Little League Baseball Inc

Little League Baseball Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the parent entity of Little League International, which is based in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It is one of the largest and most recognized youth sports organizations globally, established in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz.

Founding and History

Little League began in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a three-team league. The first game was played on June 6, 1939, marking the inception of the program. Initially, it catered to boys aged 8 to 12; however, it expanded to include various age groups and divisions after the early years. In 1974, Little League opened its doors to girls, thus becoming more inclusive.

Structure and Divisions

The organization is structured at several levels:

• Local Leagues: These are community-based programs that charter annually with Little League to operate baseball and softball leagues for children aged 4 to 16.
• Districts: Comprising about 10 to 20 local leagues, districts are administered by a District Administrator who oversees tournaments and ensures compliance with Little League rules.
• Region Centers: These centers support operations within larger regions, including areas outside the United States.
• International Headquarters: Located in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, it provides resources and support for global operations.

Programs and Divisions

Little League offers several programs designed to meet the needs of different age groups and abilities:

• Baseball and Softball Divisions: For children aged 4 to 16, with divisions like T-Ball, Minor League, Major League, Junior League, Senior League, and Big League.
• Challenger Division: Established in 1990 for children with physical or mental disabilities.
• Softball Programs: Initiated in 1974, offering similar divisions for young girls and women.

Impact and Recognition

Little League is renowned for its role in promoting youth sports, emphasizing character, courage, and loyalty. It has grown into an international organization with over 180,000 teams across more than 80 countries, making it the largest organized youth sports organization in the world. Television partners include ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, broadcasting key tournaments like the Little League World Series held annually in Williamsport.

Awards and Recognition

Little League presents several awards to recognize outstanding participants and volunteers, such as the Good Sport of the Year, Challenger Award, and Volunteer of the Year Award.

Mission and Legacy

Little League Baseball Inc aims to provide opportunities for children to develop their skills in baseball and softball while fostering life lessons such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance. Its mission is to create a community-driven environment where all children can participate and benefit from the experience.