SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT--The players at the Little League World Series are used to being the center of attention, but today they shared the spotlight with one of their idols: Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies.
"I've looked up to Ryan Howard when he won the world series and how good of a player he's been and now that i got to talk to him and standing right next to him, that was awesome," Nate King said.
"Did he give you any good tips? To give the best," Daniel Quiroz said.
Howard is a national spokesman for Subway, which brought him to South Williamsport to visit with the players. He spent time with the teams on and off the field.
"I can tell he's thinking very clearly and he has a big commitment himself," Kotaro Kiyomiya said.
"With everything else that's going around, all the attention and all that kind of stuff, they're all still just kids and they're going about being kids," Ryan Howard said.
Howard said he enjoyed spending time with all of the players, especially the team from Philadelphia. He said the Taney Dragons don't seem to realize the impact they've made on Philly.
"When they get back and the people kind of show them that praise, is really when I think it will sink in for them," Howard said.
Last night's Philadelphia/Nevada game had a higher attendance than the Phillies game did. Howard said he doesn't mind one bit.
"We want them to go out there and do the best that they can and just give their best effort. So, for us, if you want to call it playing second fiddle, that's fine. It's their time to shine," Howard said.
