New for 2022, Little League® International has established a new, unified patch that reflects all levels of the program. This patch, which matches our new Little League logo, can be used, regardless of the division of play, on your league’s uniforms, including umpires. “Rocker patches” that can be placed above the new patch for all divisions and roles will also be available, for those who wish to add those distinctions to your uniforms. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the new patch.
The Little League Official Uniform Patch is the only recognized identification which sets a Little Leaguer apart from all other children who play baseball or softball. Now, under one unified Little League patch, all divisions of Little League can be jointly represented as One Team. One Little League. The decision to introduce the new patch was made in coordination with Little League’s new look, logo, and mission brand relaunch in June 2020, and first made its debut as part of the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series uniforms in 2021.
Inspired by Carl Stotz’s original keystone sketch, and reflective of Little League‘s new emblem, the new patch is a modern interpretation of the heritage of Little League that unifies the entirety of the Little League program as a part of One Team. One Little League. In addition to including Little League’s iconic blue, red, and white colors, the new emblem patch also includes the red arc that has been a part of all Little League patches since the 1940s and reflects the scoreboard that was used at Original Field, home to the first 12 Little League Baseball® World Series tournaments.
In an effort to provide local leagues and volunteers the ability to provide distinctions to the various divisions and roles within their program (i.e., umpires, Junior League, etc.), Little League International will be providing leagues and volunteers the opportunity to purchase “rocker patches” that can be placed above the new, unified patch. These rocker patches are available for $1.00 at ShopLittleLeague.org.
Yes. The rocker patch is meant to be used as an additional distinguisher, in addition to the required Little League patch (original or new emblem version). It may not be worn in place of the Little League official patch. NOTE: A rocker patch is not required to be worn.
Yes. While we encourage leagues to transition to the new, unified emblem patch, we understand many leagues have already purchased or have previous inventory of old patches and that there is a financial impact to ordering the new emblem patches. With that said, by having one unified patch for all divisions within the Little League Baseball and Softball program, future ordering of patches should be made easier for leagues with increased flexibility for use on all Little League uniforms, across all divisions of play, year after year. NOTE: In the event that your league has additional inventory of old patches, and would like to utilize the remainder of those patches while supplementing with the new patch, leagues do have the flexibility to use either patch on individual jerseys within the same team.
Yes. While we encourage leagues to transition to the new emblem patch, leagues are welcome to use the rocker patch above the old version of the Little League patch.
The new patch will cost $2.25 each, and rocker patches will cost $1.00. In addition, there will be the option of bundling a rocker patch and new emblem patch together for $3 (savings of 25 cents per bundle).
Little League has worked hard over the years to keep the cost of patches at a minimum for leagues, and while the cost per patch has slightly increased based on manufacturing costs, there is now better flexibility and usage with the new patch as it can be used across all divisions of play as well as for umpires. With this flexibility, leagues will have greater options for ordering each year without worry of having a multitude of division-specific patches going unused each year.
At this time, there is no discount for bulk ordering the new patches, however, Little League International continues to explore all opportunities to help provide assistance and savings to its local leagues. If additional opportunities and savings become available, Little League International will communicate those directly to its local league officials.
No. The prices listed will be in effect throughout the 2022 season. While we encourage all leagues to begin to transition to the new patch, if your league still has patches that have been previously purchased, you do not need to replace those patches.
No. The Little League patch (new or old) may not be screen-printed or sublimated (See Rule 1.11 (a) (2)).
At this time, no specific patch has been created for the 75th Little League Baseball World Series, however more information will be made available as more merchandise and apparel options for the event are released.
Yes. While the new patch may look different, the rules and regulations for wearing the patch remain the same as outlined in the Little League Rulebook.
No. Similar to the previous patch, the new patch must be purchased through ShopLittleLeague.org and affixed to the participant’s uniform top.
Yes, as long as it does not interfere with the placement of the official Little League patch and does not violate any other rules or regulations as outlined in the Little League Rulebooks.
Yes, the uniform patch is required to be worn on all Little League uniforms in every division of play. Wearing the Little League patch on a uniform helps players represent their involvement in the Little League program, especially at the youngest levels of play, and this new patch helps unite every division together as One Team. One Little League.
Similar to the player uniforms, we encourage umpires to utilize the new patch on their game uniforms but they are permitted to continue utilizing the traditional patch this season. In addition, we encourage umpires to add the “Umpire” rocker patch to their uniform in conjunction with the new patch if they’d choose to distinguish their role within the league.
No. At this time, the patch is sold individually and may be affixed to any uniform/apparel. Additional items with the new patch and new branding may be made available in the coming months at ShopLittleLeague.org.
No. As long as the patch is purchased by the league and affixed to the shirt/jersey appropriately, it does not matter who is responsible for affixing the patch. Please note, the manufacturer is not permitted to sell the shirt/jersey with the patch on it, or charge additional for a uniform that has a patch on it.