Little League® began in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1938, when Carl Stotz, an oil clerk, agreed to a game of catch with his nephews who were too young to play organized baseball. Acting on a promise to find a way for children to play baseball like the Major Leaguers of the day, Mr. Stotz created a three-team league that would play on a field that was two-thirds the size of a standard baseball diamond. After being turned down by 56 local businesses, Mr. Stotz convinced a lumber company, a dairy, and a pretzel maker to sponsor the teams for $30 each. On June 6, 1939, the first Little League game was played in Williamsport.
For more than 75 years, Little League expanded around the globe and now offers opportunities to millions boys and girls of all abilities in more than 80 countries worldwide.
Benefits:
- Programs for players 4-16
- Most leagues can charter AND insure teams through Little League for an average cost of about $6 per player
- Access to Little League’s free online, resource for parents, coaches, umpires, and board members at Little League University – LittleLeagueU.org
- Clinics and seminars for managers, coaches, umpires, and league officials
- 125 free background checks
- Grants to help leagues start or enhance their existing Little League programs – LittleLeague.org/GrowtheGame
- Local leagues are reimbursed for travel to the State level and beyond by Little League at a rate of $1 per mile for one round trip to each tournament site