At just 13 years old, Cooper Thissen has become the talk of the Little League World Series, where he displayed a rare blend of baseball dominance and table‑tennis skill.
A Historic Pitching Outing
On August 21, Thissen took the mound and delivered a no‑hitter that helped his team secure a 1‑0 victory. He struck out 15 batters, hit a solo home run, and kept the opposition to a single walk in the sixth inning before exiting with only one runner still on base.
His fastball, measured at 74 mph, translated to a 96 mph equivalent from a Major League distance, while his curveball added a sharp secondary weapon. Coaches noted that the performance was as much about poise as it was about raw talent.
Table‑Tennis Talent Hidden in Plain Sight
Beyond the diamond, Thissen has spent roughly 200 hours this week at the ping‑pong table, losing only a handful of games. His rapid reflexes and strategic play have drawn quiet admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
The schedule ahead includes a matchup against the Mid‑Atlantic vs. Metro winner on Sunday at noon CT, followed by a game against the Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers contingent. After those contests, Thissen hopes to meet professional stars Ronald Acuna Jr. and Jacob Misiorowski, a goal he has mentioned in recent interviews.
The young athlete’s father, Greg Thissen, coaches the Davenport Assumption team and has been a steady presence throughout the tournament. Coach Mark Erwin described Cooper as a "special player" whose unique talent and potential were evident from the first practice.