Brock gives pep talk to Missouri squad

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. -- Hall of Famer Lou Brock offered some comforting words to the boys from Columbia, Mo., before their debut Friday night at the Little League World Series.

"Actually, we had a fireside chat," said Brock, the former St. Louis Cardinals outfielder. "We talked about the passion of the game. That it's fun."

Brock served as the grand marshal of Thursday's parade in Williamsport honoring Little Leaguers. On Friday, he threw out the ceremonial first pitch that went low and skipped behind Beaverton, Ore., catcher Perry Lampman. Columbia was playing Lake Charles, La., later Friday.

Brock autographed the first pitch ball to Lampman and was serenaded by calls of "Lou" as he walked off the field.

One subject he couldn't offer advice on was stealing bases. Little Leaguers can't steal bases, and runners cannot leave a base until the batter makes contact.

"If I were to teach them about stolen bases, it starts with the jump, and to some degree reading the pitcher," Brock said.

Brock was also impressed that many players he met knew about his career, even though they had never seen him play. Apparently, though, most children couldn't place his face with his famous name.

"I told them," he said, smiling.

McClendon to be honored

Detroit Tigers coach Lloyd McClendon will be enshrined into the Little League Museum's Hall of Excellence next week, 35 years after putting on one of the top tournament performances in Little League history.

In 1971, McClendon hit two home runs in each of his team's two first games for the Anderson Little League team from Gary, Ind. He hit another homer in the first at-bat of his third game before being intentionally walked in his last three appearances at the plate.

McClendon, who stood an imposing 5-foot-8, played pitcher and catcher.