SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Proud family members of the Sweetwater Valley and Tijuana Municipal Little League teams got to watch their loved ones’ dreams of playing in the Little League Baseball World Series come true from the stands.
A lucky few had an even closer view.
Sweetwater Valley Little League’s Joe Griffin coaches his son, while Zach Patterson coaches his stepson. Tijuana Municipal’s Marcelo Santamaría coaches his nephew.
All three families have made memories since arriving at the Little League World Series last week.
Sweetwater Valley was eliminated on Saturday, while Tijuana Municipal plays Tokyo’s Joto Little League in an elimination game on Tuesday morning.
“It’s been a great experience,” said SVLL player James Griffin on Saturday, talking about sharing the moment with his dad. “He’s been coaching me since I was little, and it’s always been fun having him being a coach and always there to help me.”
Sweetwater Valley’s Zachary Patterson and his stepson Asher Giglio #3, and James Griffin #12, and his father James Griffin pose for a photo outside Volunteer Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
In fact, it was James Griffin who brought his father into baseball.
“I call myself a serial volunteer, so when the need came up, I stepped up and took that position,” said Joe Griffin, who started coaching when his son was 4 years old. Since then, they have both grown.
“Every year … he gets a lot better at baseball and I get a little bit better at coaching,” he said.
Patterson has watched firsthand as his stepson, Asher Giglio, has fallen in love with baseball over the last three years.
Asher was 9 years old and was not interested in the sport at all.
“I remember playing catch with him in the park near our old home, and he was very frustrated because he couldn’t catch a pop fly,” Patterson said. “(but) he caught on super fast, and he is very dedicated.”
Sweetwater Valley’s Asher Giglio #3, representing the West region, talks with Zachary Patterson before playing Phenix City, representing the Southeast Region, at Howard J. Lamade Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Then, last week, he got to see Asher — who said he learned about “throwing and catching the ball” from his stepdad — represent the West Region on the big stage.
“It’s fun because I get to be here with not only my friends but also my parent and sharing the field with him,” Asher said.
Patterson, who played baseball in high school, said he found his love for the sport again through Asher and his other son, Jax.
“Just being able to play catch with them everywhere we would go, if it’s the beach or the park, we would always bring our gloves,” he said. “I’m kind of like a kid at heart, so I love just being able to experience that with my sons.”
Tijuana Municipal coach Marcelo Santamaria and his nephew Gael Santamaria #8 pose for a photo near at Volunteer Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026 in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Santamaría has trained his nephew Gael since he was 3 years old. Baseball runs in their family. His siblings, including Gael’s father, used to play, as did their children.
Along the way, Marcelo and Gael Santamaría have learned how to balance the coach-uncle dynamic.
“He’s my coach, and I respect his decisions,” said Gael Santamaría. “He’s really smart.”
Marcelo Santamaría noted that being in Williamsport is a unique experience in itself. But sharing it with his nephew makes it even more special.
“It’s so exciting to see him having fun walking onto and off the field,” he said. “I’m double happy to be there, both as a coach and as part of his family.”
Little League World Series
Who: Tijuana Municipal vs. Japan
When: 10 a.m.
TV: ESPN