Little League World Series 2012: Greatest Moments in Williamsport History

The Little League World Series has become a summer mainstay after decades of high drama and memorable performances all played out on a far more uncorrupted stage than that of professional sports. 

Over the storied history of this tournament, there have been watershed moments as this tournament transformed into a global phenomenon of last-second heroics that are the foundation of dreams of athletes all over the world. 

Here are five moments that have helped make this event the classic sporting staple it is. 

No. 5: The Start of a Tradition in 1947

In 1947, Maynard, Pa. won the first LLWS championship by a score of 16-7 victory against Lock Haven, Pa. It was fairly unremarkable except for the fact that it was when this tournament made its first steps towards becoming what it is now. This is due to the fact that it was the first time there were teams from more than just one state competing for the same title.

Sure, all but one of the teams was from Pennsylvania, but this is where this great tournament first began to take shape. 

No. 4: The Aaron Alvey Show in 2002

On the first pitch of the 2002 title game, Kentucky’s Aaron Alvey deposited the offering from Japan ace Yoosuke Katoh over the fence. That was the only run of the game.

That was just the beginning of Alvey's dominance as he took to the mound in the bottom of the inning. He was the only pitcher Kentucky would need that day, as he fanned 11 Japanese hitters on his way to one of the all-time great performances in LLWS history.  

No. 3: Last-out Hero in 2011

In the bottom of the sixth with the score tied, Japan shortstop Gaishi Iguchi couldn't handle what was possibly an inning-ending double play ball. Instead, the bases were loaded with one out. 

Japan got the force out at the plate in the next at bat, and it looked like they may escape to extra innings. It was not to be. 

With two out and the bases loaded Nick Pratto lined a pitch from Kazuto Takakura for a dream moment that drove home the championship-winning run as his team won 2-1. 

No. 2: LLWS Goes Global in 1967

In 1967, West Tokyo, Japan beat Chicago 4-1 to win the LLWS. This was the first title for a Far East team, and it certainly wasn't the last.

In fact, this was the start of a dynasty. They would go on to win 13 of the next 15 titles. 

If there was any doubting the LLWS ability to be a global event, this tournament erased it as there were teams from the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. 

No. 1: Championship Walk off in 2007

If you've ever played baseball, chances are you've set up moments like this in your backyard. 

Before we set the stage here, remember that LLWS games are six innings long. 

So it's the bottom of the eighth, score is tied, bases are empty and Dalton Carriker is at the plate. Japan's Junsho Kiuchi delivers the 2-1 pitch and Carriker meets it with the sweet part of the bat as the loud "ping" resonates while the ball sails over the right field fence—game over, walk-off style.