Why I Love the Little League World Series

State Representative Richard Mirabito, his wife, Sara, and their son, Rocco, walk in the 2010 Grand Slam Parade.

I woke up at 4:45 a.m.on this gorgeous, brisk, clear Pennsylvania morning and I could feel the excitement of the day.  It is one of those summer days that you know are just going to be beautiful and perfect. Today is the official first day of the Little League World Series.

As I was driving to work along West Fourth Street in Williamsport, PA, my heart was warmed by all the chairs set up along the Grand Slam parade route.  It was 7:15 a.m.  It was not just one or two chairs, but rows of chairs, tarps and roped-off areas that people had reserved to get the best view of the Grand Slam parade tonight.

I love the Grand Slam Parade and have participated in every one. This year I will be marching in the parade with State Representative Richard Mirabito, his wife, Sara, and their son, Rocco.   

Stacie, his scheduler and her daughter, Vanessa, will be holding the banner, so people will know who we are.  I will be the one throwing the candy to the kids lined up along the parade route.  Small ones kids, big ones kids, happy kids, crying kids, kids who love baseball and thousands of kids who just come out to gather the candy.  

There is nothing like the Grand Slam Parade and thousands of people coming out to welcome Little Leaguers from all over the world.  I love being a part of such a joy-filled event. It is great to walk down the street and see that other people feel the same way I do.  These are the moments when I know the world is going to be okay.

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