A Star is Born in Williamsport
Anthony Johnson Jr., a 12‑year‑old left‑hander from Davenport, Iowa, took the mound against Bayonne, New Jersey, and turned a routine Little League World Series game into a showcase of raw talent. The final score read 6‑0, but the story was defined by the young pitcher’s dominance.
Over 5 ⅔ innings he fanned 15 batters, yielded just one hit and walked only a single opponent. His fastball topped out at 86 pitches, 57 of them strikes, before he was removed to preserve his eligibility under the tournament’s pitch‑limit rules.
At the plate Johnson added a three‑run homer that traveled roughly 300 feet to center field, a blast that capped a 6‑0 victory and underscored his dual‑threat ability. The ball’s trajectory mirrored the power he has shown since he began homering at age eight.
Coaches have long praised his repertoire, especially a sharp curveball and a deceptive changeup that keep hitters off balance. Mark Erwin, the Davenport Northwest skipper, described watching Johnson’s batting practice as “dangerous,” noting the quick hands that generate both speed and control.
A Family Affair and a Young Legacy
The Northwest roster includes the coach’s own sons, Ethan and Caleb, who share the field with Johnson as the 2025 Davenport Little League World Series team. Their camaraderie adds a personal dimension to the tournament run.
Erwin recalled first spotting Johnson at age ten, when the youngster outpitched older competitors in a local game. That early glimpse set the stage for a rapid ascent that now includes a World Series appearance and comparisons to baseball great Ken Griffey Jr., whose own power surge began in childhood.
Reflecting on the experience, Johnson called it “the best experience of my life,” a sentiment that resonates with teammates, coaches and fans who have followed his meteoric rise.