The Backyard Batting Cage

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
September 28, 2012

The presentation of the 2011 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition game played on Aug. 27, 2011, earned WVIA television an Emmy award from The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-Atlantic Chapter.

The Pittston-based public television station took home top honors in the human interest program/special category.

Gary Chrisman, host of the “Gary Chrisman Show,” on WKSB 102.7 FM radio in Williamsport, and one of the voices of the Little League Baseball World Series as broadcast by Williamsport’s WRAK 1400 AM, along with Dr. Darrell Burnett, a member of Little League International’s Board of Directors and former Challenger Award winner, and reporter Tom Speicher, described the game’s events live on WVIA.

“We appreciate WVIA Public Media for their support of the Challenger Division and congratulate the company on receiving a regional Emmy Award,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer for Little League Baseball and Softball, said.  “WVIA has a long history of support in our community. For the past two years, the production and presentation put forth by its talented crew has provided the opportunity for viewers to enjoy these remarkable children as they experience playing Little League.”

The 2011 and 2012 Little League Baseball World Series Challenger Exhibition Games, were televised live on Northeastern Pennsylvania’s and the Central Susquehanna Valley’s PBS Station, WVIA TV (Comcast Cable Channel 7).  In addition, the game was carried live on several PBS affiliates throughout the United States and over the Internet worldwide at www.ESPN3.com.

Underwriting for the telecast was provided by the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP).  The foundation works regionally and locally serving the Danville Area, Union County, and Williamsport-Lycoming County, to bring together people, partners and places to grow local giving and investment, strengthen area organizations and results, and take on the critical issues and efforts needed to build vibrant communities and a thriving north central Pennsylvania region.

The Challenger Exhibition game is played at Volunteer Stadium on the Little League International complex in South Williamsport, Pa., as part of the annual Little League baseball World Series. The 2011 game featured teams from Lafayette (La.) Little League and Baugo Little League from Mishawaka, Ind.

To view the 2011 Little League Challenger Exhibition Game, visit youtube.com. This year’s Little League Challenger Exhibition Game is also available on YouTube. Both games were played at Little League Volunteer Stadium on the Little League International Complex, during the annual Little League Baseball World Series in South Williamsport, Pa.

More information on Little League’s Challenger Division can be found on the Little League website, at: www.LittleLeague.org; or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleLeagueChallenger; or by contacting Sam Ranck, Little League’s Director of the Challenger Division, at: Challenger

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