Baseball is a kid's game. During the day today, big leaguers from the Mariners and Mets will enjoy watching kids play in Little League World Series games in Williamsport, Pa.
That evening, those kids and their families will return the favor when they watch the Mariners take on the Mets at 7 p.m. ET in the eighth annual MLB Little League Classic at Historic Bowman Field in Williamsport. The jewel event will also wrap up MLB Players' Weekend.
2025 Little League Classic, presented by New York Life
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This will be the first trip to the Little League Classic for the Mariners and the second for the Mets, who played the Phillies in 2018.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 MLB Little League Classic presented by New York Life.
What is the MLB Little League Classic?
It is an annual MLB game played in Williamsport, Pa., primarily in front of Little League Baseball World Series players and their families. The event helps reinforce MLB’s commitment to youth baseball and its young fans from all over the world.
How can I watch the game?
The 2025 MLB Little League Classic will air nationally on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball” at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The game will also be available on ESPN Radio.
Where will the game be played?
As in years past, the game will be played in Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, which is the home of the Williamsport Crosscutters of the MLB Draft League. The ballpark, which opened in 1926 and hosted Minor League games for years, was renovated prior to the inaugural MLB Little League Classic in 2017 to meet Major League standards.
Who will are the probable starters?
Mariners: RHP George Kirby (8-5, 3.71 ERA)
He is one of the reasons the Mariners have stayed close to the Astros for the American League West title. In his last seven outings, Kirby is 6-1 with a 2.55 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 42 1/3 innings. Keep an eye on his matchup against Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. The last time they faced each other was on Sept. 3, 2023, at Citi Field. In that game, Alonso hit a two-run homer off the right-hander that helped New York win the game, 6-3. Kirby lasted three innings and allowed four runs (three earned).
Mets: RHP Clay Holmes (9-6, 3.71 ERA)
Although the Mets signed Holmes to a three-year, $38 million contract to be a starter, his recent narrative has revolved around the possibility of moving back to the bullpen. That’s because Holmes, who had a sharp start to the season, has produced a 5.45 ERA in eight starts since the beginning of July. His walk rate has spiked over that stretch, leading some to wonder if the former Yankees closer might be better served returning to relief work.
What are the likely starting lineups?
Mariners
Catcher Cal Raleigh is the Man in Seattle. The T-Mobile Home Run Derby champion is among the league leaders in homers, slugging, OPS and total bases. But since the All-Star break, Raleigh has been inconsistent in the batter’s box and striking out at a high rate. It doesn’t matter, though, because he will be part of a lineup that will look like this:
- Randy Arozarena, LF
- Cal Raleigh, C
- Julio Rodríguez, CF
- Eugenio Suárez, 3B
- Josh Naylor, 1B
- Mitch Garver, DH
- Jorge Polanco, 2B
- J.P. Crawford, SS
- Dominic Canzone, RF
Mets
Since acquiring Cedric Mullins at the Trade Deadline and moving Francisco Lindor back to the leadoff spot, the Mets have used a relatively consistent lineup against right-handed pitchers. Their starting nine should look something like this:
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Juan Soto, RF
- Brandon Nimmo, LF
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Starling Marte, DH
- Cedric Mullins, CF
- Francisco Alvarez, C
- Brett Baty, 3B
What’s the history of MLB games in Williamsport?
The Tigers walked off the Yankees in the 2024 edition of the Little League Classic. Previous matchups featured the Pirates vs. Cardinals (2017), Mets vs. Phillies (2018), Pirates vs. Cubs (2019), Guardians vs. Angels (2021), Orioles vs. Red Sox (2022) and Phillies vs. Nationals (2023).
What is MLB Players' Weekend?
The 2025 Little League Classic will conclude MLB Players' Weekend, which runs Aug. 15-17. Back for a second consecutive year after a four-year hiatus, Players' Weekend is a platform for big leaguers to showcase their personalities and bring attention to the causes that inspire them. At its heart, Players' Weekend is about growing the game and strengthening the connection between the fans and the players.
Is there anything else fans should know?
- This will count as a home game for the Mets, who will host the Mariners at Citi Field on Aug. 15-16 before the teams travel to Williamsport. The home team has won the past four Little League Classic games.
- The 2025 Little League Baseball World Series is taking place in Williamsport from Aug. 13-24.