Every Little Leaguer dreams of what it's like to play in the bigs. For the 20- some members of the Mudcats and Lugnuts of Hermosa Beach, California they actually got the chance.
The comedy troupe Improv Everywhere--famous for its staged musical number in a food court--recently transformed a typical Southern California Little League game into a dazzling spectacle of face-painted fans, costumed mascots, Jumbotron highlights and even a flyover from the Goodyear Blimp.
Best of all, none of the participants had any idea beforehand what was to occur. With a little help from the Hermosa Beach Little League commissioner, Improv Everywhere was able to create programs with detailed player information and provide in-depth play-by-play coverage from NBC Sports broadcaster Jim Gray, without a single player, parent or coach in on the joke.
Any doubt about the lasting effect this theatrical event may have had on the teams can be summed up in an e-mail sent to Improv Everywhere from one of the parents involved.
I believe you guys are behind the “Hermosa Beach Little League” taping that took place Saturday, March 10th, 2007. The parents will be talking about this for a long time… the kids even longer. My son was a pitcher on the Lugnuts. We had a long/tough season last year. Saturday made up for everything. I want to sincerely thank you for making Saturday so unbelievable. It was like a birthday, Christmas, and New Years Eve captured in a few amazing hours. Thanks a million for a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Video of this brilliantly- executed improvisation can be seen at the Improv Everywhere blog.
After reading this story it really makes you realize that sports are all about having fun. Sports now days are so centered on winning that kids do not have the chance to enjoy them. I love that after reading the whole article not once did they mention the score or who won because it meant so much more to the kids on both teams that the score was irrelevant. Like the mother said in her reply the kids will remember that day for the rest of their lives, they will not remember who won or loss but the joy that came with playing like a big leaguer. Being a coach myself I stress to my kids that at the end of the day having fun is all that matters.