Caleb Durbin’s Journey to the MLB Little League Classic
Milwaukee Brewers infielder Caleb Durbin has been passionate about baseball since the age of seven. Growing up, he would eagerly watch the Little League World Series on television, dreaming of one day stepping onto the field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Although he never had the opportunity to play there as a child, his dream will finally come true when the Brewers face the Atlanta Braves at the MLB Little League Classic on August 23, 2026.
“The little kid in me came out because I was like, ‘Oh, I get to go to Williamsport,’” Durbin shared with excitement. “And even though I’m not playing in the actual Little League World Series, it’s still really cool to go and watch those games and be around it. As a baseball fan, it’s one of those bucket-list items that you have to check off at least once in your life.”
Since 2021, the Brewers have maintained the third-best record in the MLB. They were also recognized with the Baseball America’s “Organization of the Year” award, highlighting their strong presence in the league.
Rick Schlesinger, Brewers president of business operations, expressed his thoughts: “I’m sure baseball recognizes that the Brewers have a great appeal.”
Each year, 20 Little League teams from around the world converge in Pennsylvania for the Little League World Series. Since 2017, this event has been followed by the MLB Little League Classic. On game day, players from the Brewers and Braves will attend Little League World Series matches before their own game begins at 6:10 p.m. Central time.
Traditionally, MLB players sign autographs for young fans, and some partake in the fun tradition of sliding down a hill at the complex. Durbin expressed his enthusiasm for the event, saying he wants to “definitely want to see what that’s all about.”
The game will be held at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field, a venue with a rich history spanning nearly a century. Schlesinger noted that approximately 2,000 fans will fill the stands, including Little League players and their families.
“These kids are so into the Little League World Series, but they’re also so into the Brewers,” said Lindsay Weber, vice president of the Whitefish Bay Little League. “Combining those two is really cool.”
Jason Steichen, head coach of Elmbrook Little League, took his three children to the Little League World Series a few years back. “The kids who are playing the games there are basically like celebrities,” Steichen remarked. “You got a bunch of little boys running around looking for these 12-year-old boys’ autographs, who nobody knew who they were a week prior.”
He added, “Those kids then get to go and kind of give that same treatment to the Major Leaguers, who are obviously their idols.”
The Whitefish Bay Little League comprises around 500 families participating in baseball and softball activities. The league’s 12-year-old baseball team almost reached the Little League World Series in 2025, according to a report.
Mike Schwartz, president of the league, emphasized the significance of the MLB Little League Classic as a chance for Major League players to showcase their personality. “It’s fun because the Little Leaguers are all like ‘Oh my goodness, there’s all these players who I love, there’s Christian Yelich, there’s Sal Frelick, all these guys,’” Schwartz explained. “But the big leaguers are responding the same way, because they see all these 12-year-olds who are living the dream they had that they may not have been able to reach.”
The event will be broadcast on ESPN, providing national exposure for the Brewers. Schlesinger expressed his anticipation, stating, “We were thrilled to be considered and chosen. We think it’s going to be a lot of fun for the players and a special night of baseball.”
