MILWAUKEE -- On Sunday night, the Braves will get to trade a pennant race for something a little more nostalgic.
Atlanta will head to Williamsport, Pa., after Saturday’s game ahead of Sunday's Little League Classic, an event that has generated plenty of excitement throughout the Braves' clubhouse.
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For manager Walt Weiss, it will be a first.
“I’ve never done that before. Never been to Williamsport,” Weiss said Friday. “I’m sure it’ll be a unique experience.”
Weiss said part of the appeal is the chance to spend time around the Little Leaguers, and give them an up-close look at some of the players they admire.
“It’ll be good to spread some goodwill,” Weiss said. “The kids get to be around some of their heroes. It’s a feel-good for everybody.”
That feeling has resonated with the players, too.
Drake Baldwin called the opportunity “awesome,” and said he’s especially looking forward to meeting the Little Leaguers and spending time around them before the game.
Dominic Smith knows the experience better than most.
Sunday will mark Smith’s third trip to Williamsport after previously attending with the Mets in 2018 and Nationals in 2023. He said the event never loses its charm.
“It’s always exciting,” Smith said. “You get to meet all the kids who were just like us at one point.”
Smith said playing in front of that many young players brings a little extra energy, too.
“It gives you some extra juice,” he said. “I love it.”
For Smith, the trip also brings back memories of when baseball felt a little simpler. He joked about how easy the game seemed as a Little Leaguer and remembered bouncing all over the diamond, with shortstop his favorite position.
More than anything, though, he just loved getting to play.
Weiss can relate.
“There’s nothing better than playing Little League Baseball,” he said.
On Sunday, the Braves will get a chance to remember why.