Big League Advice for Little Leaguers: What MLB Stars Wish They Knew

Published: August 21, 2026
Location: Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Event: Little League World Series & Little League Classic

What’s Happening in Williamsport?

Right now, the Little League Baseball World Series is underway in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This is where the best young baseball players in the country come to show off their skills.

This weekend, players from the Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers are heading to Williamsport to play in the Little League Classic — a special MLB game played during the youth tournament. It’s a big celebration of youth baseball!

ESPN talked to more than 15 current and former Major League players to ask them two big questions:

1. What advice did you get as a kid that you still remember?
2. What advice would you give kids now that you’re a big leaguer?

Their answers range from the classic "have fun" to the hilarious "don’t dig holes in the outfield."

Don’t miss the Little League Classic on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN!

Part 1: Advice That Stuck With Them (From When They Were Kids)

Here’s what MLB stars remember hearing when they were little leaguers — and why it still matters.

Work Hard & Stay Humble

• Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals, Shortstop):
  

  "Work hard, stay humble, keep your head down and keep trying to get better."

• Riley O’Brien (St. Louis Cardinals, Pitcher):
  

  "Working hard and having fun. You have to enjoy baseball — if you don’t, it feels like a job. Work hard and enjoy the hard work."

Focus on What You Can Control

• Hunter Goodman (Colorado Rockies, Catcher):
  

  "My dad said, ‘Control what you can control.’ So much in baseball is out of your hands. Don’t worry about the rest."

• Matt McLain (Cincinnati Reds, Second Baseman):
  

  "My dad said the only two things you can control are effort and attitude. Play hard, have fun."

• Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians, Pitcher):
  

  "Take it one day at a time. Trust the process, not the outcome. That lets you play free and have fun."

Have Fun & Be a Good Teammate

• Brady Singer (Cincinnati Reds, Pitcher):
  

  "Enjoy the game. Play like a little kid. Your teammates become friends for life — no trade deadlines in Little League!"

• Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins, Outfielder):
  

  "Always be a good teammate. Positive attitude, good or bad day. Being a good teammate takes you farther than being a good player. Treat people how you want to be treated."

• Max Meyer (Miami Marlins, Pitcher):
  

  "Have fun. So many highs and lows. If you’re not thinking it’s a job, that’s where success comes from."

Play Like Someone’s Watching

• Nick Martinez (Tampa Bay Rays, Pitcher):
  

  "My dad said: play like someone’s watching — a fan, scout, coach. If you play hard, you earn respect."

Believe in Yourself

• CJ Abrams (Washington Nationals, Shortstop):
  

  "Believe in yourself. Stay positive. Baseball has lots of failure. Don’t hang your head — just keep going."

Hit the Ball Where It’s Pitched

• James Wood (Washington Nationals, Outfielder):
  

  "My coach said: hit to the middle of the field. I had power, but I had to prove I was a contact hitter too."

A Sweet Memory

• Don Mattingly (Phillies Interim Manager / Former Yankees Star):
  

  "My Little League coach, Pete Studer, used to say at church: ‘I just want tickets when you make the big leagues.’ Years later, he did come see me play for the Yankees. He lived right down the street!"

KEY TAKEAWAY:
Almost every player said fun + hard work + good attitude = the real winning combo. Not stats. Not trophies. Joy.

Part 2: Advice They’d Give Kids Today (Now That They’re Pros)

Same players, but now they’re looking back from the big leagues. Here’s what they’d tell their younger selves — and you.

Don’t Specialize Too Early

• Bryan Baker (Tampa Bay Rays, Pitcher):
  

  "Play lots of sports. My dad and grandpa pushed that. It builds athleticism and stops burnout at age 10 or 11. I played everything through high school — do that!"

• Cade Smith (Cleveland Guardians, Pitcher):
  

  "Play multiple sports. Be athletic. Have fun. Don’t feel pressure to pick just baseball. And take care of school — good grades open doors for college sports."

WHY THIS MATTERS (ELI5):
"Specializing" means picking one sport and doing it year-round super young. Pros say that leads to burnout (getting tired and quitting) and injuries. Playing soccer, basketball, swimming, etc. makes you a better athlete overall — like cross-training for superheroes!

Figure Out What You’re Good At

• Brady Singer (Cincinnati Reds, Pitcher):
  

  "Learn what you’re naturally good at. Don’t try to be someone else. Roll with your own strengths."

Don’t Take It Too Seriously (Seriously)

• Matt McLain (Cincinnati Reds):
  

  "Kids are using TrackMan (fancy radar tech) at age 10. Are they doing it for fun? We all know the answer. Don’t take it too seriously."

• Foster Griffin (Cleveland Guardians, Pitcher):
  

  "Don’t dig holes in the outfield and pay attention." (Translation: Stay focused, don’t goof off too much!)

WHAT’S TRACKMAN?
It’s a high-tech radar that measures exactly how fast the ball leaves the bat, spin rate, launch angle… basically, baseball homework for 10-year-olds. Pros say: save that for later.

Enjoy the Moments & Your Teammates

• Drake Baldwin (Atlanta Braves, Catcher):
  

  "Just have fun. Take it day by day. Enjoy your teammates and the people you’re with."

• Chase Burns (Cincinnati Reds, Pitcher):
  

  "Have fun. Everyone thinks they’ll make the big leagues — but just try to be better today. Scholarships and the draft will come later."

• Brock Stewart (Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher):
  

  "Cherish every moment with your Little League or travel team. You always want to be older… then you are older and wish you could go back."

Ask Questions & Learn From Everyone

• Kyle Harrison (Milwaukee Brewers, Pitcher):
  

  "I was shy. Now I say: talk to people. Ask questions. Learn from every teammate. Watch how they work. Be aware. Be curious."

Summary: The "Big League Blueprint" for Young Players

THE GOLDEN RULE FROM BYRON BUXTON:
"Being a good teammate takes you farther than being a good player sometimes. Treat people how you want to be treated. Everybody’s special."

FAQ: Your Questions, Answered

Q: Why do so many MLB players say "have fun" if it’s their job now?
A: Because fun = longevity. If you love the game, you’ll keep playing through slumps, injuries, and tough days. If it’s only pressure, you’ll quit — or burn out — before you ever reach your potential.

Q: What does "control what you can control" actually mean for a 10-year-old?
A: It means:

• You can control: hustling after a ground ball, cheering for teammates, listening to coaches.
• You can’t control: the umpire’s strike zone, the other team’s pitcher, whether you get a hit.
  Focus on the first list. Let the second list go.

Q: Is it bad to use tech like TrackMan or take private lessons young?
A: Not bad — but balance is key. Pros warn against only doing that. If you’re 10 and spending 20 hours/week on launch angle data but hate practice… that’s a red flag. Use tech as a tool, not the goal.

Q: My kid only wants to play baseball. Should I force other sports?
A: Don’t force — but encourage variety. Soccer builds footwork. Basketball builds hands/eyes. Swimming builds endurance. Even tag or playground games count! The best athletes usually played everything growing up.

Q: What’s the #1 thing parents should take from this article?
A: Your kid’s experience > their stats. The players who made it to MLB remember joy, friendships, and life lessons — not their batting average at age 11. Be the parent who asks "Did you have fun?" not "Did you win?"

Final Thought

Baseball is a game. Games are meant to be played.
Whether you’re in Williamsport or your backyard, the best advice from the best in the world is simple:
Play hard. Play happy. Play together.

The rest? That’s just extra innings.

Want to see the Little League Classic? Tune in Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN — and watch big leaguers play like kids again.