Since 1947, Pennsylvania has been home to the Little League World Series. An event that crowns the champions of youth baseball. From its humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it has become, there are countless stories and connections to not just this state, but the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies fans have witnessed numerous prospects rise through the high school, college, and minor league ranks to make it to the big leagues. But a handful of these athletes began their journey at the Little League World Series (LLWS). Before making it to the show, they were at Williamsport trading baseball pins, wearing rally caps, and enjoying the sport in its purest form.
Let's take a look at some of these players who went from Little League glory to the Philadelphia Phillies. Now mind you, there aren’t a lot of stars on this list. And a few names had the equivalent of a cup of coffee with the franchise before leaving. But still, it’s fun to see the journey from a 12 year old playing at the local sandlot to making it all the way to Citizens Bank Park.
Rick Wise began his baseball journey with the Rose City Little League team that reached the LLWS all the way back in 1958. By 1964, he made his MLB debut with the Phillies at just 18 years old. Wise is perhaps best remembered for his remarkable performance on June 23, 1971, when he pitched a no-hitter and contributed two home runs in the same game. A feat that remains unmatched in MLB history.
Charlie Hayes was part of the Hub City Little League team from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, which represented the South Region in the 1977 LLWS. Although the team lost in the first round, Hayes went on to have a successful MLB career. Notably, he was a member of the New York Yankees' 1996 World Series championship team. But he did spend a few years with the Phillies, including his best season here in 1990.
Ed Vosberg played for the Cactus Little League team from Tucson, Arizona, in the 1973 LLWS. He later had a distinguished MLB career, including a stint with the Phillies as a reliever. Vosberg is one of only three players to have participated in the LLWS, College World Series, and Major League World Series. An impressive feat.
Adam Loewen was a standout pitcher and first baseman for the Surrey Little League team that represented Canada in the 1996 LLWS. He went on to play in the MLB after being drafted in the 1st round. This included a rather unmemorable season with the Phillies in 2011. But it still counts!
Michael Saunders represented Canada in the 1996 LLWS with the Victoria Little League team. In 2017, he signed a 1-year $8 million deal with the Phillies. Unfortunately, that deal didn’t work out well for the team and he was designated for assignment after only 3 months.
Scott Kingery played in the 2003 LLWS as part of a team from Phoenix, Arizona. He went on to have a notable MLB career with the Phillies, known for his versatility and energy on the field.
In 2018, the Phillies signed Kingery to a six-year, $24 million contract extension before he made his MLB debut, a move that raised eyebrows at the time. He made his debut that season, batting .226 with eight home runs, 35 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, a .605 OPS, and -0.6 WAR across 147 games.
In 2019, he showed promise, hitting .258 with 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, a .788 OPS, and a 2.5 WAR in 126 games. However, his performance declined in the following seasons, leading to his demotion to AAA. In November 2024, the Phillies traded Kingery to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations, ending his tenure with the team.
Drew Ellis pitched a no-hitter for Jeffersonville, Indiana, in the 2008 LLWS. He later joined the Phillies, contributing to the team's depth and versatility.
Ellis made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 2023, earning just 29 plate appearances. After bouncing around the minors for a bit, he was eventually designated for assignment by the team. He is currently playing in the San Francisco Giants minor league system.
In August 2023, several Phillies players took time out of their schedules to visit the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Nick Castellanos were among the stars who mingled with young fans, signed autographs, and cheered on the team from Media, Pennsylvania as they faced off against a tough Rhode Island squad. The players' presence was a testament to the Phillies' commitment to supporting the next generation of baseball talent and fostering a love for the game at the grassroots level. And the kids absolutely loved it.
These players' journeys from the LLWS to the MLB highlight the rich talent pool that the Little League World Series continues to nurture. Their stories serve as inspiration for young athletes dreaming of one day playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
