Two local little league baseball teams will square off Sunday night in Connecticut for a major matchup.
The Taney Dragons of Philadelphia will face Delaware’s Newark National team in Bristol starting at 6 p.m. in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament final. The winner will advance to Williamsport, Pa. for the Little League World Series.
The Taney Dragons’ star pitcher, Mo’ne Davis, has gotten plenty of attention and was featured on the Today Show Sunday morning. The 13-year-old girl, who throws a 70 mph fast ball, says the initially tried to play softball when she was younger but decided to play with the boys and switch to baseball. Davis says her skills quickly earned her the respect of her male peers.
“I end up striking them out and I look at my teammates and they’re laughing,” Davis said. “So I just laugh with them.”
Davis says her baseball dreams won’t end at the LLWS.
“I’ll probably either be the first female in the MLB or in the NBA,” Davis said.
Davis’ coach Alex Rice praises her poise and levelheadedness though he also says he can’t resist teasing her every now and then.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
“When she hits a homerun we like to say that she hits like a girl,” Rice said.
Davis says she’s not a fan of the extra attention but does hope she can serve as an inspiration to other girls.
“Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you like,” Davis said. “Just keep dreaming and go for it.”
