SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT -- It takes a team to get ready for the thousands expected to come to the Little League World Series in Lycoming County.
Long before you hear the bat hit the ball at the Little League International Complex in South Williamsport, you'll hear weed whackers cutting away at the grass.
"The rest of the year we are out here, fertilizing, seeding, trimming, pruning, mulching, weeding," explained groundskeeper Charlie Lowry.
Workers, like Lowry, are getting the complex ready for the big series. Lowry works almost all year round preparing the grounds.
The grass is green on the hill behind Lamade Stadium but by the end of the series, "I really didn't know how bad the sliding of the cardboard would be but I've come to accept it."
There are also preparations behind the scenes, including some things most won't ever have to see like the emergency care unit.
"It's a great opportunity. You get to meet people from all over the world, not just this location. It's a big deal. It's a bid deal for a lot of people," said paramedic student Louie Mazzante.
A group of physician assistant students and paramedic students from Penn College of Technology will also be at Little League this year.
"It's a good example for them to get real world experience," said Mark Trueman, director of paramedic program at Penn College.
He tells us his students will be working under certified paramedics. Students like Adam Finkelstein Diaz will volunteer their time at the series.
"It will be fun to help everyone at the community and extend our hands where we can."
The Little League World Series kicks off with the Grand Slam Parade Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. The parade will air live on WNEP 2 and wnep.com.
The Little League World Series begins Thursday in South Williamsport.
