Little League World Series: Superstar Players in the Making

Since 1947, Little Leaguers from around the world have come together annually for the Little League World Series.

With more than 7,000 teams competing for spots in the tournament, some of the best—and biggest—players compete on the biggest stage.

With this year's World Series in full gear, here's a list of the competition's biggest athletes through the years.

Danny Almonte

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393788 02: (FILE PHOTO) Danny Almonte of the Rolando Paulino All-Stars Bronx Little League baseball team attends a ceremony honoring the team August 28, 2001 in New York City. Dominican Republic officials said August 31, 2001 that Little League pitcher Da

Who can forget Danny Almonte? Of course Almonte was a physical freak in this event for 11- to 13-year-olds. He was 15!

Almonte's age conspiracy is the most famous controversy surrounding the Little League World Series and was sparked after he dominated the competition.

In 2001, the phenom was throwing 70 miles per hour on a Little League mound (equivalent to 92 at a major-league distance). In three starts, he struck out 62 of the 72 batters he faced and gave up only three hits and one run.

Jason Bay

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 24: Jason Bay #44 of the New York Mets looks on against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 24, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Before Jason Bay won the National League Rookie of the Year Award or played for the New York Mets, he starred in the LLWS.

Back in 1990, Bay played for Trail, British Columbia in the event. His team did not make the final.

Matt Cassel

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TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 21: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 21, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Matt Cassel turned into a household name after filling in for the Patriots' Tom Brady, but he was a quality baseball player too.

He played one season at USC in 2004 and took part in the 1994 LLWS for Northridge, California.

Chris Drury

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PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 11: Chris Drury #23 of the New York Rangers skates against the Philadelphia Flyers on April 11, 2010 at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flyers defeated the Rangers 2-1 after a shootout. The victory clinched a playo

This Stanley Cup champion also took home the 1989 Little League World Series Championship.

Drury was named MVP too when he played for Trumbull, Connecticut and helped his team beat Taiwan 5-2.

Jason Marquis

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PHILADELPHIA - APRIL 12: Starting pitcher Jason Marquis #21 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park on April 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew H

Jason Marquis' list of accomplishments is a lengthy one. He won the World Series in 2006 and was named to the National League All-Star team in 2009.

All of this came after playing in the 1991 LLWS with Staten Island, New York.

Lloyd McClendon

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LAKELAND, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Lloyd McClendon #12 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a portrait during Photo Day on February 21, 2009 at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by: Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Lloyd McClendon was made famous by stealing a base after being kicked out of a game during his managerial days with Pittsburgh.

Before that, he played in the majors and participated in the 1971 Little League World Series for Gary, Indiana.

Lastings Milledge

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ATLANTA - MAY 28: Lastings Milledge #85 of the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on May 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This Pirate played for Bradenton, Florida in the 1997 Little League World Series.

If he stays put in Pittsburgh, the experience in '97 will be the last World Series he is ever part of.

Colby Rasmus

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ST. LOUIS - JUNE 20: Colby Rasmus #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals catches a fly ball against the Oakland Athletics at Busch Stadium on June 20, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Athletics beat the Cardinals 3-2. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

One of the more recent Major League Baseball stars to play in the LLWS, Colby Rasmus competed with Phenix City, Alabama in 1999.

Gary Sheffield

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CHICAGO - AUGUST 28: Gary Sheffield #10 of the New York Mets strikes out to end a game against the Chicago Cubs on August 28, 2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Mets 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Seven-time All Star and five-time Silver Slugger winner Gary Sheffield got his start back in 1980 in the LLWS with Tampa, Florida.

Sheffield won the MLB World Series in 1997 and was also MLB's batting champ in 1992.

Jason Varitek

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BOSTON - APRIL 16: Jason Varitek #33 of the Boston Red Sox celebrates his solo home run in the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on April 16, 2010 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The famous Red Sox captain has participated in three different kinds of World Series.

First, in 1984, Varitek played for Altamonte Springs, Florida in the LLWS. Then, in 1994, he was a part of the College World Series. Finally, in 2004 and 2007, Varitek won baseball's ultimate series with Boston.