The Atlanta Braves and Milwaukee Brewers are facing off in the annual Little League Classic on Sunday night. The game is an opportunity for professionals and Little Leaguers to mingle, but Braves ace Chris Sale is skipping at least one tradition.
Typically, a number of players like to slide down the hill that overlooks Lamade Stadium in Williamsport, Pa., typically on improvised cardboard sleds. Video of the ritual gains attention every year.
When ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian asked Sale if he would be taking part, the answer was a firm no.
“Absolutely not. I’m too old to be sliding down on cardboard,” Sale said.
"Absolutely not, I'm too old."
— ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2026
Chris Sale will not be going down the hill at Williamsport 😂 pic.twitter.com/haPMjleavh
Sale smiled as he said it, so he’s not actually all that grouchy. Still, one can hardly blame the 37-year-old for not wanting to take that risk. This is, after all, a pitcher with a lengthy injury history.
Sale can undoubtedly do other things to hang out with the kids. Besides, some of the Little Leaguers may not be too interested in him either. In the past, they have been willing to say so when they’re not impressed.
