Earning the trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to compete in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game are teams from Manalapan, New Jersey, and Mission Viejo, California.
“In its 22nd year, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game continues to be one of the most memorable events as it brings together two outstanding local Little League programs for a morning of fun competition,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Senior Director of Strategy and Development. “We are incredibly grateful for the hours and hard work the volunteers in each league’s community have dedicated to these players, and we are excited to welcome them to Williamsport in August.”
Since 2001, the Little League Challenger Exhibition Game has been a memorable part of the Championship Weekend experience at the Little League Baseball® World Series. Little League® International will continue to support this year’s participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.
As part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division, Eggland’s Best, the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball, will match Little League International’s grant value, donating an additional $15,000 each to the participating leagues. Eggland’s Best will also be supporting the first-ever Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest. Players traveling to Williamsport will have the opportunity to design their own unique pin design and one lucky winner from each team will have their custom pin design produced and distributed at the 2024 LLBWS Challenger Exhibition Game.
“Eggland’s Best is proud to once again pledge support to Little League’s Challenger Division, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the next generation of sports families,” said Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “We’re also excited to extend our support this year through the inaugural Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest, celebrating creativity and participation. This initiative embodies our dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities for young athletes, reflecting our core values of community support and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles.”
Meet the teams playing in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game:
Manalapan Township (N.J.) Little League Challenger Division
Established in 2016, Manalapan Township LL volunteers and leadership have worked hard to grow its Challenger Division. The division has gone from only meeting a few times a season, to participating in the league’s Senior Division championship game each year, competing against its neighbor league, Freehold Township (N.J.) Little League, and having its own mascot – Buster.
In 2023, the Challenger Division held the New Jersey Statewide Challenger Exhibition tournament, hosting eight teams from across the state for a day of skill drills and competitive games. It was the division’s first step towards its goal of bringing communities together to provide athletes with a fun, community-driven experience.
“The Challenger team from Manalapan Baseball Association is absolutely thrilled to be participating in the 2024 Challenger Exhibition game at the Little League World Series,” said Kevin Horstman, Manalapan LL Challenger Division Coordinator. “This golden opportunity is a dream come true for our Challenger family. We are so honored and excited to take the field with the Challenger team from California and make memories that will last a lifetime for our players, buddies, parents, and coaches.”
California District 68 (Mission Viejo, Calif.) Challenger Division
Since 1991, California District 68’s Challenger Division has grown, seeing a steady increase in participating players each year. Operating today with five teams and about 70 players in the district, the Challenger Division has become a leading program in Southern California.
“For 20 years, my son Bobby and I have been committed to the success of our Challenger program, and I could not be more grateful for the volunteers in our community who make this program possible. While Bobby started in the program as a player, he has since begun coaching kids who want an opportunity to play ball like he did and it’s an honor to coach with him on the field now and for a truly full-circle experience,” said Rod Hurt, California District 68 Assistant District Administrator. “I’m honored that our team has been selected for this great opportunity, and the privilege of bringing a squad to Williamsport for the Challenger Exhibition game is so thrilling.”
The 2024 Little League Baseball World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, is set to take place on August 14-25. To learn more and plan your trip to Williamsport, visit LittleLeague.org/Visit.
About Eggland’s Best
Eggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities. Independent testing has also confirmed that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs. The distinctive “EB” stamp on the shell assures consumers and food service customers that Eggland’s Best eggs meet the highest production and safety standards.
Eggland’s Best was voted “America’s Most Trusted Egg Brand” by American shoppers in the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards and “America’s Most Recommended™ Eggs” by women in the Women’s Choice Awards. In addition, Eggland’s Best has received more than 100 awards and honors from trusted publications, such as Good Housekeeping, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, Health, Men’s Health, and many others.
Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. Eggland’s Best eggs are available in the refrigerated egg aisle in Large, Extra-Large, Jumbo, Cage Free, Organic, Free Range, Pasture Raised, Hard-Cooked, Cage Free Hard-Cooked, Organic Hard-cooked and Liquid Egg Whites. The Eggland’s Best various frozen varieties can be found in the frozen breakfast section. Eggland’s Best Frozen Omelets, Bowls and Egg Bites make it easier than ever to start the day with the great taste and nutrition of Eggland’s Best eggs. All Eggland’s Best eggs are certified Kosher. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com.