Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is a perfect setting for this year’s Little League Classic, an NL East showdown between the Phillies and Nationals.
It’s a matchup draped in Americana: One of America’s oldest cities in Philadelphia up against the nation’s capital in D.C. Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, founded in 1926, provides the ideal backdrop for the East Coast showdown.
Though the Nationals have long since dropped out of the playoff race, they’re still looking to challenge the Phillies, who are battling for a wild card spot in the National League. Every game matters in the NL, where the race is extremely close.
The game is also the Bryce Harper Series, in a way, particularly with Harper’s recent comments about how he wishes he’d started his career in Philly. Harper has been all about his image since joining the Phillies, and that has meant a little fun at the Nats’ expense.
The Little League Classic is always a fun reprieve from the large and mostly static ballparks of MLB teams. The tree line stretching from center to right field and rolling hills in the distance make for a beautiful batter’s eye, while the friendly confines (trademark Wrigley Field) create an unforgettable experience for the Little League World Series players on hand.
MORE: Watch MLB’s Little League Classic live on Fubo (free trial)
Here’s what to know about the Little League Classic this year, including how to watch it and who’s involved.
What time is the Little League Classic?
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 20
- Start time: 7 p.m. ET
The clash between the Phillies and Nationals is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 20.
Little League Classic TV coverage
- TV channel: ESPN, ESPN2
- Live stream: ESPN+, Fubo
Sunday’s game will be broadcast on ESPN. The game is part of the network’s “Sunday Night Baseball” package. Karl Ravech will handle the play-by-play duties while David Cone and Eduardo Perez will offer analysis.
ESPN2 will carry a “KidsCast” alternate broadcast featuring Zach Brody and Owen Heffron on commentary and Pepper Persley reporting from the field.
Cord-cutters can stream the game on ESPN+ as well as Fubo, which offers a free trial.
MORE: Little League World Series updated bracket, scores and results
Little League Classic location
- Location: Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
The Little League Classic comes to Williamsport for the sixth time. To accommodate for the necessary bigger field dimensions, though, the game will be held at Muncy Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, a minor league stadium in the city that hosts the Williamsport Crosscutters. Little League World Series games take place at Volunteer Stadium and the well-known Howard J. Lamade Stadium.
The Crosscutters are a collegiate summer baseball team that competes in the MLB Draft League. With a capacity of less than 3,000, the venue will offer an intimate environment for the sport’s finest to duke it out.
