Ep 14. Little Big Men
- TV-NR
- August 31, 2010
- 52 min
-
6.4 (606)
In this episode of 30 For 30, titled "Little Big Men," we are taken back to the summer of 1982 and introduced to a group of young boys from Kirkland, Washington who captured the hearts of the nation as they swept their way to the Little League World Series Championship.
Narrated by John Goodman, the episode tells the story of the team's journey to Williamsport, Pennsylvania and their thrilling run through the tournament. Along the way, we are introduced to key players on the team such as pitcher Cody Webster, catcher Jason Verdugo, and outfielders Sean Burroughs and Kellen Winslow Jr.
One of the unique aspects of this team was their size. As 12 and 13-year-olds, many of them were barely over 4 feet tall and weighed no more than 85 pounds. Despite their small stature, they were able to dominate the competition with their impressive skills and teamwork.
Through interviews with the players and their families, we learn about the sacrifices they made in order to be successful. Many of the boys had to travel long distances to attend practices and games, and their parents often had to work multiple jobs to afford the costs associated with travel and equipment.
The episode also touches on the media frenzy that surrounded the team's success. As they continued to advance through the tournament, they became national celebrities and were even featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
However, as the team returned home to Kirkland after their victory, they were faced with new challenges. Many of the players struggled to adjust to their newfound fame and the pressure to continue to excel on the field. Some even faced criticism and hostility from members of their own community who felt that the team had become too big for their small town.
Overall, "Little Big Men" provides a fascinating look at the importance of youth sports and the impact they can have on young athletes and their families. It is a heartwarming and inspiring story about a group of kids who defied the odds and captured the hearts of the nation.
