Aussies delighted with return

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Ethan Treble, Harrison Wheeldon and Stephen Courtney liked the Little League World Series so much they decided to try it again.

For the vast majority of Little Leaguers, suiting up in South Williamsport for the World Series is nothing more than a pipe dream. But three players from Australia are on their second trip to central Pennsylvania.

Their Hills Little League team from Sydney made its LLWS debut in 2016 and won Australia’s qualifying tournament again this year to earn another appearance in South Williamsport.

“Last year was more overwhelming because we didn’t know what was in front of us,” said Wheeldon, who started at shortstop in Australia’s 8-0 loss to powerhouse Japan on Friday.

He said this year has been all about having fun and enjoying the experience because it’s the last time for him. He

will age out of Little League this coming year.

“My favorite part is meeting and interacting with other kids from around the world,” said Courtney, who started at third base against Japan. “I was just so excited to be able to do that again.”

Boys from nine different countries and five continents play in the tournament, with the teams staying in barracks at the Little League complex. Two teams stay in each building, with an international and American club paired up in every one. The Australians are living with the team from Grosse Pointe, Mich.

Many players like Wheeldon and Courtney relish the experiences off the field at the LLWS, but Treble’s focus is solely on the diamond. Sounding a little like a pro, he said he isn’t satisfied with the team’s two-win performance a year ago.

“We’re here to play. It’s all about the baseball,” said Treble, who started at first base on Friday. “I don’t care about the other stuff. I just care about coming here and hitting some base hits.”

Chris Swan, an assistant coach for last year’s team, also is making his second appearance in South Williamsport, but this time as the manager. He said the three returning players are just as wide-eyed as the first time around.