Kinley Rasmus has taken the Little League Baseball World Series by storm on the mound and at the plate.
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The 12-year-old player from Phenix City, Alabama, is the 25th girl to play in and ninth to pitch in the Little League Baseball World Series, which started in 1947, as she and her home town represent the Southeast in the national tournament.
After throwing her 14th strikeout of the tournament Monday, Rasmus tied Mo’ne Davis, who now plays in the new Women’s Pro Baseball League, for the most by a girl in Little League Baseball World Series history. She’s also pitched 10 2/3 scoreless innings.
Kinley Rasmus, Filthy Curveball. 😷 pic.twitter.com/rjyieEkN9z
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 25, 2026
“I just had to lock into the game and know to throw strikes and let my defense work,” she told the New York Post about Monday’s performance. “Just throw strikes.”
Rasmus is also the first girl in tournament history with an extra-base-hit and the fifth girl to have a multi-hit game, per the Montgomery Advertiser.
Kinley Rasmus HYPED after the RBI double 🔥
She becomes the 5th girl with multiple hits in the LLBWS 😤 pic.twitter.com/CNR8detIh0
— espnW (@espnW) August 23, 2026
“I’ve enjoyed every single second of this whole opportunity,” Rasmus told the Columbus Ledger-Examiner. “I’m so grateful that I get to be in this position because I know many are wishing to be here, and I’m just so grateful to be here.”
Rasmus and her team face the Northwest on Tuesday. She is unavailable to pitch after pitching Monday but can still help the Southeast with her bat.
Kinley Rasmus’ baseball family history
Baseball is in Rasmus’ blood.
Her father, Cory Rasmus, pitched 84 games for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels, and her dad’s brother Colby Rasmus played 10 seasons in the MLB.
Kinley Rasmus vs. Cory Rasmus (her dad), Curveballs. pic.twitter.com/4U9C0a9OzM
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 25, 2026
Her mom, Jill, played softball at Gulf Coast Community College, and her mom’s brother, Jeff Mathis, played in the MLB for 17 seasons, according to The Athletic.
‘Fear the bow’
Every game, Kinley Rasmus wears a white bow in her hair.
“I’ve always wore a bow since I was a little girl,” Kinley told the Ledger-Examiner. “Me and my sister, we always used to match with our big bows in our head, and it has become something I had to wear every game for good luck. I think I am gonna continue to wear it every single thing that I do, sports-wise.”
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Inspired by her signature bow, fans have coined the catchphrase, “Fear the bow.” The phrase can be found on posters and highly coveted pins at the tournament, according to the Ledger-Examiner.
“It’s just so amazing. … I’m just ready to play.”
Kinley Rasmus on being the 25th girl to play in the Little League Baseball World Series 🔥 @jess_sims pic.twitter.com/fEx8GNmD1f
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 19, 2026
How social media has reacted to Kinley Rasmus
Kinley Rasmus has also lit up social media with each appearance. Here are some of the social reactions.
I don’t care if Kinley Rasmus is Superman or Superwoman, Boy or Girl she is dealing. Great strike thrower . No head vibration or movement. Yes it matters. Pressure she is not bothered buy. @LLBWorldSeries @LittleLeague @MLBNetwork pic.twitter.com/MSIWuUFFCI
— Butch Baccala (@butchbaccala) August 19, 2026
Kinley Rasmus is an absolute LEGEND #FearTheBow #LLWS
— Evan Theoharis (@EvanTheoharis6) August 25, 2026
KINLEY RASMUS CHANGED THAT GAME WHEN SHE TOOK THE MOUND
FEAR THE BOW
— Michael Remeikis (@reMIKEis) August 25, 2026
Kinley Rasmus. Hits bombs. Throws gas. She inspires us all
Goosebumps pic.twitter.com/vVZely1lUs
— Jack DeLongchamps (@JDelongchamps) August 25, 2026
“FEAR THE BOW”
Kinley Rasmus is a superstar!!
The young lady from Phenix City is a superstar on both sides of the plate. A complete game shutout to book their trip to Williamsport pic.twitter.com/teH7qUioWF
— Jack DeLongchamps (@JDelongchamps) August 12, 2026
Kinley Rasmus, Elevated ⛽️…and Sword. ⚔️
7th K pic.twitter.com/8CZi6cVzIX
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 19, 2026
Watching Kinley Rasmus rack up eight strikeouts and dominate on the mound in Williamsport proves that signature white bow is bad news for every hitter in the LLWS. Absolute baller. 🔥
— Maria Mel (@Mariamelx58) August 20, 2026
Although they fall on the wrong side of the scoreboard, Phenix City impacted lives today.
Kinley Rasmus is inspiring millions of little girls here at the #LLWS pic.twitter.com/675C4QQmMc
— Jack DeLongchamps (@JDelongchamps) August 19, 2026
Gonna make the boys cry for years to come and I am so here for it.
When your kid is afraid to do something out of their comfort zone, show them some Kinley Rasmus highlights👊 #goated https://t.co/8Ca5P6UA0w
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— Ryan Hancock🤘 (@rhancoug17) August 25, 2026