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.

A big day in Williamsport, Pa. wraps up with the Little League Classic between the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners.

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

On Sunday morning, hours before Soto’s Mets would face off against the Mariners in the MLB Little League Classic, the Vancouver and Brisbane squads faced off, with Canadian broadcaster TSN inquiring which MLB stars the youngsters were excited to meet later in the day.

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.

World Series champion Jon Gray was placed on the injured list by the Rangers after being diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. The Rays signed notable Shadow Met Cooper Hummel to a minor-league deal, becoming his fourth organization of the year. Happy birthday to three iconic Mets: Justin Wilson, Terry Blocker, and Pat Misch.

The Mets were greeted at the airport in Williamsport on Sunday by plenty of enthusiastic young fans and connected with teams from all over the world.

The Little League Classic between the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners took place on Sunday night. Since the foundation of the game eight years ago, it has become a cornerstone of the MLB schedule. Commissioner Rob Manfred was there, and he spoke with ESPN about potential MLB realignment and expansion that could be on the horizon.