Before making their way to the top tiers of university baseball and eventually the big leagues, numerous athletes began their journey in the Little League World Series.
Multiple institutions across three divisions of NCAA baseball have formed teams for many years, making it challenging to identify every player who has been part of a college program and the LLWS. While this compilation isn’t exhaustive, we have compiled a list of some of the most prominent athletes who have graced both the collegiate and LLWS baseball fields at various points in their careers.
CHAMPIONS: Tennessee’s Triumph in 2024
The most prestigious event in Little League comprises 20 teams in total, with 10 being international and 10 representing the United States.
LLWS team and year: Ahwatukee American, Phoenix, Arizona | 2006
College journey: Kingery delivered outstanding performances during his three-year spell at Arizona, boasting a .351 batting average with 80 RBI and a mere 65 strikeouts in his career. The most remarkable aspect? He initially walked on before emerging as the 2015 Pac-12 Player of the Year.
MLB path: Philadelphia Phillies (2018-2022)
LLWS team and year: Lafayette, Lafayette, Louisiana | 2005
University tenure: A threat with both his bat and swift feet, Stevenson posed a challenge for opponents with the LSU Tigers. A left-handed batter with adept base-stealing skills, he swiped 40 bases during his college stint. With 70 RBI and a .311 batting average over three seasons, his offensive prowess made him a reliable presence without relying heavily on power at the plate.
MLB journey: Washington Nationals (2017-2021), Minnesota Twins (2023)
Michael Conforto, Oregon State (2012-14)
LLWS team and year: Redmond North, Redmond, Washington | 2004
College journey: Conforto dazzled during his time at Oregon State, clinching two Pac-12 Player of the Year titles. The power-hitting slugger racked up a .340 batting average and a 1.020 OPS, recording 179 RBI and 31 home runs. He stands as one of only three players in history to have appeared in the LLWS, College World Series, and MLB World Series.
MLB path: New York Mets (2015-2021), San Francisco Giants (2023-present)
Devon Travis, Florida State (2010-12)
LLWS team and year: East Boynton Beach, Boynton Beach, Florida | 2003
College journey: The stellar second baseman excelled in Tallahassee, showcasing exceptional plate discipline with fewer than 100 strikeouts in his three-year span at Florida State. Travis demonstrated power with 17 home runs, 99 RBIs, and a .314 career batting average.
MLB path: Toronto Blue Jays (2015-2018), GCL Braves coach (2021-present)
Brady Rodgers, Arizona State (2010-12)
LLWS team and year: Lamar, Richmond, Texas | 2003
College journey: Ranking second on Arizona State’s all-time career ERA leaders chart, Rodgers posted a 23-10 record across 52 games with the Sun Devils, predominantly serving as a starter. Known for his strikeout prowess, he fanned 233 batters during his college tenure and was a contender for the Golden Spikes award in 2012.
MLB path: Houston Astros (2016-2019)
Lance Lynn, Ole Miss (2006-08)
LLWS team and year: Brownsburg, Brownsburg, Indiana | 1999
College journey: Amassing 332 career strikeouts — the second-highest in Ole Miss history at that time — gives a glimpse of Lynn’s dominance during his three seasons on the mound. His standout performance occurred in his sophomore year, where he set a school record with 146 strikeouts in a single season.
MLB path: St. Louis Cardinals (2011-2017, 2024), Minnesota Twins (2018), New York Yankees (2018), Texas Rangers (2019-2020), Chicago White Sox (2021-2023), Los Angeles Dodgers (2023)
Todd Frazier, Rutgers (2005-07)
LLWS team and year: Toms River American, Toms River, New Jersey | 1998
College journey: While his 42 home runs in college may not match his power display in the major leagues, Frazier intimidated opponents during his time at Rutgers. He maintained an outstanding .347 average with 152 RBI and an impressive 1.083 OPS, securing a first-round pick in the MLB Draft.
MLB path: Cincinnati Reds (2011-2015), Chicago White Sox (2016-2017), New York Yankees (2017), New York Mets (2018-2020), Texas Rangers (2020), Pittsburgh Pirates (2021)
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