Little League, Big Dreams

The Little League World Series began 77 years ago, bringing the Williamsport-hosted annual baseball tournament to the national – and then international – stage. 

With this year’s games running through Aug. 25, we wanted to showcase some of the commonwealth’s leaders, their sports experiences as kids and what lessons they learned that still apply in their current roles. 

Here’s a glimpse into some of the state politicos’ athletic upbringings, complete with yearbook-esque photos: 

State Rep. Morgan Cephas:

“Spending every afternoon after school practicing for an upcoming track meet was a pivotal moment in my life. It wasn't always enjoyable staying late to train and sacrificing my summer weekends for meets, but the routine built a foundation of discipline and focus that propelled me to a collegiate track career at the University of Virginia and continues to influence my work in the legislature. You don't need to be the team's star or have a winning record to gain the benefits of training and develop the heart of a competitor.”

Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin:

“Competing on Shippensburg University’s basketball team gave me great experiences learning how to work as a team – one unit, equally yoked – focusing on wins, learning from losses, and celebrating success. As captain of the team, those lessons helped shape me and informed how I have approached leadership as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and as Secretary of Education.”

State Sen. Scott Martin:

State Sen. Scott Martin knows a thing or two about youth sports. Not only is he an advocate for girls wrestling in the commonwealth, but his own wrestling background is just as impressive. The current Senate Appropriations Committee chairman was a PIAA and national heavyweight wrestling champion at Lancaster Catholic High School. At Millersville University, Martin was a three-time First Team PSAC defensive tackle, which earned him a training camp invite from the New York Giants and three stints in the Arena Football League. 

Bridgeton Township Supervisor Roger Keller:

“The only sport I had any success at was from this photo of me winning the ‘North Eastern United States Caber Tossing Championship’ (recess trophy). I don’t recall the year; I believe it was held in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. This trophy had the information on it, but alas, after I received it they said they needed it back to engrave it and they never gave it back to me. Oh, well.”

State Rep. Valerie Gaydos:

At times, you may have seen State Rep. Valerie Gaydos in the state Capitol with a lacrosse stick in hand. The Allegheny County lawmaker is one of many women in the General Assembly with an athletic pedigree, as she played lacrosse in her youth. Eventually, her time on the field led to a collegiate lacrosse career at Division III Dickinson College in Carlisle.