Fans of the Cincinnati Reds are familiar with Todd Frazier and his history with the Little League World Series. Todd was one of the best players on the Toms River East team that won the tournament in 1998, and he came very close to Derek Jeter during that experience. He is now the third baseman for the Yankees, and his history in Williamsport is brought up often simply because it was an iconic moment in American sports. Those of us who watched the Toms River East team win the tournament were excited as if it was the men's hockey team at Lake Placid in 1980.
It comes up often
Todd is asked questions about the LLWS often simply because he is one of the most famous LLWS players in history, and he has a perspective on playing Little League baseball that is not often seen. He believes that all kids should play baseball purely for the fun of it, and it is a family tradition in his house. He does not equate success in the LLWS to a career in the Major Leagues, and he went to college instead of playing minor league baseball out of high school.
His story is a lesson in grit
Todd was brought up to the Major League level slowly by the Cincinnati Reds where he took over third base from Scott Rolen. He became a patient hitter on that club who mirrored his best teammate in Joey Votto, and he used that patience to become a sought-after player across the MLB.
He was once sent to the White Sox because they needed a better hitter, and he was shipped to the Yankees because they needed more veteran bats.
The LLWS family tradition
The Little League World Series is a family tradition in the Frazier household because they want to support lol the kids who are a part of the LLWS every year.
Their family spans many different fan bases, and they see it as a dream come true that their son now plays for the Yankees.
His impact
Todd is not Aaron Judge or Gary Sanchez, but he is the veteran in the lineup with a cool head. He has children, and he has a perspective that younger guys on the team do not have. He has been close to greatness as far back at 1998, and he knows that there is a lot of patience involved in success.
He wants to see the Yankees succeed now that they are ahead of schedule, but he is teaching his teammates to care about their expectations. His impact on the Yankees clubhouse will be in how much the club is tempered as it hopes to win its division, secure a wild card spot, and play well in the playoffs. Keeping Todd around will give the team more perspective next season when they will be locked and loaded for an amazing season.
