Little League Baseball Inc

Little League Baseball Inc, officially known as Little League Baseball and Softball, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States. It is renowned as the largest organized youth sports program in the world, dedicated to fostering baseball and softball leagues for young participants globally.

History

Founded in 1939 by Carl E. Stotz, Little League Baseball originated in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a humble beginning of three teams comprising 30 players[1][2]. Stotz, motivated by his promise to his nephews, sought to create an environment where children could engage in organized baseball similar to professional leagues. He secured initial sponsorship from a lumber company, a dairy, and a pretzel maker for $30 each[4].

Structure and Operations

Little League Baseball and Softball operates through a robust international structure. The organization is headquartered in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and oversees regional divisions across the United States and globally. It is divided into five U.S. regions and four international regions: Canada, Europe and Africa, Latin America and Caribbean, and Asia Pacific[2]. Local leagues operate as chartered members, managed through an annual charter process and guided by the Little League International Charter Committee[2].

Programs and Benefits

Little League offers various divisions catering to children aged 4 to 16, with a focus on character development, sportsmanship, and community involvement. It provides extensive resources, including online training through Little League University, clinics for coaches and officials, and financial support for leagues through grants and reimbursements for tournament travel[4].

Mission and Impact

Little League's motto emphasizes Character, Courage, and Loyalty. As the world's largest youth sports organization, it maintains a congressional charter under Title 36 of the United States Code and collaborates with media partners to promote its international tournament[1]. With over 180,000 teams and more than 2.6 million participants worldwide, Little League Baseball Inc plays a pivotal role in fostering youth development and sports enthusiasm across six continents[1][3].