After debuting during ESPN’s coverage of the Little League Softball Region Tournaments earlier this summer, Around the Bases presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods returns for the Little League Baseball Region Tournaments, delivering fans live look-ins, highlights and updates from regional tournament action across the country.
Hosted by Matt Schick and Mike Rooney, the ESPN+ whip-around show will air Aug. 8-9 from 1-9 p.m. ET, giving viewers a front-row seat to the biggest moments as teams compete for a chance to reach the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
For Schick, the concept builds on a format baseball fans may already recognize.
“Around the Bases is very similar to what we do in college baseball with Squeeze Play on the road to Omaha,” Schick said. “We covered the road to Greenville at softball a couple of weeks ago. We’ll do the same with the road to Williamsport.”
The show first launched during the Little League Softball Region Tournaments, where Schick and analyst Michele Smith guided viewers through simultaneous action unfolding across multiple sites. Coordinating producer Scott Gustafson believes the format is a natural fit for Little League Baseball.
“What excites me most is that we’ve already seen how successful this format can be,” Gustafson said. “Now, add in Little League Baseball, where there’s constant action, dramatic moments and games happening simultaneously, and it’s the perfect fit for this format.”
Unlike a traditional studio show, Around the Bases follows the action as it happens, taking viewers from game to game as key moments unfold.
“There’s really nothing like seeing three or four Little League Baseball games on your screen with the stakes so high, with a shot at Williamsport on the line,” Schick said.
Whether it’s a dramatic finish, a late comeback or a team fighting to keep its Williamsport dreams alive, the goal is simple: take viewers directly to the action.
“If the winning run’s on base, we’ll take you there. If a team is down to its final out, we’ll take you there. You won’t miss any of the action,” Schick said. “Truly, Around the Bases is a one-stop shop for every regional game on the road to Williamsport.”
“For every one of these kids, playing in Williamsport is the dream,” Gustafson said. “Through this format, viewers will get to experience that journey in real time as players, coaches and entire communities earn the opportunity to get there right before our eyes.”