The story behind SC coach’s viral Skittles speech ahead of Little League World Series
Dave Bogan made good on a promise to his friends during one of his in-game speeches to his Irmo Little League All-Stars squad.
Little did he know, Bogan’s speech during Irmo’s win over Lake Mary (Fla.) in the Southeast Regional final would create a stir on social media. Irmo won the game, 5-4, on a three-run, walk-off double to punch the team’s ticket to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Irmo will play New England champion Braintree American on Thursday in its first LLWS game at 3 p.m. on ESPN.
So, about the Skittles reference ...
“I was wondering if anyone was going to ask me this question,” Bogan said while laughing during an interview with The State.
Bogan’s speech happened during a mound visit in the top of the sixth inning with Irmo trailing 4-0 and Lake Mary just loading the bases. During the Little League World Series tournament, ESPN has a microphone on all the managers. Bogan knew it was more than just his team listening to his words.
Bogan started his speech by telling the team to grow up. It lasted about 40 seconds, with him saying near the end, “Let’s hammer the strike zone and then we’ll have Skittles after the game.”
Bogan made sure to use the words “hammer” and “Skittles” (candy) during the speech.
But Why?
That’s because Bogan’s friends dared him to use certain buzz words during those motivational speeches. That day’s buzz words: hammer and Skittles.
“I was more frustrated with their body language and their attitudes because I thought they had given up,” he said. “So I addressed that. And my son is the catcher and I was concerned with his body language and he was frustrated with the strike zone. He was a bit pouty.
“After I addressed those things, in the back of my mind, I was going to take advantage of this dare. It is easy to say we are going to hammer the strike zone and then we are going to eat some Skittles.”
As it turns out, Skittles isn’t the candy of choice for the Irmo Little League All-Stars.
“The truth is, we eat Sour Patch Kids — and they chant ‘lucky Sour patch’ in the dugout,” he said. “The Skittles had to do with me because they are my favorite candies.”
The speech and buzz words worked. Irmo’s Brady Westbrooks retired the next batter. Then, in the bottom of the sixth, Irmo scored five runs with Westbrooks delivering the game-winning hit.
One video replay of the moment attracted 400,000 views on Facebook as of Friday afternoon.
Shortly after the game, Bogan was able to down some Skittles to celebrate. His players, meanwhile, enjoyed their Sour Patch Kids.
“I was upset (at the time) and it is great how social media has turned it into this great strategic moment,” Bogan said. “But we are having fun with it and our journey. It has been a fun ride.”
How to Watch Irmo in LLWS game
What: Little League World Series, Irmo (Southeast) vs. Braintree American (New England)
When: Thursday, 3 p.m.
Where: Williamsport, Pa.
TV/Streaming: ESPN and ESPN App
This story was originally published August 9, 2025 at 8:00 AM with the headline "The story behind SC coach’s viral Skittles speech ahead of Little League World Series."
