With the Little League World Series underway, many kids are living their dreams.
Dozens of Little League players ages 11 to 13 are in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, fighting to become the best team in the world.
Seven years ago, Major League Baseball decided to play a game in Williamsport during the Little League World Series, and this year's Little League Classic was between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run, his 300th career home run, during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 14, 2024, in Chicago. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
After both teams arrived, their star players met and greeted numerous Little Leaguers, brightening their day by signing balls and jerseys and posing for photos.
However, Bob Laterza, manager of the South Shore Little League team in Staten Island, which represents the Mid-Atlantic region, is not happy with Aaron Judge, who, Laterza says, did not meet with his team.
Laterza told SI Live that his team was promised a meeting with the Yankees at International Grove, but Judge and others were absent.
Laterza said his team later met with other players, including reigning Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole.
New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner/USA Today Sports)
2024 MLB MVP RACE, ODDS: OHTANI AND JUDGE DISTANCE THEIR WAY FROM THE REST
But Laterza complained that Judge had not met with his team and had not acknowledged him during the Classic. The Staten Island team had seats behind home plate, which was about 25 feet from the plate.
“How about you turn around and say hello to New York and the young people who think you're a hero?” Laterza asked. “They're the ones who pay your salary.
“They were disappointed,” he added. “Maybe I want to make up for it and come and see them.”
Judge is the face of baseball and was by far the biggest draw in Williamsport, where he met with players. He also took a bus to the fields with one of the teams.
“Just having the opportunity to share that moment with them, talk to them, sign a couple autographs. I think if you ask both teams, we all enjoyed that experience,” Judge said of the experience.
The Yankees have frequently invited the Mid-Atlantic Little League World Series team to one of their games, especially if the team is from the tri-state area. Laterza says if that happens, his team will reciprocate with the same energy that Judge apparently did.
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees takes batting practice before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on August 12, 2024, in Chicago. (Matt Dirksen/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“After we win this, there will be no pictures taken with us. Just Aaron Boone and the guys who came,” he said.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to The Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
