Little League World Series 2021: Schedule, how to livestream and all about baseball event
After the 2020 edition of the Little League World Series was cancelled for the first time in its history, the 2021 Little League World Series marks the return of the biggest event in Little League Baseball.
While the popular tournament begins next week, the general public won't be invited due to the spike in Covid-19 cases driven by the Delta variant. Organizers had planned to distribute some 3,000 tickets for each day of the tournament, which is traditionally played in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. But that isn't happening now - organisers have cited the need to protect players and their families, along with coaches and volunteers.
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In-person spectators will be limited to "the family and friends of our 16 participating teams and our highest-level volunteers and supporters," said Steve Keener, Little League International's president and CEO. Organizers say that teams that play in the tournament will each get 250 passes for their friends and family. "All spectators, regardless of vaccination status, will also be strongly encouraged to wear a face mask when on the complex, especially while in any indoor facility during their visit," the league said.
Schedule and where to Livestream
The Little League World Series is slated to run from August 19 to 29 and will feature the top two teams from each of eight US regional tournaments.
The tournament is set to get underway Thursday. Games will take place every day until the top two teams in each bracket square off for their respective championships on August 28, 2021. The winners will advance to the Little League World Series Championship Game on August 29.
2021 Little League World Series Opening Round
August 19
Hawaii vs Connecticut, 1 pm on ESPN
Tennessee vs Ohio, 3 pm on ESPN
Nebraska vs New Jersey, 5 pm on ESPN
New Hampshire vs. California, 7 pm on ESPN
August 20
Pennsylvania vs Oregon, 1 pm on ESPN
Michigan vs Florida, 3 pm on ESPN
Louisiana vs South Dakota, 5 pm on ESPN
Washington vs Texas, 7 pm on ESPN2
All times ET
As per reports, because of the increased size of the US field, two teams were taken from each of the regional tournaments. Then the 16-team field was divided into two brackets: The Hank Aaron Bracket and Tom Seaver Bracket.
2021 Little League World Series Participants
Hank Aaron Championship Bracket
Michigan: Taylor North Little League
New Jersey: Toms River East Little League
Nebraska: Hastings Baseball Little League
Connecticut: Manchester Little League
Washington: Eastlake Little League
Florida: Martin County North Little League
Texas: Wylie Little League
Hawaii: Honolulu Little League
Tom Seaver Championship Bracket
Ohio: West Side Little League
Pennsylvania: Upper Providence Little League
South Dakota: Sioux Falls Little League
New Hampshire: North Manchester-Hooksett Little League
Oregon: Lake Oswego Little League
Tennessee: Nolensville Little League
Louisiana: Lafayette Little League
California: Torrance Little League
Full bracket can be found here.
