Little League World Series 2021: Get to know Taylor North Little League (Michigan)

On this Podcast, host John Gonzalez talks to the coaches of Taylor North Little League in Michigan, winners of the Great Lakes Region of the 2021 Little League World Series. Taylor North will be one of 16 teams from 8 regions participating in this year's event in Williamsport, Pa. Because of COVID-19, no general public spectators will be allowed at games, and no International teams will participate. (All games will be on ESPN, Aug. 19-29, 2021.) On this episode, John recruits his longtime friend and coach Todd Woodard (Muskegon CC baseball, Grand Rapids Flames travel baseball) to act as co-host with Zak, Ty and Zane doing other projects. They interview head coach Rick Thorning and his assistant, Guido Ulin. They talk about what it's like for players and parents to be in the spotlight, keeping everyone focused and the team's pitching depth. Taylor North is the first Michigan team to advance to the LLWS since Grosse Pointe Woods-Shores won two games in Williamsport in 2018. Only one Michigan team (Hamtramck in 1959) has won the Little League World Series. It was led by star pitcher Art "Pinky" Deras, who went 18-0 — all complete games — with 16 shutouts and 10 no-hitters. Taylor North takes on Florida at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20. If they win they'll play next at 1 p.m. Sunday. If they lose they'll play at 6 p.m. Saturday. (They will play either Texas or Washington in the second game.) More on the Little League game schedule at https://www.littleleague.org/world-series/2021/llbws/tournaments/world-series/