From left to right: Hudson, Fletcher and Spencer Dobb of Australia talk about their excitement about participating in the Little League World Series at the recent players’ picnic at Penn College. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette
With Little League Baseball being founded in 1939 and the first World Series games being played just eight years later, you might think that every possible scenario has played out at some point over the years. But that assumption would be wrong.
Hills Little League, based in Sydney, New South Wales, is taking part in the series for the second year in a row, but when 12-year-old players Spencer, Fletcher and Hudson Dobb step onto the field, they will be making history as they become the first triplets to compete on one team in the series.
“It’s incredible. All of our coaches have sons on the team, so it’s nice to share this with them. And the journey is great,” said Adam Dobb, team manager and father of the three boys.
“I am a father of five children and these three boys are the latest addition to the family,” he explained.
“I can’t imagine a prouder moment than having these three boys with us in Williamsport,” he said.
Adam has been to America seven or eight times, including with his eldest son, but said this is the first time the current team has been in the country.
“My father played in Australia, and so did my big brother, and we kind of copied that. And now we’re here to represent Australia,” Fletcher said.
According to the boys and their father, simply playing on a team with siblings often brings out the best in them.
“We are sometimes very ambitious and it is fun to play with my brothers,” said Fletcher.
“Yes, really competitive, but that helps us a lot to get better and win,” Spencer agreed.
“They’ve always loved baseball. All three of them have, so it’s been pretty easy for them to always be on the same team. And that competitive spirit between the three of them helps them help each other.” Said Adam.
“When those three compete at a high level and play with the right attitude, they are a tough group to beat. But when they struggle in the dugout, it can quickly go in the opposite direction.” explained the coach.
The guys describe their feelings about performing on the world stage as a mixture of nervousness and excitement, but at the same time enjoying the experience as a whole.
“I like to observe countries like Japan so that we can understand them, because we have to translate,” Fletcher said teams could now use their phones to communicate across language barriers.
Getting to know so many Americans, playing with them and making new friends has been a highlight for the siblings so far, they say, but the boys have very big ambitions to fill their time in the States.
“I want to see all the places in America, like Hollywood, and see some celebrities,” said Hudson.
“I look forward to seeing the MLB players when we get the chance and am excited to see some of their signatures,” added Fletcher.
“When our games are over, we want to visit one or two major league stadiums and go to Penn State, a few of those local events while we’re in town,” Said Adam.
For anyone who wants to achieve a goal, especially young people who are considering a possible future in Little League, the key, according to the boys, is to always believe in yourself.
“Just don’t listen to anyone and do your best,” Fletcher said.
“Make your dreams come true. If you dream of something, you will achieve it.” Spencer offered.
