The Backyard Batting Cage

Mr. Kristian Palvia

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 23, 2012

The Little League Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region has nominated one of its experienced volunteer leaders for election to the Little League International Board of Directors, it was announced by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball.

Kristian Palvia, of Skovde, Sweden, is nominated to replace Giuseppe Guilizzoni, from Novaro, Italy. Mr. Palvia is expected to assume his seat on the Little League International Board of Directors at its November 2012 annual meeting.

Each of the nine Field Directors on the board, one from each of the nine Little League Baseball and Softball regions, serves a three-year term.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 20, 2012

For more than 40 years, Little League International has provided a forum for volunteer umpires in the organization to learn the proper techniques and mechanics.

One of the current methods used to train its umpires, the Little League Umpire School, just completed its spring session this week with 25 umpires coming from places around the world.

Four of the people who attended the Umpire School were from Puerto Rico, where Little League enjoys a strong presence. In fact, the unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the Caribbean, ranks behind only Canada and Mexico, in what Little League considers international regions, with nearly 17,000 children playing baseball and softball last year.

With that many children playing Little League baseball or softball, the need for quality umpires is something that is always on the mind of Elbert Albarran, from Yauco, Puerto Rico. Mr. Albarran is one of the four men from Puerto Rico attending the Umpire School.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 17, 2012

The Little League International complex in South Williamsport, Pa., is hosting its annual Umpiring School this week, and like the Little League Baseball World Series that is played on the complex each August, there is an international presence among the umpires.

Nine of the 25 umpires attending the school are from Little League international regions. Umpires representing Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia are in attendance at the school.

One the umpires attending the week-long school is Atcheli Richardson from Brisbane, Australia, the first Australian to attend the school.

Mr. Richardson, who works for a gardening supply company, has been an umpire for 12 years working for the last five or those years with Little League Baseball and Softball along with the Australian Baseball Federation.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 12, 2012

The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum recently received a grant from the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau as part of an effort to increase tourism in the county. The $5,000 grant is part of the Lycoming County Travel and Tourism Initiative.

The Little League Museum, which was dedicated in August 1982 and is visited annually by more than 20,000 people, will use the grant to extend its program marketing to neighboring states, while also increasing its use of social media to promote and inform the public about the museum.

View the Original article

Here’s an example of one of the treasures currently on display in the Little League Museum. This ball, used in 1942 in the first regular season no-hitter in Little League history, is signed by the pitcher, Edward Younken, and his manager, John Lindemuth.

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 4, 2012

As the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum prepares for its total re-design, we’re asking current and former Little Leaguers, and volunteers around the world, to help us with our archives.

Click 

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
April 10, 2012

Since the Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree concept transitioned from one national tournament to numerous state/regional tournaments in 2010, the initiative for boys and girls in urban neighborhoods has prospered. This year is no different with the addition of two jamborees and new venues.

The first event of 2012, the Southern California Jamboree, will take place April 27-29 in Los Angeles. The Southern California Jamboree also opened the Urban Initiative Jamboree schedule last year.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 29, 2012

For more than 10 years, the Little League Urban Initiative has created opportunities for children in urban and metropolitan neighborhoods throughout the United States to play Little League in their communities.

Again this summer, children from Urban Initiative leagues, will have the chance to tell Little League International what playing Little League means to them and their reward may be a trip to Williamsport for a week of instruction at Little League Baseball Camp.

View the Original article

Darlene McLaughlin

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 29, 2012

The Little League Canadian Region has nominated one of its experienced volunteer leaders for election to the Little League International Board of Directors, it was announced by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. The election took place at the Canada Regional Round Table meeting last weekend in Calgary, Alberta.

Darlene McLaughlin, of Calgary, is nominated to replace Douglas MacKenzie, from Sydney, Nova Scotia. Mrs. McLaughlin is expected to assume her seat on the Little League International Board of Directors at its November 2012 annual meeting.

Each of the nine Field Directors on the board, one from each of the nine Little League Baseball and Softball regions, serves a three-year term.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 27, 2012

Little League Softball and many prominent collegiate softball programs across the country have again teamed up to provide an opportunity for a complete softball experience by hosting Little League Softball Days. The program was established in 2006 to highlight the benefits of participating in Little League Softball, while also showcasing the collegiate softball experience.

