World Series dream comes true for Taylor's Griffin Krakow

At age 7, Griffin Krakow of Taylor was enamored with the Junior League Baseball World Series in his hometown. He committed to playing in the international tournament when he was old enough.

In 2017, Griffin followed the KAU Little League U.S. East Regional Champions in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. That team went 3-1 that year and was a World Series runner-up, but the team became famous for an acrobatic catch by center fielder Jack Regenye, who hopped the fence to rob Chinese Taipei player Yi Hsiang Lin of a home run.

The play, which ESPN referred to as “the greatest catch in history,” was one of the sports network’s catches of the year. You can still watch the play on Facebook. There are photos of Regenye on the JLWS 2024 show.

Griffin remembers 2017 like it was yesterday. He bought a cap and the East team autographed it for him. Everyone was nice to him and he spent so much time with the players that he felt like part of the team. ESPN talked about his connection with the Pennsylvania team.

“It was a lot of fun,” he said. “They were very nice.”

Griffin’s grandmother, Marge Cheladyn, remembers being “amazed.” ESPN talked about the boy’s connection to the Pennsylvania team. He was a sort of team mascot.

After that year, Griffin continued to play baseball. He remained friends with Regenye and his teammates. A couple of them visited him to watch him play.

He continued to improve with age. Last year, he was a member of the Taylor North Little League team that played in the Intermediate World Series in California. This year, his team is representing Michigan’s District 5 team and playing in the Junior League World Series in Taylor.

“It’s a dream come true,” Cheladyn said. “And for her parents, Brad and Keri, too. They’re at the park all day watching as many games as they can. Keri even helps out at the concession stand. We were there last night for the game. We don’t even care who’s playing. We just go cheer them on.”

Taylor North shut out its first two opponents, Hawaii and Illinois. Unfortunately for Griffin, he injured his elbow and is unable to field, but can hit. Taylor North shut out its first two opponents, Hawaii, 8-0, and Illinois, 13-0. Griffin had three RBIs.

Originally published: August 8, 2024 at 20:08

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