2.4m Players 196k Teams 1m Volunteers >80 Countries
For nearly 80 years, Little League® has established a proud, rich history in the hearts and minds of generations of Little Leaguers. Since its founding in 1939, Little League has nurtured the human spirit, and that is why it has been universally successful in cities and towns throughout the world.
Little League promotes a healthy balance of community-based activities through regular-season play among local teams and access to the world’s largest youth baseball and softball tournament for more advanced players – the Little League International Tournament. The organization offers programs and divisions of play that serve boys and girls, ages 4 to 18.
Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit organization with the mission to “promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball.” Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball® and Softball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than stellar athletes.
Little League® is an international pastime that has been a fabric of societies throughout the world for nearly 80 years. Since its founding in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League has instilled leadership, character, courage and loyalty in all that participate, including the 1 million adult volunteers. Little League can be found in more than 80 countries worldwide with nearly 2.4 million children participating on roughly 196,000 teams each year. Over those years, Little League has seen more than 40 million graduates. Little League has celebrated many milestones due to the dedication of its players, parents and volunteers.