5 memorable Little League World Series performances

The 2016 Little League World Series has reached its final stages, with the last eight teams beginning their quests for glory in the double-elimination bracket Wednesday afternoon. So far this week we've seen many memorable moments, from stellar individual performances and players to major-league caliber celebrations to moving stories and reminders that no matter the score, it's just a game.

All of these special performances evoked memories of past tournaments, when names were made and many future big-league stars were leaving their marks on the fields of South Williamsport. Here are five great performances from past Little League World Series tournaments that won't ever be forgotten.

Danny Almonte, 2001

Almonte, an extra-tall 12-year-old originally from the Dominican Republic, struck out 62 batters, didn't allow an earned run, and threw a perfect game for his team out of the Bronx, becoming an instant celebrity in the process. His team was celebrated as champions in New York City, but the fun didn't last. A "Sports Illustrated" investigation quickly revealed Almonte was actually 14 years old and therefore ineligible for the tournament, with the blame falling on his parents and coach. Fifteen years later, the Almonte scandal remains perhaps the most well-known moment in LLWS history - so much so that it even got the ESPN "30 for 30" treatment earlier this year.

Chin-Hsiung Hsieh, 1996

This Taiwanese team was unstoppable as a whole, outscoring its opponents 62-9 over the tournament. It was Hsieh who emerged as the team's slugger and superstar, batting a ridiculous .706 and hitting a LLWS record seven home runs en route to his country's 17th Little League title.

Lloyd McClendon, 1971

McClendon had a respectable eight-year big-league career, but did most of his damage as a player when he was just 12 years old. The former Mariners and Pirates skipper, currently managing the Tigers' Triple-A affiliate, was the star of the 1971 finalists from Gary, Ind., which also happened to be the first entirely African-American team to qualify for the tournament. McClendon hit five home runs in five official at-bats - he was intentionally walked in his other five plate appearances - and was also a star pitcher, though his heroics weren't enough to stop a team from Taiwan in the final. He did, however, earn himself the chance to be interviewed by the great Mickey Mantle.

Mo'ne Davis, 2014

When Davis stepped to the South Williamsport mound two years ago she put on a show that made the sports world's collective jaws drop. The Philadelphia native threw a two-hit shutout early in the tournament while routinely hitting 70 mph, becoming the first girl in LLWS history to earn a win. Although her team didn't reach the final, Davis' performance launched her to stardom: She became the first Little Leaguer to grace the cover of "Sports Illustrated," donated her jersey to the Hall of Fame, and was lauded by everyone from professional athletes to entertainers to the First Lady.

Todd Frazier, 1998

Before he became a Home Run Derby champion, Frazier was a machine for the Toms River, N.J., LLWS champions. Frazier's most memorable moment came in the final against Japan when he homered to lead off the game, beginning a 4-for-4 day. But Frazier was only getting started that day, as he took over on the mound and was the winning pitcher in the title game, recording the championship-clinching strikeout in Toms River's 12-9 win. He finished the tournament with a .455 average.