Saturday, August 23, 2008

There are 12 players on the roster for the South Lake Charles Little League All-Star team. Some might mistake it for 11. That’s because of Beau and Bryce Jordan are identical twins.

Beau and Bryce Jordan are two of Louisiana’s marquee players here at the Little League Baseball World Series and nobody can tell them apart. Even their manager, Charlie Phillips, needs help differentiating the two.

“I try to make sure I know which one it is before I say their name,” said Phillips. “Every once in awhile it slips. Bryce has a little freckle on his nose. Beau’s number 11, and Bryce is number 12. Bryce wears black Under Armor shoes, and Beau wears white Under Armor shoes.”

The twins like to play tricks to see if people can tell them apart, especially their teacher at school.

“Me and Beau, the only way you can tell us apart in school is with our shoes,” Bryce said. “So me and Beau tried to switch shoes and our teacher caught us.”

The Jordan twins are identical in appearance, but definitely have different personalities. And they would both admit they are not best friends. Bryce seems to be the quiet one while Beau is more outgoing. Beau will admit, though, that his twin is the better ping pong player.

The twins have been playing sports together ever since they could walk, participating in baseball, football, basketball, and some soccer. They have been in only one scuffle that they can remember, which took place on the football field. The two are very polite individuals and treat everyone, including each other, with great respect.

Beau and Bryce have had many great memories here in South Williamsport, but their favorite comes off the field.

“Staying in the dorms together with no parents,” Beau said as his favorite memory. “Just having fun.”

Jim McKay Honored

The late great sports broadcaster and host of “ABC’s Wide World of Sports,” Jim McKay, was honored by Little League prior to the United States Championship game. Little League brought to Howard J. Lamade Stadium McKay’s wife Tracy and their children Sean and Mary. McKay’s grandsons Jackson McManus and James Fontelieu threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Mr. McKay was the first broadcaster to cover the Little League World Series back in 1953 and continued doing so for more than 20 years.