Australian triplets make history at World Series

From left to right, Hudson, Fletcher and Spencer Dobb of Australia talk about their excitement to play in the Little League World Series during the players picnic held recently at Penn College.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

With the founding of Little League Baseball in 1939 and the first World Series games played a mere eight years later, one might think every possible scenario has played out at one point or another over the years. But, that assumption would be wrong.

Hills Little League, out of Sydney, New South Wales, is on its second consecutive trip for the series this year, but as 12-year-old players Spencer, Fletcher and Hudson Dobb step onto the field, they will also make history as the first set of triplets to appear on a team at the series.

“It’s incredible. All of our coaches have got sons on the team, so it’s good to share that with them. And, the journey is great,” said Adam Dobb, team manager and father of the three boys.

“I’m a father of five, and these three boys were the latest addition to the family,” he explained.

“I can’t think of a prouder moment than to have these three boys with us in Williamsport,” he said.

Adam has been to America seven or eight times, including with his eldest son, but said that this is the first first time the current team has been in the country.

“My dad played from Australia, and my big brother, and we kind of followed up with them. So now we’re here to represent Australia,” Fletcher said.

According to the boys and their father, the very nature of playing on a team with siblings can often bring out the best in them.

“We sometimes are very competitive, and it’s fun to play with my brothers,” said Fletcher.

“Yes, really competitive, but that helps us get better, very much, and helps us win,” Spencer agreed.

“They’ve always loved baseball. All three of you have, so it was pretty easy for them to always be on the same team. And that triplet competitive nature helps them help each other,” Adam said.

“These three, when they do compete at a high level and play well in the right spirit, they’re a hard group to beat, but if they’re fighting in the dugout, things can drag the opposite way pretty quickly as well,” the coach explained.

A mix of nervousness and excitement is how the boys describe their feelings about playing on the world stage, while also savoring the experience as a whole.

“I like to watch the countries like Japan, so we understand them, because we have to translate,” Fletcher said, adding that the teams can now use their phones to communicate across language barriers.

Getting to meet so many Americans, playing with, and making new friends has been a highlight for the siblings so far, they said, but the boys have very big ambitions to fill out their time in the states.

“I want to look at all of the places in America, like Hollywood and see some celebrities,” Hudson said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the MLB players, if we get a chance to, and I’m excited to get some of their signatures,” Fletcher added.

“When we’re finished with our games, we want to get out to one or two major league ballparks, and get out to Penn State, a couple of those local things while we’re in town,” Adam said.

For anyone looking to achieve a goal, especially youngsters eyeing a potential future in Little League, the boys say the key is to always believe in yourself.

“Just don’t listen to anyone and try your hardest,” Fletcher said.

“Just always play to your dreams. If you dream towards something, you’ll always achieve it,” Spencer offered.