Little League Baseball Inc.

Little League Baseball Inc., commonly known as Little League International, is a prominent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to youth sports development. Headquartered in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, it was founded by Carl Edwin Stotz in 1939 to provide an organized platform for children to participate in baseball and softball, fostering qualities such as discipline, teamwork, courage, loyalty, and character.

History

Carl Stotz, an avid baseball fan, began organizing informal games with his nephews in the summer of 1938. This experiment eventually led to the establishment of the first Little League, which officially began in 1939 with three teams sponsored by local businesses in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The first game took place on June 6, 1939, with Lundy Lumber defeating Lycoming Dairy.

Over the years, Little League expanded rapidly. By 1946, it had grown to include 12 leagues within Pennsylvania. The first league outside of Pennsylvania was established in New Jersey in 1947, marking the beginning of its nationwide expansion. In 1950, the first permanent international leagues were formed in British Columbia, Canada, and at U.S. military bases in the Panama Canal Zone.

Structure and Operations

Little League operates on multiple levels: local, district, regional, and international. Each local league functions autonomously, governed by a volunteer board of directors and offering opportunities for children aged 4 to 16. The organization is divided into several regions worldwide, with district administrators overseeing local leagues and facilitating tournaments.

Local leagues are encouraged to structure themselves to best serve their communities, with the core mission of ensuring that every eligible child participates. Championships culminate in the Little League World Series, held annually in Williamsport.

Programs and Impact

Little League offers various programs, including Baseball, Softball, and the Challenger Division for children with disabilities. It provides resources such as clinics, seminars, and online education platforms to support league operations. The organization emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring that no child is turned away based on financial means.

Today, Little League Baseball Inc. has grown into the largest organized youth sports organization globally, operating in more than 80 countries. It remains committed to its founding principles of promoting character development through sports participation.

Awards and Recognition

Little League confers several awards to recognize volunteer and player achievements, including the Good Sport of the Year Award and the Bill Shea Distinguished Little League Graduate Award. The organization also holds a congressional charter under Title 36 of the U.S. Code, reflecting its significant role in American youth development.