Just like football tends to be a way of life for southern and midwestern states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, Little League seems to be a way of life in New England. Multiple times, Northern New England has been represented in the Little League World Series that is played every August, but never has a major Little League event taken place in the area.

Until now.

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Cal Ripken World Series coming to Maine

For the first time in history, the Cal Ripken World Series is being contested in Maine. In fact, as you read this article, players and coaches are already in the state, because pool play begins tomorrow morning -- Saturday, August 6. Four Maine teams will take the field to try and become the Cal Ripken World Series Champion -- Waterville, Noble, Ararat, and Andy Valley.

All games will be played here at home in Vacationland at both Purnell Wrigley Field in Waterville and Maine's Fenway in Oakland.

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Google Maps
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Gifford's Ice Cream is the "Ice Cream of Choice"

To celebrate the Cal Ripken World Series' debut in Maine, it only makes sense for Maine's ice cream company to be involved. Gifford's Ice Cream -- the same Gifford's that makes the beloved Sea Dog Biscuit at Hadlock Field -- has officially been named the Ice Cream of Choice for the 2022 Cal Ripken World Series. And to bask in the glory of the honor, our friends at Gifford's have decided to bless us with a new, limited edition flavor.

Gifford's Ice Cream
Gifford's Ice Cream
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Graham Slam

The appropriately named "Graham Slam" is a true homerun of flavor, mixing the deliciousness of graham cracker ripple and chocolate-coated honey crisps into creamy graham-flavored ice cream. The best part? While fans in the stands of the 10-day Cal Ripken World Series will be able to cool off with all the Graham Slams to the face, Mainers and tourists from away who can't make it to the field will still be able to take a swing at the new flavor.

The Graham Slam will be available at Gifford's five ice cream stands in Waterville, Auburn, Bangor, Farmington and Skowhegan.

Thomas Park
Thomas Park
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Miss Maine Softball

Gifford's didn't just stop at being named the official Ice Cream of Choice of the 2022 Cal Ripken World Series and creating the new, limited edition Graham Slam flavor. They went all out and officially secured the arm of Maine's Female Athlete of the Year, "Miss Maine Softball" Jaycie Christopher. Jaycie will throw out the first pitch for the Monday, August 8 game that kicks off at 5:30p.

Tickets are available to watch our little Mainers clobber the competition and bring home the World Championship on the official website for the Cal Ripken World Series. Here's hoping the kiddos have some fun! PLAY BALL!

In the future, these Little Leaguers could be one of the reasons Portland's Hadlock Field is the best in the country

It's a taste of Fenway for half the price and levels above the other parks across the country.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

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