What started as a fun idea for a team picture has become something of an internet sensation for a Little League Softball® team from Michigan.
A team of 7- and 8-year-old softball players, known as the Thunderbug from Edwardsburg (Mich.) Little League, have gotten national attention, with their team photo recently being featured on ESPNW.com. In the photo, the girls are wearing dresses to go along with their fire-patterned socks, bats, gloves, and eye black. Many are referring to the photo with the title, “A Little League of Their Own.”
“This is the first time we’ve done a team photo like this,” said Steven Seifert II, team manager. “But the girls loved doing it.”
According to Mr. Seifert, the idea came from one of the team parents, a big fan of the movie A League of Their Own. Seifert says the response the photo has gotten has been unbelievable.
“It was pretty crazy seeing it online,” said Mr. Seifert. “Some of the girls still don’t quite get how big it’s been.”
Playing in a machine-pitch league this season, most of the girls will be moving up a division next year, the first time they’ll face live pitching. Mr. Seifert has been impressed by the passion of his players even more than their dress sense.
“I’ve coached Little League for over seven years and have never had a group of girls that have been so passionate about the game at such a young age,” said Mr. Seifert. “The girls are all friends on and off the field and have a strong work ethic. They cheer each other on and never hang their heads. They have fun and we keep it positive.”
As far as next season, Mr. Seifert says the team is already brainstorming ideas for an even better picture.
“Some of the moms already have some other ideas,” said Mr. Seifert.