Little League Baseball, Inc.

Little League Baseball, Inc. is a nonprofit youth sports organization established to promote character development, teamwork, and physical well-being among children. It was founded by Carl Stotz in 1938 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, initially as a means to provide youth with a way to play baseball in an organized manner.

History

The first Little League game took place on June 6, 1939, with three teams and thirty players. The league quickly gained momentum and expanded beyond Pennsylvania, with the first league outside of the state established in New Jersey in 1947. This marked the beginning of Little League Baseball's rapid growth across the United States and globally. By 1950, the first leagues were established outside the continental United States at U.S. military installations near the Panama Canal. The first permanent international Little League was formed in British Columbia, Canada, in 1951. Over the years, Little League has grown to encompass over 7,000 local leagues and more than 2.5 million players worldwide.

Structure and Programs

Little League is structured into four levels: local, district, regional, and international. Each local league operates within defined geographical boundaries, governed by a volunteer board of directors. The district level includes 10-20 local leagues, with each district overseeing its own tournaments. Regionally, there are five regions in the United States and additional international centers in places like Canada, Japan, and Poland. Little League offers various programs for different age groups, including Tee Ball, Minor Leagues, Little Leagues (for ages 9-12), Junior Leagues (ages 13-14), Senior Leagues (ages 14-16), and Big Leagues (ages 16-18) for both baseball and softball.

Mission and Impact

The organization's mission is to develop the character of children through the principles of discipline, teamwork, courage, loyalty, and healthy physical activity. It emphasizes that every eligible child should participate, ensuring no one is turned away due to inability to pay. Little League has become a leading force in promoting youth sports globally, with programs that teach life lessons beyond sports.

Legal Status

Little League Baseball, Inc. is a federally chartered organization under U.S. law. The U.S. Congress granted a Federal Charter to Little League in 1964, recognizing its service to American youth and its role in fostering community development.