The Little League World Series remains a paragon of sportsmanship and that shined through on Monday night when Venezuela paused their celebration to console the opposing Dominican Republic pitcher after winning on a walk-off triple.
Venezuela’s Little League team halts celebration to console opposing pitcher
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
While his team jumped around, Venezuela manager noticed Edward Uceta, the losing pitcher, sobbing on the mound. He called for his team to stop celebrating and shake the hands of their opponents before resuming the festivities. This, from ESPN:
“Edward has a big heart. It was sad,” Venezuela manager Alexander Ballesteros said after his team’s win. “It could have happened to anyone. It could have happened to our own ‘Little [Jose] Altuve’ here, [Romero].”
After getting hugs from Venezuelan players, the visibly distraught Uceta joined the rest of his team in the customary postgame handshake line, where he received more hugs and consolation from Venezuela’s players and coaches.
“We’re all Latino, we’re brothers,” Dominican Republic manager Jose Cordero said of Venezuela’s sportsmanship.
The Little League World Series continues to be an example of how great sports can be.
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