SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (AP) – Joey Randazzo’s teammates marveled as the Grosse Pointe, Michigan, shortstop lifted pitch after pitch over the left field fence during Little League World Series batting practice on Wednesday.
They were in awe again a batter later as Joseph Wisniewski used his left-handed uppercut swing to shoot line-drive home runs to right-center field.
Fans will likely see much more of that power over the next 11 days as 16 teams battle for the Little League title. The 71st edition of the tournament begins Thursday in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
“It’s the evolution of the game as kids are getting bigger and stronger,” said Jason Hill, coach of the team from just outside Detroit that’s representing the Great Lakes Region. “The game has really progressed. Coaches are getting more informed with teaching mechanics and selection and hitting philosophy.”
Grosse Pointe’s 6.6 runs per game during regional play was actually among the lowest offensive output among the teams taking the field this week. The Mid-Atlantic team from Jackson, New Jersey, averaged 10.8 runs across four regional games, the best mark of any U.S. team.