Ohio Dad's Dream Summer: State Title and Little League World Series Run

For Brion Treadway, a baseball coach and father from Hamilton, Ohio, the summer of 2026 has been nothing short of magical. His oldest son, Brooks, pitched his high school team to a state championship in the spring, and now his youngest son, Boone, is playing on the sport's biggest stage for 12-year-olds at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“It’s been a blast,” Treadway said. “A dream I hope never to wake up from, a summer I hope never ends.”

The Hamilton West Side All-Stars beat Iowa 7-1 on Friday morning to advance to the United States championship game against Nevada on Saturday afternoon. The winner will face the International champion on Sunday for the Little League World Series title.

A Father-Son Connection on the Mound

Treadway, a 15-year coaching veteran at Badin High School, led the Rams to the Division III state baseball championship this spring, the school's first in 30 years. Adding to the emotional weight, Treadway was the winning pitcher in Badin's 1996 state title game, and his oldest son, Brooks, now a freshman at Marietta College, earned the win on the mound in this year's championship.

“Whoever thought we’d see this happen,” Treadway said. “I’m just glad it happened this year.”

Boone Treadway Shines on the Big Stage

Boone Treadway, a 12-year-old shortstop, catcher, and pitcher for West Side, has drawn comparisons to some of baseball's greats for his all-around play. Little League coaches across the country might be relieved that Brion and his wife Julie don't have more sons coming up through the ranks. Their twin daughters, Ava and Maddie, play volleyball and soccer at Badin.

The Financial Sacrifice Behind the Dream

Following the West Side All-Stars has come at a cost. The families are staying in a hotel about 40 miles from Williamsport because closer hotels require non-refundable reservations. Treadway estimates his family has spent around $5,000 on hotels, food, and travel.

“Worth every penny,” he said.

A Bucket List Experience That Exceeded Expectations

Treadway, who also works as a counselor at Badin, has watched the Little League World Series on ESPN for years. Seeing it in person, and watching his son play, has been a dream come true.

“It’s hard to exceed expectations in life,” Treadway said. “But this blew me away. This is Disney World for a Little Leaguer.”

When the players aren't on the field, they're building friendships with kids from across the U.S. and around the world. The experience also included riding on the team bus with the Milwaukee Brewers during the MLB Little League Classic, where pros and 12-year-olds traded autographs.

The Parent's Perspective

Treadway, who typically watches games from beyond the outfield fence, has had to adjust to sitting in the stands at Williamsport. He reflected on the difference between playing, coaching, and being a parent.

“I’ve always said being a player is the easiest,” he said. “You have direct control. As a coach, you have some say because you work with the kids. Being a parent is the worst. You want it so bad for them.”

The Hamilton West Side All-Stars have captured the attention of a national TV audience and become heroes in their hometown. Manager Tim Nichting has become a familiar face on ESPN throughout the tournament.

For Treadway, the combination of a high school state title and a Little League World Series appearance in the same year is almost too good to be true.

“It’s a dream I hope never to wake up from,” he said.