WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – In the middle of the outfield at Volunteer Stadium at the Little League complex stood Mariners reliever Andrés Muñoz with his arm around Team Mexico’s starting pitcher, Gregorio Madrid.

This was a moment 12-year-old’s across the globe can only dream of. This was a player Madrid idolizes from the same country as he is, standing right in front of him. He wasn’t going to miss this opportunity. So, Madrid asked Muñoz for advice before his big start against Team Panama.

2025 Little League Classic, presented by New York Life

“He said just throw it down the middle as hard as you can,” Madrid said. “Like, we’re not perfect, but we do the best we can.”

Madrid stood there, looking at Muñoz in awe while soaking in every word he was hearing.

This is why the Mariners were so

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