Celebrating our kids is something we cherish, and for a short while each summer, we become fans of other kids as well.

We eagerly watch their every play, whether it’s from a cozy ballpark in Pennsylvania or from the comfort of our living rooms.

We cheer as they make impressive catches on the field and hit home runs. We also connect with their feelings: Their deep breaths, tense expressions, and joyous jumps into their coaches’ arms.

So, why do we find the Little League World Series so captivating? It brings the charm of everyday life into a nationwide spotlight. Many of us have been on teams aiming for a shot at Williamsport, or remember those nostalgic rides to the field with friends packed in the backseat.

While most of us may not have played in front of millions on national television with sports commentators narrating our performances, these kids’ aspirations become intertwined with ours. For a moment, we may even forget they are just kids.

We have high hopes for their performance and cheer enthusiastically when they shine.

But what happens when they don’t succeed?

Often, we see tears from these young athletes and their families during those gut-wrenching moments.

“I promised myself to truly cherish every minute of these games,” shared Michelle Anderson, whose son Chase plays for Lake Mary, Florida, while her husband Jonathan manages the team. “I was super stressed about getting here, but once we arrived, I decided to enjoy the experience in the moment.”

It’s a rare occasion where kids’ games are broadcasted globally, and coaches are wired for sound.

With so much attention, it can often feel unclear regarding the real goal of the event. While it’s easy to view the Little League World Series as a showcase for the best 12-year-old baseball players, its true purpose is much simpler: It’s a unique experience for the kids (and their parents) lucky enough to take part.

We adore the Little League World Series, yet there are gentle improvements to consider that could enhance the experience. Here are suggestions on how we can ease the pressure on these young players and create more chances for them to participate.

Keep Broadcast Commentary Light and Fun

That should have been a simple double play.

The throw needs to be a bit sharper.

That catch was within reach. Sometimes you let go just a split second too soon.

These are actual comments made by ESPN commentators Karl Ravech and Todd Frazier during a game leading up to Saturday’s U.S. championship, featuring Boerne, Texas, and Lake Mary, Florida. The victor faces off for the title the following day against either Chinese Taipei or Venezuela.

We often unintentionally link the Little League World Series with Major League Baseball, perhaps because 64 players who have participated in the LLWS have gone on to play in the majors since 1954.

Among them is Frazier, who delivered an outstanding performance in the 1998 championship game, helping Toms River, New Jersey, secure victory over Japan by going 4-for-4.

Frazier enjoyed a successful 11-year career in the majors. Now at 38, he coaches his son’s baseball team with a combination of encouragement and constructive criticism.

“That was a perfectly executed bunt,” he remarked when Hawaii’s Kolten Magno laid a sacrifice to advance a runner during an intense elimination match with Florida. “If he could have placed it slightly better toward third base, it would have been a hit.”

Magno also ignited a four-run rally to tie the score in the third inning after getting a single. The pressure mounted on Florida as their attempt at double plays faltered, with a bobble and dropped throw causing chaos on the field.

“And everyone’s safe!” Ravech exclaimed.

The atmosphere escalated, a common occurrence in youth sports environments. Hawaii’s parents erupted in cheers following Florida’s errors.

“Once that bobble occurs, the focus should always be on getting that first out,” Frazier advised during the replay.

His passionate delivery effectively captured the tension, yet part of that tension was reflected in the shortstop’s expression. Unlike a major leaguer’s nonchalance after a mistake, this young player wore a look of genuine concern.

This moment could be alleviated by supportive words from a coach behind closed doors post-game. If Frazier’s advice were given during the replays, it could offer comfort: “You can tell he lost track of the ball. That’s a tough play to make, but these kids are capable.”

He and Ravech adopted a more suitable approach the previous day when Florida faced Staten Island. For baseball parents, it was a familiar scene. Major league commentator Jessica Mendoza, also a Little League parent, was in the booth. She observed how Staten Island’s coach, Bob Laterza, kept up a constant dialogue with his players throughout the game.

“He’s directing their attention all game,” she remarked.

At one point, Laterza called for a time-out and overwhelmed one of his hitters with advice before the next pitch. The young player appeared lost; after nodding, he stepped back into the batter’s box seeming more confused than when he exited.

“Do you think he’s processing all of that?” Ravech pondered.

“I think he’s trying, but it’s a lot to take in at once,” Frazier replied. “Definitely hard to remember everything.”

Encourage More Moments Like Julie Foudy’s

What intriguing question might ESPN correspondent Julie Foudy pose next?

“How did you manage to get your kid to eat eggplant?” she asked Jana Grippo, mother of Stephen, a left-handed pitcher from Staten Island.

