Little League Baseball Inc

Little League Baseball Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States, dedicated to organizing and fostering local youth baseball and softball leagues on a national and international scale. It is recognized as the largest organized youth sports program in the world, with millions of participants spanning over 80 countries[1][2][3].

History

The organization was founded in 1939 by Carl Edwin Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Stotz initiated the first Little League Baseball season with three teams and 30 players, aiming to create a version of baseball that children could play safely and enjoyably. After starting as a small community initiative, the league quickly expanded. Little League Baseball Inc was formally incorporated on October 10, 1950, with Stotz serving as its first commissioner until 1955[1][2][5].

Organizational Structure

Little League Baseball Inc serves as the administrative and service core of the Little League movement. It maintains the international program and charters local leagues annually, which are organized and operated by volunteers in communities worldwide. The United States is divided into five regional centers (Eastern, Central, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western), while internationally, four regional centers manage operations in Canada, Europe and Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific[2].

Each local league operates under a charter agreement with Little League International, ensuring standards and regulations are met while allowing flexibility to best serve local players aged 4 to 16. The organization is governed by a Charter Committee, which oversees the rules, regulations, and privileges associated with local leagues' charters[2].

Programs and Impact

Little League Baseball Inc provides a variety of programs for children and adolescents ages 4 to 16, including baseball and softball divisions tailored for different age groups and skill levels. The organization emphasizes life lessons that build character, courage, and loyalty among its players. Its motto reflects this focus on personal development through sports[1][4].

Leagues affiliated with Little League receive benefits such as chartering, insurance for teams at a low cost per player, access to educational resources for parents, coaches, umpires, and board members, and free background checks for volunteers. The organization also offers clinics, seminars, and grants to strengthen league programs and support travel expenses for state-level tournaments and beyond[5].

Recognition

Little League Baseball Inc holds a congressional charter authorized by the United States Congress under Title 36 of the United States Code, recognizing its role as a significant national youth sports organization. The organization's flagship event is the annual Little League World Series held in Williamsport, which draws widespread attention and media coverage through partners such as ESPN, ABC, and regional sports networks[1].

Leadership

As of recent years, key leadership includes CEO Stephen D. Keener, COO Patrick Wilson, and CFO David Houseknecht. The organization continues to expand its reach and impact, fostering youth sports participation across multiple continents while maintaining its founding principles[1].

This overview summarizes the mission, history, organizational structure, programs, and significance of Little League Baseball Inc as a premier youth sports nonprofit organization.