The Little League World Series (LLWS) is back for 2024, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting event filled with young talent from around the globe. This year’s tournament features 20 teams, including the best from the United States and international champions. Let’s take a look at the teams that will be competing for the coveted title in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
2024 U.S. Regional Champions
The United States has ten regional champions ready to showcase their skills:
- Great Lakes – Hinsdale Little League (Hinsdale, Illinois)
- Representing the Great Lakes region, Hinsdale Little League comes from Illinois, a state known for its passionate baseball community. These kids have battled through tough competition to earn their spot.
- Metro – South Shore Little League (Staten Island, New York)
- Hailing from Staten Island, New York, South Shore Little League will carry the Metro region’s hopes. This team is known for its strong pitching and solid defense.
- Mid-Atlantic – Council Rock Newtown Little League (Newtown, Pennsylvania)
- Council Rock Newtown Little League, from Pennsylvania, represents the Mid-Atlantic region. They are known for their resilience and teamwork, which has carried them to the LLWS.
- Midwest – Sioux Falls Little League (Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
- Sioux Falls Little League brings Midwest pride to the tournament. This team has a history of strong showings in Little League, making them a team to watch.
- Mountain – Paseo Verde Little League (Henderson, Nevada)
- Paseo Verde Little League from Nevada represents the Mountain region. Their well-rounded team has the skills to go far in the tournament.
- New England – Salem Little League (Salem, New Hampshire)
- Salem Little League, from New Hampshire, takes the field for New England. Their disciplined approach to the game has been their key to success.
- Northwest – South Hill Little League (Puyallup, Washington)
- Representing the Northwest, South Hill Little League from Washington is known for its powerful hitters and strategic gameplay.
- Southeast – Lake Mary Little League (Lake Mary, Florida)
- Lake Mary Little League, hailing from Florida, carries the Southeast’s hopes. They have a strong tradition of excellence in youth baseball.
- Southwest – Boerne Little League (Boerne, Texas)
- Boerne Little League from Texas represents the Southwest. Texas teams are always strong contenders, and this year is no different.
- West – Central East Maui Little League (Wailuku, Hawaii)
- Central East Maui Little League from Hawaii, representing the West, is no stranger to the LLWS. They are known for their athleticism and sportsmanship.
2024 International Regional Champions
On the international stage, ten teams from across the world are set to compete:
- Asia-Pacific – Kuei-Shan Little League (Taoyuan City, Chinese Taipei)
- Kuei-Shan Little League from Chinese Taipei represents the Asia-Pacific region. This team has a rich history in the LLWS, often producing excellent all-around teams.
- Australia – Hills Little League (Sydney, New South Wales)
- Hills Little League from Sydney, Australia, brings the spirit of Down Under to the tournament. Their enthusiasm and skill make them a formidable opponent.
- Canada – Whalley Little League (Surrey, British Columbia)
- Whalley Little League from Surrey, British Columbia, represents Canada. Known for their toughness and determination, they will be aiming to make their country proud.
- Caribbean – Aruba Center Little League (Santa Cruz, Aruba)
- Aruba Center Little League from Santa Cruz, Aruba, will represent the Caribbean. This team is known for its lively play and strong fundamentals.
- Cuba – Santa Clara Little League (Villa Clara, Cuba)
- Making a strong entry, Santa Clara Little League from Villa Clara, Cuba, represents the Cuba region. Cuba’s baseball tradition is deep, and this team is expected to bring some of that legacy to the field.
- Europe-Africa – South Czech Republic Little League (Brno, Czech Republic)
- South Czech Republic Little League from Brno is representing the Europe-Africa region. This team’s journey to the LLWS is a testament to the growing popularity of baseball in Europe.
- Japan – Johoku Little League (Tokyo, Japan)
- Johoku Little League from Tokyo, Japan, is one of the powerhouses in international Little League play. Japanese teams are always well-prepared and technically sound.
- Latin America – Cardenales Little League (Barquisimeto, Venezuela)
- Cardenales Little League from Venezuela brings Latin American flair to the tournament. They are known for their passion and love for the game.
- Mexico – Matamoros Little League (Tamaulipas, Mexico)
- Matamoros Little League from Tamaulipas, Mexico, will represent their country with pride. Mexican teams often play with a mix of power and finesse.
- Puerto Rico – Radames Lopez Little League (Guayama, Puerto Rico)
- Radames Lopez Little League from Guayama represents Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican teams have a history of strong showings in the LLWS, and this team aims to continue that tradition.
What to Expect
With such a diverse and talented lineup, the 2024 Little League World Series promises to be an unforgettable event. Each of these teams has worked tirelessly to get to Williamsport, and they all have their eyes set on the championship. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane offense, airtight defense, or strategic gameplay, this year’s LLWS has something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on these young athletes as they compete on one of the biggest stages in youth sports. The journey to the championship begins soon, and it’s going to be a thrilling ride!
