Throughout the Little League® Baseball and Softball tournament season, players, coaches, and teams all develop a “why” — why they play, who they play for, or what drives them to lace up their cleats and step onto the diamond even after a strikeout or missed play.
At the 2025 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, Little League sat down with participating players, families, and coaches to learn about their “why” in a four-part “The Heart of Our Team” video series.
Episode One: Michael and Justin Shaw (Mid-Atlantic Region)
The relationship between Mid-Atlantic Manager Michael Shaw and his father has always been a driving force in his coaching career. In 2018, Michael and his brother planned to take a trip to Williamsport with their father to experience the magic of the series together as fans. Unfortunately, their father passed before they were able to make the trip. Seven years later, Michael made it to Williamport with his son, Justin, who had a close bond with his grandfather, to compete in the 2025 LLBWS. Both step onto the field with a shared goal in mind — to make their lost loved one proud.
Episode Two: Gregorio Madrid (Mexico Region)
For Mexico Region pitcher and infielder Gregorio Madrid, playing baseball on the biggest stage in youth sports is about more than playing the game he loves; it’s about representing his community and family. A gift from his uncle — a red cowboy hat — has become a staple in Gregorio’s journey, with new stickers added after a new experience, creating lifelong memories and serving as a reminder of what he plays for.
Episode Three: Justin Pollard and the Southwest Region Team
With an odd number of teams in the league’s Challenger Division, the Little Leaguers and coaches of the Southwest Region team stepped up to the plate to fill in. After experiencing the fun around the program, the players returned the following summer to be each a Buddy on the field, helping the players feel the joy of playing the game they love. In Williamsport, the players and coaches continue to play with their new community of friends in mind as they display what it means to be a team driven by inclusion, community, and integrity.
Episode Four: Colton Johnston (Metro Region)
In 2019, Fairfield (Conn.) National Little Leaguer® Colton Johnston was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma Leukemia. Five years later, while in remission, Colton was diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, a rare and life-threatening condition. Fortunately, after a bone marrow transplant, Colton was cleared to get back on the diamond for the spring regular season and was drafted by 2025 Metro Region Manager Brian Palazolla. Throughout the summer, Colton remained an active participant in the tournament season with his determination, courage, and love for the game serving as a driving force for the Metro Little Leaguers in the 2025 LLBWS.