Little League Baseball Inc.

Little League Baseball Inc., a US nonprofit organization with the EIN number 260535227, is the largest and most renowned organized youth sports program globally. It was founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

History

The inception of Little League Baseball began with a game of catch between Stotz and his nephews, who were too young to play in local baseball leagues. Stotz envisioned a league where children could play baseball on a smaller field, mimicking the professional games of the era. Initially, 30 players formed three teams in the spring of 1939, marking the beginning of Little League. Despite initial financial challenges, Stotz secured sponsorships from local businesses and successfully launched the first game on June 6, 1939.

Structure and Operations

Little League is structured into several levels:

• Local League: Each local league operates within a defined community boundary, providing programs for children aged 4 to 16. Volunteers manage these leagues, ensuring that every child participates in games.
• District: Typically, 10 to 20 local leagues form a district, overseen by a District Administrator who helps enforce Little League policies.
• Region: The U.S. is divided into five regions, with additional regions internationally. These regions assist in coordinating programs and tournaments.
• International Headquarters: Based in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, it oversees the global operation of Little League Baseball and Softball.

Benefits and Impact

Little League offers numerous benefits, including affordable team chartering, access to various training resources, and free background checks for volunteers. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship while providing opportunities to millions of children worldwide. Little League's philosophy ensures that no eligible child is turned away and that every participant gets to play in each game.

Programs and Divisions

Little League encompasses several divisions, including Little League Baseball, Little League Softball, and the Little League Challenger Division for children with disabilities. These programs help develop skills and promote community engagement through sports.

Safety and Child Protection

In recent years, Little League has increased its focus on volunteer safety and child protection, requiring comprehensive background checks and training courses for all volunteers. This effort highlights the organization's commitment to safeguarding young participants.

Little League remains a cornerstone of youth development, utilizing sports to teach valuable life lessons and foster community building. Its expansion across six continents reflects its broader mission: providing inclusive opportunities for children to engage in sports while promoting life-long values.