ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Two Lehigh Valley Little League teams were surprised Tuesday evening when they were brought to Coca-Cola Park to play in front of friends and family, turning a regular game into a dream come true.
The annual Little League Takeover, hosted by the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, featured North Bethlehem Little League and Fountain Hill Little League, who thought they were headed to a routine matchup at their local field. Instead, they were met by an IronPigs team bus and mascots and transported to the professional ballpark.
“We surprise the kids by picking them up—kidnapping them with their parents’ and coaches’ permission—and bringing them to the ballpark, where they get to play their full game on a professional field,” said Aaron Weisberg, manager of community relations for the IronPigs. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that hopefully fosters a bigger love for the sport.”
Weisberg said the event has been a cherished tradition in the Lehigh Valley for at least six years. Each year, two local teams are selected to take part. One is typically a recipient of an IronPigs Charities grant, which supports field and facility improvements for under-resourced youth baseball leagues. Fountain Hill Little League was chosen this year after receiving a grant for a facility renovation.
“Every kid’s dream is to play on a professional field,” Weisberg said. “For 11- and 12-year-olds, stepping onto this field can only heighten their love for baseball. It’s the kind of experience that makes them say, ‘I want to be here again — what does it take to get here every day?’”
Weisberg encouraged other Little Leagues in need to apply for grants through IronPigs Charities, which distributes funding annually to deserving organizations throughout the region.
“We’re always happy to help the community in that sense,” he said. “And if you get one of our grants, hopefully, one day we can see your league out on the field.”
The teams arrived at Coca-Cola Park around 5:20 p.m., and the game began at 6 p.m. Friends and family cheered from the stands as the players stepped onto the field.
“It’s just a really fun event,” Weisberg said. “We’re proud to support these kids and communities however we can.”
