Loudoun South American Advances to Little League World Series

/ Lynn Davis / Leave a comment

A year after being denied at the doorstep, Loudoun South American cleared its final obstacle to a first-ever trip to the Little League Baseball World Series in emphatic fashion August 7 in Warner Robins, Georgia.

Representing Virginia as state champions, Loudoun South scored four runs in the second inning and broke the game open with six runs in the fifth on its way to a 12-2 victory over Peachtree City (Georgia) in the Southeast Region championship game.

Loudoun South becomes the first team from Virginia to advance to the Little League World Series since 1994. In the process, Loudoun South avenged a 3-0 loss to Peachtree City in the 2018 Southeast Region title game.

“One of the things we said before we ran onto the field was finish the job, finish what we were not able to finish last year,” Loudoun South manager Alan Bowden said. “For us to finish it today was really special.”

The 16-team Little League World Series begins August 15 and continues through August 25 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Full story by Carl Lukat, Loudoun Times-Mirror

Loudoun South American Dominates, Duplicates in 2019 Tournament Season

/ Lynn Davis / Leave a comment

In 2019, District 16 crowned champions in five levels, four of those five sit atop the heads of the players and coaches of Loudoun South American. The only other league to hold District 16 honors this year is the Senior Division of Lower Loudoun Little League.

In the 8/9/10 tournament, hosted by Upper Loudoun Little League, the Loudoun South American team lost only once in their run up to the banner. Central Loudoun American forced the “if needed” game, but the Loudoun South American club fought back to win and capture back-to-back District Championships, punching their ticket to the Virginia State tournament.

The 9/10/11 tournament, hosted by Dulles Little League, featured an undefeated run by Loudoun South American in their quest for the banner. Securing the second championship in as many years for the dominant program as well as many of the players, who had won the previous year in the 8/9/10 level.

On the Little League side, in a tournament hosted by Central Loudoun Little League, the run was not as easy for the Loudoun South American team, as they suffered an early loss dropping them into the losers’ bracket and forcing a series of elimination games to earn a berth into the championship game against their brothers of Loudoun South National. Many of the players on this Loudoun South American team, which prevailed in 2018 at the 9/10/11 tournament, had been here before – facing elimination early in the tournament, so they knew the drill. Loudoun South National needed just one win in the best of two series, but failed to capture it and the Loudoun South American squad won both and the district. Also, a back-to-back achievement for the league.

Juniors, a tournament hosted by Loudoun South Little League, was a much shorter series featuring only two leagues – Loudoun South and Lower Loudoun and a best of three series. While Lower Loudoun captured the first game, it was Loudoun South hoisting the banner, taking the next two. While not a repeat for the league at this level, yet another banner added to the collection.

The Seniors division champions, Lower Loudoun Little League, advanced without play directly to the Virginia State tournament, in which they were the host league.

The District thanks all of its volunteers, Leagues and fans for a successful 2019 tournament season.

Follow us for updates on the numerous teams in VA State tournaments and beyond.

Freedom Park closed July 14

/ Lynn Davis / Leave a comment

Freedom Park is closed tonight, Friday, July 14th, due to heavy rain and lightning.

The updated plan is to play the LL Championship game tomorrow at 1:30pm. The if-needed game is tentatively scheduled for Monday evening.

Game times and fields are subject to further change as we confirm field, volunteer, and umpire availability. Plus, of course, more weather.

Extreme Heat Policy

/ Lynn Davis / Leave a comment

District 16 takes safety very seriously. We want to play baseball, but not at the risk of anyone’s health.

With the heat index expected to be over 100 on Thursday, July 13, everyone involved with District 16 tournaments should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the District 16 policy regarding play in extreme heat.

District 16 will follow the heat and humidity recommendations from Little League.

  • When the heat index is in the Extreme Danger (red) category, games and warmups will be suspended.
  • When the heat index is in the Danger (orange) category, we will take a 5-minute break at the end of the 2nd and 4th innings.
  • We will resume game activities only when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
  • We will use NOAA temperature, relative humidity, and heat index readings from the nearest available location. For Freedom Park in Leesburg, that is the weather station at Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO).

Players, coaches, managers, umpires, and volunteers are encouraged (and should be reminded) to stay hydrated. We ask that everyone be vigilant. Fans should make sure family, friends, and neighbors in the stands are hydrating. Coaches should watch the players and other coaches. If anyone feels ill or sees someone showing signs of heat illness (no sweating, hot flushed skin), please alert tournament volunteers immediately.

Extreme heat conditions also tend to bring in thunderstorms, especially in the late afternoon and evening. District 16 follows the Loudoun County and Little League guidelines regarding lightning. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard, umpires will immediately suspend play for 30 minutes. Any additional lightning or thunder will reset the clock to 30 minutes. Players are to return to their cars and remain there until play can be resumed or the game is called.