This Mother’s Day, treat your mother to a free visit at the World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store, located at 525 U.S. 15, on Sunday, May 13. The first 50 mothers in attendance will be provided with a special Mother’s Day gift, courtesy of the World of Little League Museum.
Since the inception of Little League®, women have held important roles within the program, including transporting children, working in the concession stand, umpiring, coaching, and serving in an administrative role of a local league or district.
The importance of women in Little League has been evident ever since Carl E. Stotz established the program in 1939, as his wife served as a member of the first local Board of Directors and organized the Ladies Auxiliary, which operated the concession stand. Mrs. Stotz also volunteered in various capacities during the program’s formative years and spent many hours assisting her husband and others, even serving as substitute team manager.
In 1947 Mr. and Mrs. Stotz organized the first tournament, which became known as the Little League National Tournament, the predecessor to what is now the Little League Baseball® World Series. According to “Play Ball: The Story of Little League Baseball” authored by Lance and Robin Van Auken, Mr. and Mrs. Stotz were treated as royalty as they traveled throughout North America presenting information about the Little League program.
Mrs. Stotz’s influence is visible throughout the museum, but especially in the Fifth Inning (gallery), where her volunteer efforts are extolled. She was the first woman holding an important role in the development of Little League.