October is a special time for baseball fans, and this year our community has an extra reason to cheer. According to Little League International, more than 120 former Little League players are on the 40-man rosters of the 12 teams that qualified for the 2026 MLB Postseason. The World Series is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 23, so there is plenty of great baseball still ahead.
Little League International's list of postseason alumni includes some of the biggest names in the game. Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Tarik Skubal, and Giancarlo Stanton are all among the former Little Leaguers on those rosters. Several also played on the Little League World Series stage as kids, including Cody Bellinger (2007), Michael Conforto (2004), and Jackson Chourio (2017). Even a few managers share the connection: Kevin Cash of the Rays played in the 1989 Little League Baseball World Series.
Every one of those players once stood in a youth dugout, learned to track a fly ball, and figured out how to hustle to first base. That is a pretty inspiring thought the next time you watch a young player take their first swing.
Watching the pros is a wonderful chance to turn the TV into a teaching moment. Here are a few easy ways to make the most of the postseason with your players:
Not every player will reach the big leagues, and that is perfectly okay. Most of what our kids gain from baseball and softball happens right here at home: friendships, confidence, teamwork, and a love of being outside with their friends. Those lessons last a lifetime, whether a player ends up in a stadium or cheering from the stands.
If your player is feeling inspired, now is a great time to think about the 2027 season. Visit vllb.org for the latest news and information from our league.
Thank you to every parent, coach, volunteer, and player who makes our fields a place where kids can dream big. Enjoy the games, and see you at the fields!