“In our house, we have a saying: You should give it a try before you declare you don’t like it,” the mother said.

Foudy has a knack for keeping kids entertained off the main stage. While playing pickleball with Florida’s Liam Morrisey, she inquired about his hair care routine (shower, brush, conditioner, blow dry). She also challenged Gunnar Gaudin from Henderson, Nevada, to complete a Rubik’s cube in less than 39 seconds, all while talking to him and his teammate Wyatt Erickson about their team. (He managed it in just 36 seconds.)

She engages with parents as their kids are in action on the field, often during pitching or hitting, creating a humorous atmosphere even without her added commentary.

“The first rule is to keep your eyes on your son,” she told Texas parents Dru and Jessica Steubing, as they glanced away from her to focus on the game. “But I’m here to ask you questions and put the mic in your face.”

During a conversation about the low-salt sunflower seeds the couple makes, they suddenly halted to cheer for a ball their son Gage hit. They jumped up and celebrated as it landed safely for a hit.

“Yes! I love when that happens,” Foudy exclaimed.

Her comments highlighted the emotional rollercoaster parents experience while watching their children in sports, reminding us not to take the games—and ourselves—too seriously.

Be more selective in miking up coaches

During a Nevada-Texas game this week, Nevada’s catcher misfielded a bunt while a runner was on first base and threw the ball inaccurately to second. The young athlete immediately recognized his error (which most 12-year-olds usually do) and was visibly upset, tears streaming down his face behind his catcher’s mask.

“We needed that out at first, buddy,” Nevada manager Adam Johnson told his catcher during a miked visit, causing the child to cry even more.

Johnson, like many coaches, found himself in a moment of unintentional slip-ups. Typically, we can correct our missteps privately with our teams.

Gently tapping the catcher’s helmet, he said, “Forget about it. You’re doing fine.”

This was a personal moment that a coach should be able to share with young players without an audience watching.

Though it may deliver the dramatic moments ESPN aims for with coach mics, it also captured the unintended consequence of making a player cry.

The network could benefit from being more discerning about which coaches to mic. They should record interactions and highlight those that show coaches uplifting their players.

For instance, Johnson, assistant equipment manager for the Las Vegas Raiders, delivered an inspiring talk to his team before a crucial game against Florida:

“Enjoy this moment and recognize what’s on the line,” he said, in a calm yet encouraging tone. “You all love playing together. You have two more chances—if you win tonight, you’re in. Have fun! Keep a smile on your face. Savor the experience.”

Play every kid as much as possible

In the Little League World Series, teams are required to bat all 12 to 14 players on their roster. However, not all players must take the field.

This rule allows teams to showcase their top fielders, leading to the exciting plays we enjoy watching on SportsCenter. It prioritizes winning but can also mean that a player might go through the entire tournament without seeing a single inning on the field at Lamade Stadium.

While winning is important, shouldn’t we ensure every child gets the chance to fully participate in the Little League World Series? This obligation lies with both the coaches and Little League’s governing bodies, which removed fielding requirements partly due to practical complications and rules violations.

Perhaps the organization can keep discussing how to create a more equitable format for on-field play. Meanwhile, coaches should aim to involve all players as much as possible, preserving the spirit of Little League at the community level.

Enforcing equal playtime for all in postseason tournaments might make the path to the World Series smoother. Teams with a few standout players (height can be a significant advantage at age 12) might dominate; however, if everyone is encouraged to contribute, more teams can succeed.

Let’s remember these are 12-year-olds, emphasizing teamwork

Utilizing more players fosters camaraderie. All teams need this kind of support.

Caleb Gomez, a speedy center fielder for Nevada, faced Florida this week. While watching him, Foudy spoke with his mom, Anjanette, about how Caleb and others have dealt with mental challenges in sports and academics.

Everyone knows the feeling as a kid when you strike out or miss a play.

“There isn’t really a safe space to discuss these feelings,” Anjanette shared with Foudy.

Anjanette, a psychiatric case worker nearing the end of her master’s in social work, helped launch the “Pass the Ball” podcast to provide young athletes a platform to express their thoughts. They’ve recorded three episodes so far and invite kids to follow and join the conversation on Instagram (@cgogo9).

With two outs and a runner on base in the last inning, Caleb stepped up to bat with his team down 6-3. Nerves and anxiety were evident in his expression as he connected with a solid hit to left field, tears filling his eyes as he reached first base.

Ravech captured the moment perfectly.

“Nice job, Caleb,” he said. “You got the big hit. This shows how much it means to these kids.”

Let’s hope Caleb enjoys more moments like this on TV in the future. For now, he gets to return home and be a kid again.