Little League World Series

I tell you, the LLWS got it right.

Sports isn't all about business. The Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA collects top teams from around the globe in a multi-day tournament which crowns the world champion. The games are regularly broadcast on ESPN, and today for the first time I DVR'd a game so that I could watch it later. There are several aspects that grab me:

- The field has a minor-league quality to it in the best sense, with professional appearance yet intimate seating. Beyond the outfield wall it's all grassy hill and blankets.

- The enthusiasm is unmatched. Teams are described by their state, e.g. Ohio versus New Jersey. So there's regional loyalty... but that's nothing compared to the fact that surely a large portion of the gallery consists of the players' families. Speaking of which...

- ESPN seemingly knows where every player's relatives are sitting, because whenever a big play is made there's a shot of exuberant parents, grandparents and/or siblings of that particular player.

- Not only do you get to know the players' families, but you get to know the players. There are baseball stats, sure, but you gotta love it when their favorite major league player, movie or food is shown while they're at bat. Admit it, you'd love to see Albert Pujols batting for the Cardinals while "Favorite Food: Tacos" displays at the bottom of the screen or "Favorite Movie: Schindler's List." Though it could get dicey if it said "Favorite Major League Player: Derek Jeter"

- Though it doesn't have to be this way, the coaches and umpires seem to be enthusiastic, cool customers who behave like father figures. Except for a few episodes of adolescent whining, there's no dirt kicking, ejections, bickering. And arguments are reduced because...

- LLWS uses instant replay, for more than just home run calls. Close play at home? Coach can request a review. There are certain limitations, but in this respect LLWS is miles ahead of its professional counterpart. There's probably little objection to the extra time invested in these double-checks, because...

- The game is fast. Six innings. No pitchers mulling about the mound. No hitters unstrapping and restrapping their batting gloves after every pitch.

- These are kids, and they're cared for like kids. There are pitch count limits so as not to endanger young arms. Players can sub in and out with some freedom. And as amateurs, there wild swings in score, life-changing moments of victory, heartbreaking errors.

Bottom line: It feels like a game, an exciting and unpredictable game with "world supremacy" in the offing and down-home unspoiled goodness in its values.

Gotta go see if New Jersey's making a late-inning comeback...