These events, coordinated by local league volunteers and Little League Softball, in conjunction with the college athletic departments, will provide a chance for the youth players in attendance to interact with the collegiate players through special activities and promotions conducted throughout the game by the host institutions. This gives the youth players an

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 28, 2012

Over this past weekend, Little League’s Facebook fan pages topped 70,000 fans for the first time.

The main Facebook fan page alone is approaching 60,000 fans. To illustrate the potential reach of that page, those 60,000 fans in turn have nearly 18 million friends listed on their Facebook pages.

In a recent survey of Little League’s Facebook fans, more than 75 percent indicated they also receive e-mail alerts from Little League International. E-mail alerts remain Little League’s primary method of one-way communication to parents and volunteers. To sign up for e-mail alerts, click here.

To become a fan of Little League’s Facebook pages, you first need to have a Facebook account. Click on any or all of the links below to get started.

Little League’s Main Facebook Page Little League Softball Facebook Page Little League Challenger Division Facebook Page Little League Urban Initiative Facebook Page Little League Museum Facebook Page Little League Facebook Page for Potential New Leagues

The Facebook platform, unlike any other method of communication Little League uses, gives parents and volunteers a chance to interact with Little League International staff and with other parents and volunteers worldwide in ways not previously possible. In just the past few days, more than 22,000 people saw Little League’s Facebook posts, with nearly 700 of them commenting on or

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 23, 2012

Softball Factory and Little League Softball have teamed up to offer the latest in instruction, training, evaluation and competition with a series of clinics that will be conducted this year.  The first of the Little League Youth Clinic and Skills Challenges was held last weekend in Monroe, La.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 21, 2012

Sports played an important role in Jon Litner’s childhood.  At a young age he aspired to play the sport he loved the most, baseball, as long as he could, even possibly as far as a professional career.

When he realized baseball would come to an end after lettering as a catcher at Yale University, Mr. Litner was able to turn his love of sports into a successful career.  He has worked for ABC Sports, the Baseball Network, the National Hockey League and launched SportsNet New York (SNY) with the New York Mets.  Today, Mr. Litner is the Group President for the NBC Sports Group where he is responsible for all business and content for NBC Sports Group’s 14 regional networks and the Golf Channel.

However, it was his passion for the game of baseball that started when he was playing Little League in his hometown of Peabody, Mass., that led him to accepting a position on the Little League International Board of Directors in 2006.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 20, 2012

Little League International mourns the passing of Assistant New Jersey District 5 Administrator George Spero. He was 72.

Mr. Spero of Lodi, N.J., served as Assistant New Jersey District 5 Administrator for 25 years, and provided 34 years of volunteer service to Lodi Oldtimers Little League.

The league’s Vice President at the time of his passing, Mr. Spero held every position on the Lodi Oldtimers Little League board of directors and was along-time coach.

Mr. Spero, a former plant supervisor for Pan Technologies in Carlstadt, N.J.,  is survived by his wife, Rosemary, daughter, Rosemary Lipari; sons Thomas and Anthony; and grandchildren Danielle Spero, Zachary Spero, Marc Lipari and Timothy Lipari; sisters Ann Giglio, Louise Belmonte and  brother John Spero.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 20, 2012

He was 78.

Mr. Rupp of Worthington, Pa., served as Pennsylvania District 7 Administrator for 29 years. He started his service to Little League as a member of the Worthington Little League and served as its President.

An Army veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Rupp was and an inductee in the Armstrong County (Pa.) Sports Hall of Fame, where he served on the board of governors.

Mr. Rupp is survived by Shirley, his wife of 57 years; daughter, Kathi Smith; son, John Rupp, Jr.; granddaughters, Shawna Zaliponi and Kailey Rupp; grandsons, Brett Smith and Kaden Rupp; four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Rupp was preceded in death by his four brothers, Tim, Roy and Miles

View the Original article

Fred Crabtree

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 14, 2012

Little League International mourns the passing of former Little League volunteer Fred Crabtree, Sr. He was 96.

