Phil Andraychak, of Lilly Pa., takes photos from the photo well under Lamade Stadium at the 2022 Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Aug. 22, 2022. Andraychak is living out a bucket list dream of his being able to cover the Little League World Series. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT — Making it to the Little League World Series is a dream come true for many young baseball players, but for one photographer, it’s a grown-up dream that he finally achieved this year.

Phil Andraychak, of Lilly in Cambria County, has wanted to photograph the series since he first started shooting sports photos years ago. He wasn’t sure if he would get the chance this year, but with the Mid-Atlantic team about 20 minutes from him, he applied for media credentials.

He kept getting the daily emails the media receives, but he was not sure if he had been approved. Even though he lived about two and a half hours away, his wife convinced him to make the drive to find out.

“It’s like I was going to the dentist,” Andraychak said. “I was so nervous.”

He told the desk worker that he hoped they had credentials for him when he arrived at the media office.

When he received them, he said, “I’m going to be honest, I started crying.”

He spent 25 years working in an analytical lab, then as a game warden and finally as a constable. With the three jobs, accomplishing his goal of covering the Little League World Series was impossible.

He wanted to attend the past few years, but could not because of COVID-19. This year, he found a newspaper to sponsor him so he could finally get the chance.

“I’m so glad I got to cross this off my bucket list,” Andraychak said.

The first thing on his bucket list is getting a G7, but “right after that is photographing at the Little League World Series,” he said.

Andraychak can be found mostly at Lamade Stadium behind home plate, or near first or third base with his camera. Between games, he has been roaming the complex.

“I look for the kids having fun,” Andraychak said. “That’s what it’s all about. They treat these kids like Major League players, asking for signatures.”

The reason Andraychak wanted to capture the Little League World Series is the emotion of the players.

His favorite moment of the series so far is capturing Mid-Atlantic player Chase Link hitting two home runs, one of which was a three-run hit during the Mid-Atlantic vs. Metro game on Monday.

His community has been sharing in the journey with him, tagging him in pictures when he gets featured on TV. One fan came up to him to congratulate him for making it here this year.

“I’m kind of a celebrity,” Andraychak said. “It’s nice to be recognized.”