Major League Baseball confirmed on Sunday night that the Chicago Cubs will travel to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, for the 2027 Little League Classic. The Cubs will open the national‑level event against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2027, with the game set to air on ESPN.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced the matchup, noting that the Cubs will be designated the road team. After the Classic, the Cubs receive a day off before completing a three‑game series against the Blue Jays in Toronto later that weekend.
Ten‑Year Milestone for the Classic
This will be the tenth Little League Classic since its debut in 2017. The event was not held during the pandemic‑shortened 2020 season, but it has become a staple of MLB’s community outreach, pairing major‑league talent with the nation’s youth baseball tournament.
The Cubs previously appeared in the Classic in 2019, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 7‑1 at Bowman Field. Left fielder Ian Happ, who was part of that 2019 squad, recalled the excitement of playing alongside the Little League participants.
Player Reflections on the Experience
Happ told the Chicago Tribune that the 2019 Classic was “probably the busiest” event the team had played in, highlighting the joy of touring the town and interacting with the children. Though he never played Little League in Williamsport, Happ remembered a family stop in the town while traveling to another tournament, noting how packed Bowman Field was for the World Series.
Former New York Mets outfielder Michael Conforto also shared memories of the Classic, recalling his own participation in the 2018 edition and his earlier experience as a player in the 2004 Little League World Series representing Washington’s Northwest Region. Conforto described the atmosphere as “their version of Disneyland,” emphasizing how the national broadcast gave young players a sense of accomplishment and motivation.
Historic Player Achievements
Conforto holds a rare distinction: he is one of only three players to have appeared in the Little League World Series, the NCAA Men’s College World Series (with Oregon State in 2013), and an MLB World Series (with the Mets in 2015). He reflected on the role his family played in guiding him to strong teams throughout his career.
Continuing a Tradition of Special Events
The Cubs’ selection for a second Little League Classic adds to a recent string of high‑profile MLB events the franchise has participated in, including the 2022 Field of Dreams game, the 2023 London Series, and the 2025 Tokyo Series. Happ praised the opportunities, saying they help grow the game and bring baseball to diverse audiences.
Williamsport’s Bowman Field will again serve as the backdrop for this unique blend of professional and youth baseball, offering fans a chance to see major‑league talent up close while supporting the Little League community.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
