WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Miz Mania engulfed the Little League World Series on Sunday afternoon, with Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski becoming the center of attention during the team's visit to the complex ahead of the Little League Classic against the Atlanta Braves.

Misiorowski, the odds-on favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award, was engulfed by Little Leaguers asking for autographs and selfies. Manager Pat Murphy compared Misiorowski's genuine interactions with fans to the character Forrest Gump, a comparison that played out as the pitcher made his way through the grounds.

Players were allowed to roam the complex after arriving in coach buses. Misiorowski, accompanied by security and local law enforcement, headed to a recreation building with ping-pong and foosball tables and arcade-style video games. He signed baseballs and interacted with select Little Leaguers. One youngster was on the verge of hyperventilating after getting an autograph, and not long thereafter, Misiorowski took on another player in a quick game of ping-pong.

More Than a Game

MLB News reported that Misiorowski was the Brewers' biggest attraction — literally and figuratively — with the ace being mobbed by pint-sized fans in a way that surprised even the MLB employees who are veterans of these events. His teammates watched his rise with a mix of awe and amusement.

"Sometimes I ask him, 'Do you even fathom who you are and what you mean to people?'" said center fielder Garrett Mitchell.

"He's getting up there," said Christian Yelich, the Brewers' most famous player before Misiorowski came along. "You walk down the street, people know you. It takes getting used to. It's all new for Miz, because a lot has happened this year and it's happened fast. You have to adjust, but Miz is a big kid himself, so he'll be just fine."

Second baseman Brice Turang added, "He's one of the most electric arms in the game, and the kids know that and they watch him and they root for him. That's really cool to see. He's deserved all of it."

The Human Side of Superstardom

Despite the hype, Misiorowski's teammates say he has remained grounded, perhaps because out of all the Brewers players, he may be the biggest kid. He spent Sunday ripping Pokemon cards with players, while outfielder Jackson Chourio played video games with Little Leaguers in their on-site dorm. Closer Trevor Megill bought Gatorades for dozens of kids at a concession stand, and Turang went straight for the retail store to buy a Little League World Series hat. Jake Bauers, the team's home run leader and a former Little Leaguer, made a beeline for the West Region champions from San Diego.

The event marked the Brewers' first time participating in an MLB "jewel event," and manager Pat Murphy saw it as an opportunity for his players to be an example and gain perspective. Owner Mark Attanasio called the event heartwarming, citing the popularity of baseball.

For Misiorowski, the experience was overwhelming in the best way. "It was definitely overwhelming, but it was fun," he said, describing the day as "unreal" and a "shell-shock moment." Asked about the pressure of the event, he admitted the ping-pong game brought its own kind of pressure — though he didn't specify if he won or lost the match.

The Brewers flew into New York on Saturday night, then into Williamsport on Sunday morning. They planned to fly back to New York after the game, have a day off Monday, and start a three-game series against the Mets on Tuesday night.