to say ‘hello’ to him,” Kreider said.

In addition to Walker and Kreider, Lock Haven students who participated in the MLB LLC were Devon Bartleson, of Shickshinny; Hailey Farr, of Tunkhannock; Taran Patterson, of York; and Joshua Torrens, of Pottstown.

“Opportunities like this are important for our students. They provide a hands-on approach to working ‘Major League’ events, and offer valuable networking connections, which can eventually lead to career opportunities,” said Bashar W. Hanna, president of Commonwealth University.