Second to None: A Coach's Message of Love & Selflessness Propels Tiny El Segundo to a Dramatic Little League World Title

by Danny Boehle, Dan Coonan

Second to None tells the incredible story of that team of destiny from El Segundo, a little beach town in Southern California, through an epic and memorable journey culminating in their Little League World Championship in the Summer of 2023.

The story is recounted through the eyes of Manager Danny Boehle, who was by all accounts the perfect coach to steer this collection of uber-talented boys through the many challenges that would emerge over the course of that long summer. His messages of love and support for the kids, apparent to all by virtue of his live ESPN mic during games, struck a chord with so many viewers tuning in around the world. Context, history and framing throughout book is provided by Dan Coonan, author of two novels, who is also a native of El Segundo and a former El Segundo Little Leaguer who felt compelled to make a pilgrimage to Williamsport to see this magical run firsthand.

Balancing a Little League team is like juggling a dozen eggs. In that memorable summer of '23, Danny Boehle and company allowed the boys enough freedom to be individuals as long as they put the TEAM over everything else. It also helps to have a monster come up to the plate with the title game on the line. No one will ever forget Louis Lappe leaving Lamade Stadium."
—Karl Ravech, Award winning baseball broadcaster and anchor of over three decades and top play by play announcer for ESPN working Sunday Night Baseball, the College World Series and the Little League World Series

"I love that Danny Boehle and Dan Coonan have written this terrific profile of the memorable journey that El Segundo Little League team took on its path to a championship, and detailed the admirable manner in which Danny coached this team. Kudos to the two of them for capturing in print all that makes the Little League World Series so special—the joyfulness, the innocence, and the purity of the game at this level. Anyone touched by youth sports will love reading their account of that El Segundo team’s remarkable journey."
—Julie Foudy, U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist, World Cup champion, former U.S. Women’s National Team captain, Emmy Award–winning broadcaster, and longtime ESPN analyst for the Little League World Series.

260 pages, Hardcover

Published August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Meryl Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors and storytellers Danny Boehle and Dan Coonan weave a heartfelt story of teamwork, perseverance, dedication, success (and some failures) to create an intricate account of how one Little League Team and it’s community members can touch so many lives. The path to the Little League World Series for this team was paved with trials and tribulations and much triumph and accomplishment. The journey of this story is interwoven with a history of small town Americana and a recap of the importance of our national pastime!

Second to None: A Coach's Message of Love & Selflessness Propels Tiny El Segundo to a Dramatic Little League World Title

[Gary Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Little League team captivated the nation in 2023, and this book deserves a similar fate. Danny Boehle, the team's coach, provides precious, fascinating details on how such an incredible run by this group of 12 year olds was accomplished -- all the highs, the lows, the strategies, the sometimes-painful decisions.

It is a story of how small-town values and relationships shaped this incredible experience and brought unparalleled community joy.

I was a member of that community and I am so thankful that Danny took the time and made the great effort to capture in words that ultra-special time.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

El Segundo resident. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and reliving the magical 2023 summer through Coach Boehle’s authentic storytelling. Lots of “inside baseball” details of how this family developed over three years and reached the mountain top based upon some incredible talent, but also overcoming obstacles through resilience and the right team approach. I would recommend this book to anyone with ES ties or even to youth sports coaches and parents who are looking for that life winning philosophy.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone who has ever been involved in youth sports, especially those fortunate enough to have coached or managed a group of great kids. When I first started coaching little league, I never imagined where the experience would take me or how much it would ultimately mean to me. This book reminded me of just how special those years were and brought back so many great memories that I hadn’t thought about in a long time.

I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

[carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a wonderful read. My husband and I could not put it down. Anyone who loves sports will love this book. We have purchased copies and sent to to friends as gifts it’s that good!