![]() Consider the time when he met members of the Mets in Williamsport. That was just Big Al, just saying what feels right, his father said. When he professed his affinity for dingers, he had no clue that, by the next day, he’d be signing autographs and taking selfies with strangers. His son has always been this way, known to make “offbeat” comments. The intro wasn’t scripted, said Big Al’s father, who is also named Al. It’s part of the package for those who achieve the fleeting fame of a viral video. He and his family have done the full-on media tour. Since then, he has taken hundreds of selfies. It’s been more than two weeks since that video first aired on an ESPN telecast of a Little League World Series playoff game. ![]() “At home they call me Big Al, and I hit dingers.”Ĭlearly, the world needed a dose of Big Al. “My name is Alfred Delia,” he said in his famous viral video. All of it was as genuine as the innocent enthusiasm that he’d needed just six seconds to transmit. For all the attention that he’d grown accustomed to the last few weeks, he was still capable of being overwhelmed. “Nice to meet you.”īig Al, the social media sensation, was just a little boy, his head down, his eyes welling with tears. But he turned to his left, and he was suddenly looking straight up at his favorite player. Stanton climbed the dugout steps wearing a wide smile. “I’ve liked him since he was on the Marlins,” Big Al said of Stanton, while also noting that Miami was, “one of his first teams.” If there was time, Hicks said, maybe he’d get a visit from Giancarlo Stanton. Earlier in the day, Aaron Hicks had mentioned a meeting with a guy who has hit 299 dingers. “It is not impossible to get to the highest level if you work hard at it and dedicate yourself.Now, Big Al explained to a handful of reporters, he was holding out hope. “You really just want to remind them that we all started somewhere,” Rodriguez said. It’s one of those that you need to come out for,” Rodriguez said.įor Rodriguez, Conforto and all of the major leaguers, it’s all about giving back to the next generation and making them believe that they can do anything. But he still enjoys watching little leaguers from all over the world battle for a championship. He totaled 3,115 hits during his time in the bigs and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever live. The three-time MVP and 14-time All-Star slugged 696 home runs in his big league career. “I really loved football around that time but the experience made me fall in love with baseball and wanted to continue to work at it.”ĮSPN’s Alex Rodriguez was a spectator today in Williamsport. “I think it does wonders for the kids who decide it’s something they want to pursue in life,” Conforto said. It was special not only for the kids but for the major league teams too. The little leaguers had the chance to spend some time with the Mets and Phillies as they all bussed over to the complex together. The day for the big leaguers began when they were greeted at the airport by teams currently still in tournament. ![]() Delia was invited on the field to take pictures and even caught the first pitch thrown by Frazier. Self-proclaimed Big Al burst onto the scene overnight for hitting dingers and letting the world know about during his pregame introduction. For the Mets, they had the opportunity to meet another star here in Williamsport – Alfred “Big Al” Delia. Players made their way into the stands to catch a few innings before they were called upon for a pregame ceremony and press conference. “I’m going to try and live it up just like I did when I was there.” “I’m going to have a blast,” Frazier told ESPN. 667 and going 4-for-4 in the championship game. Frazier burst onto the scene in the tournament, hitting. Todd Frazier makes his return on the 20 th anniversary of his Toms River, New Jersey team defeating Japan to win the 1998 Little League World Series title. Phillies shortstop Scott Kingery is making his first return since he played for Ahwatukee, Arizona in 2006. Mets outfielder Michael Conforto was a member of the 2004 Northwest Region champions from Redmond, Washington. Nick Pavetta and Jason Vargas will do the pitching for both sides.įor three big leaguers, this return to Williamsport means a little more. The Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets will travel to Williamsport to play the Little League Classic game at Bowman Field. In the midst of all the excitement of the 2018 Little League World Series, eyes will be focused on Major League Baseball Sunday night.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |