Little League Baseball Inc

Little League Baseball Inc., registered under the EIN 464702122, is part of the broader Little League International organization, which is the world's largest organized youth sports program. The organization traces its roots back to 1938 when Carl E. Stotz conceptualized a baseball league in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, aimed at providing an organized program for young boys to play baseball.

History

In 1939, Stotz officially founded Little League Baseball after experimenting with field dimensions and equipment the previous year. The first game was played on June 6, 1939, with three teams: Lycoming Dairy, Lundy Lumber, and Jumbo Pretzel. The league was initially sponsored by local businesses for $30 each[1][2]. Over time, Little League expanded globally, offering opportunities to millions of children in more than 80 countries[2][3].

Structure and Programs

Little League International operates through a hierarchical structure including local leagues, districts, and regional centers. It offers programs for children aged 4 to 16 and incorporates diverse abilities through the Challenger Division[5]. The organization emphasizes sportsmanship, fair play, and teamwork as core values that extend beyond the sport itself[1][5].

Little League World Series

The Little League World Series was first held in 1947 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It has since become a premier international youth baseball tournament, featuring teams from around the world[4]. The series is known for its competitive spirit and community involvement, with volunteer "Team Hosts" supporting participating teams[4].

Impact and Evolution

Throughout its history, Little League has evolved to promote broader inclusivity, including the integration of girls into baseball and the expansion of programs for children with disabilities[3]. Today, Little League Baseball and Softball comprises approximately two million participants globally[4]. The organization continues to grow and implement initiatives to ensure access and affordability for all children interested in baseball and softball[2][5].

[1] https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/history/ [2] https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/baseball/about/ [3] https://www.pbs.org/smallball/all_history.shtml [4] https://www.littleleague.org/history/world-series/historical-information/ [5] https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/about/