“Sam” Makes Return Visit to Little League Baseball World Series

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Sept. 12, 2006) – Sam Berns is becoming a hit at the Little League Baseball World Series.

After visiting the Series for the second year, more and more fans are recognizing Sam, who is 9 years old. He’s a favorite of Dugout (Little League’s mascot) and can frequently be found watching games from the press box at Howard J. Lamade Stadium, where the World Series has been played every year since 1959.

“Sam is just a great kid,” Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “He really lights up when he comes to the World Series, and he’s such a great baseball fan.”

At this year’s World Series, Sam was a guest of ESPN for a half-inning during its telecast of a U.S. Semifinal game. During the game, ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews received a phone call from Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek, who wanted to speak to Sam – who happens to be a big Red Sox fan.

Sam comes to the Little League Baseball World Series along with his mother, Dr. Leslie Gordon, and father, Dr. Scott Berns. He bounds up the steps of Lamade Stadium just like any 9-year-old boy, but there is a difference. Sam has Progeria, a fatal rapid aging disease that causes children to die by their early teens from heart disease or stroke.

If you or someone you know is interested in finding out more about Progeria, and how you can help support the first drug trial for children with the disease, click here.