Little League Baseball Inc.

Little League Baseball Inc., with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 800335320, is not the primary organization associated with Little League Baseball. The core entity behind Little League Baseball and Softball is Little League Baseball, Incorporated, a non-profit membership organization headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This article will instead provide an overview of the broader Little League organization.

History

Little League Baseball was founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The first game was played on June 6, 1939, with three teams and 30 players. Stotz developed the program to provide children with the opportunity to play organized baseball on fields adapted for younger players—two-thirds the size of a standard baseball diamond. This initiative aimed to teach children the skills and life lessons associated with baseball.

Structure

The structure of Little League includes several levels:

• Local Leagues: These are community-based programs that provide children with opportunities to participate in baseball and softball. Each league is a separate entity but operates under the guidelines and regulations set by Little League International.
• Districts: Local leagues are grouped into districts, typically comprising 10 to 20 leagues. A District Administrator, elected by the local league presidents, oversees the district's operations and serves as a liaison between the district and regional levels.
• Regions: The U.S. is divided into five regions, and there are international regions covering Canada, Europe and Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific. Each region has a volunteer or staff member overseeing operations.
• International Headquarters: Based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Little League International coordinates global operations, including setting policies, organizing tournaments, and supporting local leagues.

Programs

Little League offers several programs:

• Little League Baseball: Targeted at children aged 4 to 16, this program provides an environment to learn baseball skills and participate in competitive games.
• Little League Softball: Similar in structure to baseball, this program focuses on softball.
• Little League Challenger Division: Designed for children with physical or intellectual disabilities, offering them a chance to participate in baseball.

Impact

Today, Little League is the largest youth sports organization in the world, operating in over 80 countries and engaging millions of children. It emphasizes community involvement and provides opportunities for children to develop not only athletic skills but also important life lessons like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

Notable Initiatives

Little League has several initiatives to support community development:

• Volunteer Background Checks: Ensuring safety by requiring background checks for all volunteers.
• Grants and Support: Offers financial assistance and resources to help leagues improve their programs.
• Community Engagement: Focuses on building stronger communities through youth sports participation.