Little League Baseball Inc.

Little League Baseball Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to organizing youth baseball and softball leagues across the United States and globally.

Overview

Little League Baseball was founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The organization began with a simple idea to allow young children to play baseball in a structured environment that mirrors professional baseball. It started with three teams and has since grown into a global network of youth sports programs.

Structure

The organization operates through local leagues, districts, regions, and an international headquarters. Local leagues are the foundation, providing opportunities for children aged 4 to 16 to participate in baseball and softball. Each local league is responsible for its operations within the rules outlined by Little League Baseball and Softball.

Programs

Little League offers various divisions tailored to different ages and abilities:

• Baseball and Softball Programs: Provide structured play for children of different ages, focusing on teamwork and skill development.
• Challenger Division: Offers opportunities for children with physical or mental challenges to participate in baseball and softball.
• Clinics and Seminars: Offers training and development opportunities for coaches, umpires, and league officials.

Impact

As a global leader in youth sports, Little League emphasizes character development, courage, and loyalty. It is recognized as the largest organized youth sports organization, with more than 180,000 teams worldwide and over 2.6 million participants.

Governance

Little League Baseball Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is headquartered in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and is led by a president and CEO along with a board of directors.

History Highlights

• 1939: The first Little League game was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
• 1947: The first Little League Baseball World Series was held.
• 1950: Little League was incorporated.
• 1956: Carl Stotz left the organization over differences in direction and commercialization.

Notable Features

• Access to resources like Little League University for training and education.
• Opportunities for grants and support for local leagues.
• Background checks for all volunteers, promoting safety and accountability.

[1] https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/baseball/about/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_League_Baseball [3] https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/structure-llb-llsb/ [4] https://www.littleleague.org/who-we-are/about/ [5] https://www.littleleague.org