Mr. Crabtree of Vienna, Va., was instrumental in bringing Little League to Virginia, and was one of several individuals who hosted the Little League Baseball World Series Champion during an annual trip to Washington D.C. The team trip was highlighted by a parade down Maple Avenue in Vienna, and a visit to the White House.

For more than 60 years, beginning in1947, Mr. Crabtree, a native of Dunn, N.C., volunteered as a coach, manager, and umpire and league administrator in Vienna Little League.

Mr. Crabtree was the first President of Vienna Little League and served in various positions and roles over the years.  From 1962, until his passing, he was a member of the Virginia District 4 administrative staff, serving as an Assistant District Administrator, and for a brief time, as District Administrator.

His involvement with the Fairfax County (Va.) Park Authority from 1969-to-1992 lead to the acquisition of numerous properties within Fairfax County that were later used by chartered Little Leagues. As a testament to all of his endeavors, and his love and dedication to children, he became the first living recipient to have a county park re-dedicated in his honor.

Mr. Crabtree, who is also credited with chartering the first Little League Challenger Division and Softball program in Virginia, and many other youth-based programs, was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Ruth Crabtree. He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Cockrille and son, Frederick "Rick" Crabtree, Jr. He is also survived by his two sisters, Gaynell and Joan, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

View the Original article

Jake Hardison

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 14, 2012

Little League International  mourns the passing today of Jake Hardison of Virginia, a dedicated Little League volunteer and an integral person in the development of the Little League Challenger program. Mr. Hardison was 85 years old.

Mr. Hardison, who lived in Virginia Beach, Va., was a Little League volunteer for 50 years, serving as the District Administrator for Virginia District 8 from 1975 to 2010.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 9, 2012

Little League Baseball, Incorporated has been informed that Nike Bat Models BT0636 CX2 (light grey), BT0573 CX2 (dark grey) and BT0598 CX2 (blue) have failed recent performance standard compliance testing.

Effective immediately, Nike Bat Models BT0636 CX2 (light grey), BT0573 CX2 (dark grey) and BT0598 CX2 (blue), including all graphic variations, are not eligible, or approved, for use in any Little League program or activity.

For information on the refund and return processes, please, contact Nike, at: 1-800-344-6453.

To view photos of the bats, Click Here.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 7, 2012

There will be something for children of all ages at the 10th annual Kids’ Day hosted by the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum on Route 15 in South Williamsport, Pa. The event will be held Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Children, and adults accompanying them, have the opportunity to visit the museum at no cost, and the first 200 families will receive a special gift. Kids’ Day is hosted by WVIA Public Media and the museum.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 6, 2012

It’s time for Little League families, friends and fans to share their memorable moments. The 2012 Little League photo contest is under way and open to any Little League volunteer.

The annual Little League Baseball and Softball Photo Contest will gather entries and award recognition to three photographers for their outstanding images depicting Little League Baseball and Softball activities. Winners will receive 2012 Little League Baseball World Series merchandise, have their photographs displayed in the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum, will be recognized on the Little League website and social media pages, as well as appearing in the Little Leaguer e-newsletter.

The 2012 contest will again be conducted using the Little League Baseball and Softball Facebook site. This will allow anyone who is a fan of Little League Baseball and Softball through their Facebook page to vote on the top 10 pictures submitted. NOTE: After the deadline for submitting photos has passed (July 13, 2012) and after an initial voting process is conducted by Little League International staff, Little League International will post the top 10 photos on Facebook for voting. Photos will not be available for voting until then.

Individuals wishing to view the pictures included in the photo contest and to cast their vote must be a fan of the Little League Baseball and Softball Facebook page. It’s easy to become one of the nearly 60,000 Little League

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 5, 2012

The two leagues that will be sending their Challenger Division programs to the 2012 Little League Baseball World Series have been selected. Representing more than 30,000 Challenger players and 900 leagues worldwide will be Southwest Forsyth Little League from Clemmons, N.C., and Rhode Island District 2 Challenger from Portsmouth, R.I.

The exhibition game will be played Aug. 25 at Little League Volunteer Stadium, one of the two stadiums used for the Little League Baseball World Series, in South Williamsport, Pa. The Challenger game will be part of the schedule on the final Saturday of the 66th Little League Baseball World Series that also will feature the International and U.S. championship games. The International and U.S. champions advance to the World Championship game on Sunday, Aug. 26.

