From Little League to the Big Leagues: The Rise of College Baseball’s Standout Stars

The Journey from Little League to College Baseball: Notable Players who Made the Leap

Introduction

In the world of baseball, the journey from Little League to the big leagues is a dream shared by countless young players. While many talented athletes have made their mark in the world of college baseball, some of them first gained recognition on the Little League World Series stage. In this report, we will explore the achievements of several notable players who transitioned from the Little League World Series to successful careers in college baseball and beyond.

Scott Kingery: A Walk-On Who Became a Pac-12 Player of the Year

Scott Kingery, who represented Ahwatukee American in the 2006 Little League World Series, defied the odds by going from being a walk-on player at the University of Arizona to becoming the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2015. Kingery’s impressive career at Arizona includes a .351 batting average, 80 RBIs, and a remarkable strikeout-to-walk ratio. Today, Kingery is playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB.

Andrew Stevenson: A Dual-Threat Outfielder from LSU

Andrew Stevenson, who competed in the 2005 Little League World Series as part of the team from Lafayette, Louisiana, proved to be a formidable offensive threat during his college career at LSU. With his speed and ability to steal bases, Stevenson was a constant threat on the bases, racking up 40 stolen bases in three seasons. Stevenson’s solid performance at LSU led him to the Washington Nationals in the MLB.

Michael Conforto: From the Little League World Series to the MLB World Series

Michael Conforto made history as one of three players to have participated in the Little League World Series, College World Series, and MLB World Series. Representing Redmond North in the 2004 LLWS, Conforto went on to have a stellar career at Oregon State University. He achieved a .340 batting average, 179 RBIs, and 31 home runs during his time at Oregon State. Conforto now plays for the New York Mets in the MLB.

Devon Travis: A Hitting Machine from Florida State

Devon Travis, who played for East Boynton Beach in the 2003 Little League World Series, showcased his hitting prowess during his college career at Florida State University. Travis exhibited above-average plate discipline, with fewer than 100 strikeouts in three seasons. He also hit 17 home runs, knocked in 99 runs, and maintained a .314 batting average. Travis played for the Toronto Blue Jays in the MLB before transitioning to coaching.

Brady Rodgers: The Strikeout Hound from Arizona State

Brady Rodgers, who competed in the 2003 LLWS as part of the team from Lamar, Texas, established himself as a strikeout specialist during his time at Arizona State University. With 233 career strikeouts in college, Rodgers earned a spot among Arizona State’s all-time best career ERA leaders. His impressive performance in college led him to the Houston Astros in the MLB.

Lance Lynn: Dominance on the Mound for Ole Miss

Lance Lynn, representing Brownsburg, Indiana in the 1999 Little League World Series, left an indelible mark as a pitcher during his college career at the University of Mississippi. Lynn recorded 332 career strikeouts, the second highest in Ole Miss history at the time. His most memorable season came when he set a school record with 146 strikeouts. Today, Lynn continues to excel in the MLB as a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox.

Todd Frazier: A Power-Hitting Threat from Rutgers

Todd Frazier, who played for Toms River American in the 1998 Little League World Series, demonstrated his power-hitting abilities during his college career at Rutgers University. While his 42 home runs in college pale in comparison to his success in the major leagues, Frazier was a dominant force at the plate for Rutgers, batting .347 with 152 RBIs and a strong 1.083 OPS. Frazier has played for multiple MLB teams throughout his career.

Clete Thomas: Steadiness at the Plate for Auburn

Clete Thomas, a former outfielder for Auburn University, showcased consistency and reliability during his time in college. Though he did not participate in the Little League World Series, Thomas had a solid career at Auburn, boasting a .317 batting average and driving in 112 runs. Thomas also led his team to an NCAA regional appearance in 2005. He played in the MLB for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins.

Jeff Clement: A Catcher with Impressive Offensive Stats at USC

Jeff Clement, who represented Marshalltown National in the 1996 Little League World Series, stood out as a catcher with impressive offensive abilities during his college career at the University of Southern California. Despite the physical demands of the catching position, Clement excelled at the plate, posting a .314/.433/.596 slash line with a 1.029 OPS, 150 RBIs, and 46 home runs. Clement played in the MLB for the Seattle Mariners and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kevin Cash: From Player to Manager, a Multifaceted Career

Kevin Cash, who played for Northside in the 1989 Little League World Series, made a successful transition from player to manager in the MLB. During his college career at Florida State University, Cash displayed excellence both behind the plate as a catcher and at the plate as a solid hitter. He had a .299 batting average, 124 RBIs, and 27 home runs in college. Cash played for multiple MLB teams before becoming the manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Jason Bay: Making His Mark at Gonzaga University

Jason Bay, representing Trail in the 1990 Little League World Series, had a short but impactful college baseball career at Gonzaga University. In his second and final year with the Bulldogs, Bay hit 20 of his 35 career home runs and recorded 74 RBIs. Bay’s strong performance at Gonzaga propelled him to a successful MLB career, playing for the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Seattle Mariners.

Jason Varitek: A College Baseball Legend at Georgia Tech

Jason Varitek, who played for Almonte Springs National in the 1984 Little League World Series, is regarded as one of the most decorated college baseball players in history. Varitek’s accomplishments include winning the Golden Spikes Award in 1994, leading Georgia Tech to the College World Series championship game, and setting several impressive records. His college career is marked by a remarkable .384/.488/.667 slash line, 57 home runs, 251 RBIs, and a staggering 1.155 OPS. Varitek played for the Boston Red Sox in the MLB and is currently serving as an assistant coach for the team.

Ed Vosberg: A Proven Force on the Mound for Arizona

Ed Vosberg, who represented Cactus in the 1973 Little League World Series, had a remarkable senior season as a starting pitcher for the University of Arizona. Vosberg recorded a 10-2 record and a 3.24 ERA, solidifying his reputation as a force on the mound. Vosberg is also one of the few players who have participated in the Little League World Series, College World Series, and MLB World Series. He played for multiple MLB teams throughout his career.

Lloyd McClendon: A Power Hitter from Valparaiso

Lloyd McClendon, who hit five home runs for his Gary, Indiana squad in the 1971 Little League World Series, displayed his power-hitting abilities during his college career at Valparaiso University. McClendon had two all-conference selections and left a lasting impact on his school’s baseball program. McClendon played for multiple MLB teams and has since transitioned into coaching.

Conclusion

The journey from the Little League World Series to college baseball and beyond is a testament to the talent and dedication of these notable players. Their achievements serve as inspiration for young athletes dreaming of making it to the highest levels of the sport. As these players continue to leave their mark in the MLB and beyond, their stories remind us of the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the impact of early experiences on the path to greatness.