Good sports

At Little League World Series, humanity on display

Monday night at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., Venezuela’s Omar Romero hit a game-winning, two-run triple in the bottom of the sixth and final inning. The losing pitcher, Edward Uceta of the Dominican Republic, collapsed face-down to the ground. Venezuela’s coaches and young Omar rushed to the mound, lifting Edward up and embracing him in a display of fraternity and sportsmanship.

The Little League World Series offers a pure display of sportsmanship, but also of humanity.

The annual tournament in Williamsport brings together players from all regions of the world. The tournament is an opportunity for the young players to become world champions, but it also is a chance for them to learn about different cultures. The teams spend a lot of time together off the field. Players will play video games together, learn a few words of a foreign language and try food they have never eaten before. Opponents battle fiercely on the field but respect each other enough to shake hands oncethe game is over.

Dominican Republic manager Jose Cordero said he was not surprised by Venezuela’s sportsmanship. “We’re all Latino; we’re brothers,” Mr. Cordero said.

The sportsmanship extended into the stands during a game between the Dominican Republic and Sydney on Saturday. Only one player from the Dominican Republic had a parent in the stands, so a large contingent of fans from Mexico acted as pseudo-parents for the Dominicans, cheering wildly for every hit.

The actions of the 11-, 12- and 13year-olds competing in Williamsport are inspiring. These children respect their opponents, learn from them and show empathy toward them. If only that civility could extend beyond the Little League field to larger arenas.