The 2025 Little League World Series is already underway, with the country’s most outstanding young talents competing in Williamsport. They all dream of reaching the Major Leagues in the future.
Many of these young players will achieve their goal, as demonstrated by the numerous Little League alumni currently playing in MLB.
This year’s MLB Little League Classic, which will pit the Seattle Mariners against the New York Mets, will feature several MLB players who participated in little leagues, either on local teams in their home countries or directly in the Little League.
The Mariners manager, Dan Wilson, even played in the 1981 Little League World Series with the Barrington (Illinois) Little League team.
While the Mariners and Mets face off at the historic Bowman Field in Williamsport on August 17, here’s a look at the “before and after” of standout players from both teams who participated in the little leagues.
Featured Players and Their Little League Teams
Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
The Mets’ first baseman, Pete Alonso, played for Tampa Bay Little League in Tampa Bay, Florida.
J.P. Crawford, SS, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners shortstop, J.P. Crawford, played for Lakewood Little League in Lakewood, California.
Edwin Diaz, RP, New York Mets
The Mets reliever, Edwin Diaz, played for Miguel Luzunaris Little League in Humacao, Puerto Rico.
George Kirby, SP, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners’ starting pitcher, George Kirby, played for Rye Little League in Rye, New York.
Francisco Lindor, SS, New York Mets
The Mets shortstop, Francisco Lindor, played baseball in the little leagues in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Jeff McNeil, 2B, New York Mets
The Mets’ second baseman, Jeff McNeil, played for Goleta Valley South Little League in Santa Barbara, California.
Cal Raleigh, C, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners catcher, Cal Raleigh, played for Great Smokies Little League in Sylva, North Carolina.
Julio Rodriguez, CF, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners’ center fielder, Julio Rodriguez, played baseball in the little leagues in Loma de Cabrera, Dominican Republic.
Kodai Senga, SP, New York Mets
The Mets’ opening pitcher, Kodai Senga, played baseball in the minor leagues in Gamagōri, Japan.
Juan Soto, RF, New York Mets
The Mets’ right fielder, Juan Soto, played for Banco Central Little League in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Bryan Woo, SP, Seattle Mariners
The Mariners’ starting pitcher, Bryan Woo, played for Alameda Little League in Alameda, California.
