Picnic/Parade Doubleheader Opens LLB World Series

– Photos by Jennifer A. Cline, writer/magazine editor; Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday;
and Larry D. Kauffman, digital publishing specialist/photographer

The Wildcat listens intently as volunteers are apprised of the day's itinerary.

The Europe-Africa team from Barcelona, Spain, is greeted by its Penn College hosts after alighting from a River Valley Transit shuttle.

Santaella, an applied management student – who is thrilled that a team from her Puerto Rico homeland is in this year's Series – makes sure that even the umpires feel the love.

The New England contender brought its mascot along for the adventuresome ride from Coventry, R.I., to South Williamsport.

Resident Assistant Nathaniel H. Lyon, of Fredericksburg, a welding and fabrication engineering technology major, breaks the ice with his assigned Panamanian team by sharing photos of wildlife from his summer internship.

"The Wizard of Oz" worked his magic with picnic attendees ...

Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, an all-star shortstop with the St. Louis Cardinals, offers some pregame advice to Series participants.

Smith's World Series ring catches the sunlight as he signs a ball for a member of the media.

... and in leisurely conversation with tomorrow's baseball legends.

... in formal photos with every Series team ...

With excitement and anticipation as a backdrop, a reporter covering the Staten Island, N.Y., team prepares for a news broadcast.

Just a couple of ex-major leaguers talkin'! Smith gets a scouting report on this season's Penn College Wildcat coach (and former Seattle Mariner) Chris Howard.

Language barriers melt away in a cross-cultural exchange of good humor.

The coolest 'cat around matches a player's victory dance inspired by the Fortnite video game.

Technology helps make the world smaller for Mexican Little Leaguers and student volunteer Emily K. Conklin, a dental hygiene major from Port Allegany.

RA Kelsey L. McKenrick, a dental hygiene major who escorted the West team from Honolulu, displays her autographed T-shirt.

Teams may be opponents within days, but abundant smiles are on the menu at the campus cookout.

By picnic's end, players' signatures cover a campus landmark – certain to be noticed when students arrive this Welcome Weekend.

Meet Australia's Mason Roo, the credentialed traveling companion of the Gold Coast, Queensland, team.

Pingpong proves a popular addition to the schedule, an opportunity to kill time between the cookout and parade.

A multitasking Connor Riggs-Soper, Peachtree, Ga.'s first baseman, signs "The Rock" ... complete with his Instagram handle.

On the eve of Series play, the president congratulates the 16 teams in this year's bracket.

Whether on the ballfield or the cornhole pitch, players are never short on competition.

Student volunteers form a reception line outside the Bush Campus Center, as Public Relations & Marketing's Tina M. Miller and Tom Speicher (foreground) match each arriving team with its assigned picnic partner.

The tree-shaded expanse of a well-maintained campus allows more-than-adequate space for getting acquainted.

Tents offer shelter from the blazing (though welcome) sunshine, and outdoor amusement stands ready to make friends out of strangers.

As the afternoon shadows lengthen, players take Sharpies in hand in what has become a World Series ritual.

Elisha R. Arantowicz, of Birdsboro; Zachary J. Kravitz, of Berwyn; and Alaina M. Murren, of Aspers, greet teams.

Daniel C. Frankenfield, baker for the School of Business & Hospitality, serves up all-American picnic fare. He graduated in applied management (2017) and baking and pastry arts (2016).

Members of the Baja team returned to campus early to test their off-road vehicles and rev them up along the parade route. Seated in the No. 14 car is Daniel M. Gerard, of Doylestown. The remainder of the group, from left, is made up of Christopher M. Schweikert, of Jamison; Trevor M. Clouser, of Millmont; and Jonathan R. Sutcliffe, of Orangeville.

Automotive restoration technology student Erik W. Weigle, accompanied by his 12-year-old son, drives a 1939 Buick Roadmaster, which shares its birth year with Little League Baseball.

Natascha G. Santaella, of Williamsport, gives Penn College pins to passersby.

A group ready to greet the world: Olivia J. Hawbecker, of Chambersburg; the Wildcat; Lauren S. Herr, of Lititz; and Cathy E. Gamez, of Williamsport.

A young parade-goer gives the Wildcat a second look while posing for a photo.

The automotive restoration technology trailer debuted its new wrap – finished just this week – at the Grand Slam Parade.

Ethan P. Cummings, of Etters, shares the Penn College giveaway with parade-goers.

The Wildcat volleyball team – joined by coach Bambi A. Hawkins (rear right), learning laboratory coordinator for the paramedic program, and assistant coach M. Theresa Stanko (to her right) – cheers on the Penn College contingent.

Student-designed and -manufactured Baja vehicles sprint through the parade route.

A themed parade entry: A 1939 Buick Roadmaster, followed by a 1940 Cadillac limousine once owned by movie star Cary Grant, the automotive restoration trailer and two student-manufactured Baja vehicles.

President Davie Jane Gilmour and collision repair toolroom attendant Vanessa Mathurin, ’18, applied management, and ’15, automotive restoration technology, provide a friendly greeting.

The Wildcat greets its many fans.

The Wildcat grants many requests for hugs during the parade.