Ahead of tonight’s Little League Classic in Williamsport between the Mets and Mariners, several players from each team renewed a ritual that has become a staple of this event.

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Julio Rodríguez walked out of the seats at Howard J. Lamade Stadium and down the tunnel. He made a right turn around the outside of the stadium, and as the crowd gathered began to grow and started following him, Rodríguez made an announcement. “We’re going to the hill,” the Mariners center fielder announced.

The 2025 Little League World Series is underway. Eight teams continue their quest to win it all in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday in the annual summer tournament. A new winner will be crowned in 2025 after last year's champion, Lake Mary, Florida, was eliminated in the regional round.

Little Leaguers spending time with their favorite MLB stars, autographs and more. Here's what makes Williamsport so special.