Pitcher Throws Perfect Game at Little League Series
Aug. 18 -- Danny Almonte, 12, pitched a perfect game at the Little League World Series. It was the first in 44 years.
To understand how dominating the Dominican Repulic-born Almonte was today consider this — of the 18 batters he faced, only a couple even managed to get the bat on the ball.
Most of the time, even his catcher couldn't hold on.
The final line was 16 strikeouts — no hits, no walks, no runs — the first perfect game in the Little League World Series since 1957.
The team from the Bronx defeated the team from Florida, 5-0.
‘Baby Bronx Bombers’
Today's performance was very much in character for the left-hander. He hasn't lost a game or even given up a run all season. His last game was a no-hitter. Opposing teams are frustrated to say the least.
This all-star team, the "Baby Bronx Bombers," as they are known, are the talk of the town in New York. They are a symbol of both Bronx power and Hispanic pride, since most of the players are of Hispanic or Dominican descent. Danny is their ace.
Danny's secret is his fastball. It was clocked at 76 miles per hour, while most players his age throw in the low 60s. In the sixth inning, Danny was on his way to become the first World Series Little League pitcher to strike out every batter, then the opposition bunted. And then the first fair balls of the game. But, still they were outs.
He did manage to strike out the final batter. Only then did he finally manage the slightest of smiles and the tip of his hat to the crowd, and any major league scouts in the stands.
