Monnin was a member of the 2001 All-Stars

Monnin, a 2007 Hamilton High School graduate, was a member of the 2001 12-year-old All-Star team, and his father served as league president in 2005-2006.

“I never coached Daniel, but his dad Steve is as good a guy as there is,” West Side assistant coach Tim Nichting said. “To me, he’s the guy who turned the West Side Little League program around. He got into it to get it back to being for the kids, and he really did that.

“Steve is probably one of the better presidents West Side Little League has ever had, and one of the better guys I’ve ever known,” Nichting continued. “My heart goes out to Steve and his family. Our West Side Little League team is thinking about them and we love them.”

Monnin’s death comes on the heels of the passing of Nick Maus, the grandfather of West Side All-Stars players Brooks and Ryan Robinson, and the death of Nichting’s longtime friend Joe Toerner, both of whom died Sunday.

Fast first pitch

The ceremonial first pitch for the Little League World Series was delivered at a speed of 17,500 mph from 210 miles above the earth.

Doing the honors from aboard the Space Station was astronaut Douglas Wheelock, whose ceremonial toss was videotaped and played on the video screen at Volunteer Stadium.

King of ping pong

There is plenty for the players to do when they’re not playing baseball at the Little League World Series, and one of the favorite pastimes for the Hamilton West Side team is ping pong.

“It gets pretty competitive in there,” West Side outfielder Alex Schutter said.

When asked who is the best of the best, Schutter didn’t hesitate.

“Bryce Couch,” he said. “He’s really good. If you ever want to know where Bryce is, just go in the rec room and he’ll be in there playing.”

Puppy Pound posters

The Puppy Pound held a poster party Friday night at the hotel where all of the West Side parents are staying.

The Puppy Pound is the name given to the West Side cheering section made up mostly of younger brothers and sisters of the players.

Their energy and creativity are likely to be big hits with ESPN cameramen filming the games.