Alabama team headed to Little League World Series for the first time since 1999
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For the first time in more than two decades, Alabama will have a team playing in Williamsport.
The Phenix City 12U All Stars have secured their spot in the Little League World Series after winning all four games at the Southeast Regional in Warner Robins, Georgia.
This will be the first time Alabama has been represented at the baseball Little League World Series since 1999 when a team from Phenix City finished as the runner-up.
And a familiar name is leading the way again.
Keep reading to learn more about the team and how you can watch them on the national stage.
Phenix City is no stranger to the LLWS
If you know anything about Alabama’s history in Williamsport, you know Phenix City is a huge part of that history.
The city was the state’s last representative at the LLWS in 1999, making a run to the final before losing to a team from Japan.
Phenix City’s squad was led by Colby and Cory Rasmus, two brothers who would go on to play in Major League Baseball. But now, two more Rasmus family members are leading the way on the field.
Kinsley Rasmus, the daughter of Cory, is the ace on the mound for the Phenix City team. She pitched a complete game shutout in the Southeast Region final against Tennessee and added five hits at the plate.
Ryker Rasmus is also on the team, finishing the regional tournament with the second most innings pitched on the team including getting a win.
Phenix City won all four games in Warner Robins including:
- North Carolina: 8-5
- Tennessee: 5-2
- Florida: 8-5
- Championship – Tennessee: 4-0
Alabama’s history at the Little League World Series
Phenix City may be responsible for the last two appearances now but Alabama has made eight previous appearances in the Little League World Series including:
- 1953: Southside, Birmingham
- 1955: Auburn
- 1956: Auburn
- 1958: Gadsden
- 1959: Gadsden
- 1964: South Brookley, Mobile
- 1990: Cottage Hill, Mobile
- 1999: Phenix City
The first team from Birmingham is still responsible for the team’s lone championship at the event.
Alabama is now one of 21 states with at least nine appearances in the baseball LLWS.
When do the Phenix City All Stars play again?
Phenix City is the first American team to secure a spot in the Little League World Series so the bracket is still being filled out but we know when the team’s path will begin in Williamsport. Here’s what you need to know:
- Who: Phenix City vs. Northwest winners
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 19 | 1PM central
- Where: Lamade Stadium | 100 Borderline Rd, South Williamsport, PA 17702
- Watch: ESPN
Phenix City will be one of 20 little league teams at the tournament this year. It will be a double-elimination format with the championship scheduled for Aug. 30.
