World of Little League

The World of Little League in South Williamsport is sure to put a smile on every member of the family. Whether old or young, man or woman something is sure to catch your eye here. Generally the exhibit is a history of Little League baseball. But there's a lot more going on here.

As you enter you take a seat on the bleachers and view a brief film that explains why Little League is so important in the roles of all children. No matter race, creed, sex, economic background, or physical ailments all are welcome to grow and learn. Little League teaches morals, conduct, teamwork, and most importantly respect toward others.

But Little League wasn't always so inviting, particularly to girls. This is not something they try to cover up. Part of their unique history is the young women whom would trick teams into allowing them to play, sometimes surpassing the boys in play. It wasn't until 1974 that the league began to allow girls to play, it was a landmark case that went to the New Jersey supreme court while garnering lots of attention from the National Organization of Women. The museum gives you an interesting look into this odd time for the league.

Among the other displays surrounding the museum include some of the gadgets used to test equipment, uniforms from other countries who participate in the sport, as well as some uniforms of those who went onto big league careers.

There are various interactive exhibits in the museum to keep you active. Each giving you a unique glimpse into performing certain aspects of the game. Whether your playing catch with Mike Mussina, trying out your shortstop skills, jumping for a fly ball, or timing your run to first base. There's something sure to appeal  to every member of the family.

The museum also includes a hall of fame. On the list you'll find a who's of who's of about every career. Some went on to great Major League careers, while others settled as greats in other professional sports. A few went on to become top military men, famous actors, astronauts, and even a future President. It certainly gives you the feeling no matter what dreams you plan to accomplish, Little League seems to be a good springboard for attaining them.

Read more about Little League's past
Read about Little League in the present 

Little League World Series: Present

Shortly after the Carl Stotz field was replaced by the Howard Lamade Stadium, Little League baseball began to flourish worldwide. Youngsters from foreign lands who had never known the game were quickly beginning to dominate. Japan and Taiwan had won 7 of the past 8 World Series. In 1975 the issue began to concern the officials of Little League. They then fell under much scrutiny and amid controversy banned all Non-United States teams from competing. The ban was short lived and the following year youngsters worldwide were once again able to enjoy America’s pastime. Luckily Little League was able to bypass that brief dark moment in their history, because since then the sport has flourished immensely.

Today there are over 200,000 teams spanning every state in this country and more than 80 others. In 2001 a brand new larger stadium was opened. The Little League Volunteer Stadium was placed directly behind the Howard J. Lamade Stadium. Today the two stadiums host all playoff games and of course the World Series. Little League baseball doesn’t receive nearly as much attention as it deserves. Without the international acclaim, the sport of baseball may have quietly perished. The little league helped to spread the word throughout the globe, opening the door of opportunity for many young men in impoverished countries a place to become superstars. This sport helps to teach young adults the importance of teamwork, dedication and camaraderie, not only amongst themselves but for the entire world.

Little League World Series: Past

In 1939, Carl Stotz gathered a few local neighborhood boys for a game of baseball in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He marked off 60 feet and used an old newspaper for 1^st base. On this splendid day he would forever change his legacy and revolutionize America’s pastime forever. This beautiful June day would mark the birth of Little League Baseball.

Originally the league consisted of only three teams. The first World Series was held in 1947 on Carl E. Stotz field, in honor of Little League’s founding father. The boys from Lundy Lumber put a pounding on the Lycoming Dairy, winning the first Little League World Series 23-8.

All World Series games were held on this small field until 1959. Continuously the sport began to grow quickly and quietly. Teams began to sprout up all over the country and even in some foreign lands. By 1959 a much larger stadium was needed. After playing host to 12 Little League World Series, the small Carl Stotz field, relinquished the honors onto the new Howard J. Lamade Stadium.