Pirates, Cardinals To Play In Inaugural Little League Classic

Major League Baseball and Little League International will host the first-ever MLB Little League Classic on Sunday. The game is being played during the 2017 Little League Baseball World Series, with the Pirates facing the Cardinals at a renovated Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pa., with the Pirates designated the home team. First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

MLB Little League Classic Pregame Ceremony

Prior to the start of the game, Major League Baseball will introduce the Little League Baseball World Series teams in attendance.

Renovated Historic Bowman Field

Major League Baseball invested in a multi-million dollar renovation of Historic Bowman Field. The work began on March 1 and can be seen in the above video.

Bowman Field Fun Facts:

— Bowman Field is the second-oldest minor league ballpark in the United States.

— New seating capacity is approximately 2,500.

— Fans in attendance at the MLB Little League Classic will primarily consist of players and families of the 16 teams competing in the Little League Baseball World Series.

— In terms of capacity, the MLB Little League Classic is projected to be the lowest capacity Major League game in history.

Notable Players Who Have Played at Historic Bowman Field:

More than 560 Major Leaguers have played at Historic Bowman Field, including the following:

— Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan, Bill Mazeroski, Jim Rice and Jim Bunning.

— Bowman Field was also the site of numerous barnstorming tours featuring the MLB stars of the day, including Babe Ruth.

Ruth’s Bowman Field home run ball is on display at the World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store, sharing an exhibit with the only complete Babe Ruth uniform on display in the world.

Little League Alumni on Pirates and Cardinals:

For several of the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, Little League was where the love for the game began. Here is a list of confirmed Little League graduates on both clubs:

St. Louis Cardinals