WILLIAMSPORT, PA—With the Little League World Series upon us, it’s time to reflect on past and present Major League Baseball players who have played in Williamsport over the years.
Most notable in recent history was Toms River, NJ’s Todd Frazier, who went on to a productive, but short career in the big leagues. He brought home the title for Toms River East Little League, and today, the main highway in town, Route 37, is named Little League Champions Boulevard.
Here’s a list of notable Major League Baseball (MLB) players who have played in the Little League World Series (LLWS), highlighting their journey from youth baseball to the professional leagues:
Todd Frazier – Todd Frazier played in the 1998 LLWS for Toms River, New Jersey, and famously led his team to a championship victory. He later played for several MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees.
Michael Conforto – Michael Conforto represented Redmond, Washington in the 2004 LLWS. He went on to play college baseball at Oregon State before joining the New York Mets in the MLB.
Cody Bellinger – Cody Bellinger took part in the 2007 LLWS for Chandler, Arizona. He is now known for his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he won an MVP award.
Jurickson Profar – Jurickson Profar played in the LLWS in 2004 and 2005 for Willemstad, Curaçao, reaching the championship game both years. He later joined the MLB and has played for several teams including the Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres.
Randal Grichuk – Randal Grichuk competed in the 2003 and 2004 LLWS for Lamar National (Richmond, Texas). He has played in the MLB for teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays.
Lance Lynn – Lance Lynn represented Brownsburg, Indiana in the 1999 LLWS. He has since had a successful MLB career, including an All-Star appearance, playing primarily for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jonathan Schoop – Jonathan Schoop was part of the 2003 and 2004 LLWS teams from Willemstad, Curaçao, alongside Jurickson Profar. He has played in the MLB for teams including the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers.
Colby Rasmus – Colby Rasmus played in the 1999 LLWS for Phenix City, Alabama. He later played for several MLB teams including the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros.
Gary Sheffield – One of the earliest examples, Gary Sheffield played in the 1980 LLWS for the Belmont Heights team from Tampa, Florida. He went on to have a long and distinguished MLB career with multiple teams, including the Florida Marlins and New York Yankees.
Jason Varitek – Jason Varitek played in the 1984 LLWS for Altamonte Springs, Florida. He is best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, where he was a key player and team captain.
These players not only achieved greatness in their youth by reaching the LLWS but also carried their talent into their professional careers, making significant impacts in Major League Baseball.