The Little League Baseball World Series Challenger Exhibition Game has been a part of the Little League Baseball World Series schedule since 2001.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 1, 2012

Little League to the Major Leagues, leadership and clutch performances have driven the baseball career of Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Today, the two-time World Series Champion announced his retirement after 15 seasons.

Mr. Varitek, who at age 12 played a key role in Altamonte Springs (Fla.) National Little League’s run to the 1984 Little League Baseball World Series United States Championship, has been with the Red Sox since 1997, and was team captain for seven seasons (2006-2011). He retires having played 1,546 Major League games, all with Boston.

The three-time all-star caught four no-hitters in 1,488 games behind the plate, and won the Gold Glove in 2005. He ranks first for Boston catchers in career hits (1,307); runs (664); home runs (193); runs batted in (757); and is second all-time in Boston team history with 11 postseason home runs. His career batting average was .256.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 28, 2012

The Little League International Congress will be held one week earlier than announced last week in order to avoid a scheduling conflict. The Congress will be held in Minneapolis, Minn.

The 26th Little League International Congress will now be held April 4-7, 2014, welcoming more than 1,000 Little League volunteers from around the world. It is the first Congress in the new four-year rotation of the event and the first time it will be held in the state of Minnesota.

The primary purpose of Congress, which was first held in 1956, is to give Little League volunteers a voice in proposing, amending and adopting rules and regulations. The Congress also includes educational, training and informational sessions as well as the nomination for election of three field representatives to the Little League Board of Directors.

The Hilton Minneapolis will serve as the main hotel for the Congress.

More information on the Little League International Congress in Minneapolis will be available in the coming months on the Little League website.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 27, 2012

Barry Larkin, who will be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., this summer, was the featured guest during a U.S. State Department-sponsored event in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Mr. Larkin, who has participated in various Little League-related functions over the years, conducted a training clinic with children from Guayaquil, including players from the Miraflores Little League. Watch the video below (in Spanish).

A former National League Most Valuable Player and World Series Champion, Mr. Larkin’s experiences with Little League include June 2005, when he served as Honorary Commissioner for the 12th

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 23, 2012

The logos that Little League Baseball and Softball will use as the visual centerpiece for each of the eight World Series and the regional tournaments were revealed after several months in the creative process. Russell Athletic, a Little League sponsor, designed the logos that will be used this year.

The logos will be used on merchandise, in publications and as part of ESPN and ABC’s presentation of the various Little League International Tournament games. The graphic marks also will appear on the Internet and websites around the world, including Little League’s site at: www.LittleLeague.org.

View the Original article

Linda North

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 22, 2012

Little League’s Southeastern Region has nominated one of its volunteers for election to the Little League International Board of Directors, it was announced by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. The election took place at the Southeastern Regional Round Table meeting last weekend in Charlotte, N.C.

Linda North, of Peachtree City, Ga., will replace Paul Flanagan, from Sophia, W. Va., on the board, subject to the approval of the 25-member Little League International Board of Directors at its spring meeting in May. If approved, Mrs. North will be seated on the Little League International Board of Directors at its November 2012 annual meeting.

Each of the nine Field Directors on the board, one from each of the nine Little League Baseball and Softball regions, serves a three-year term.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 21, 2012

(Please note, the story below reflects a change to the orginally published date of the 2014 Little League International Congress)

The 26th Little League International Congress, which will be part of the youth baseball organization’s year-long 75th Anniversary celebration, will be held April 4-7, 2014, in Minneapolis, Minn., Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, announced.

The primary purpose of the International Congress is to give Little League volunteers a voice in proposing, amending and adopting rules and regulations.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 16, 2012

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. James Andrews, the world’s foremost authority on pitching-related injuries and a member of the Little League International Board of Directors, has identified five main risk factors that contribute to arm injuries sustained by amateur pitchers. By paying attention to these risk factors, Dr. Andrews, who was instrumental in the development of Little League’s Pitch Count regulations, is convinced that many of the surgeries he is performing weekly on teenagers and younger, can be avoided.

http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1091/dr-james-andrews-talks-tommy-john

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 16, 2012

Non-profit organizations providing services for children are invited to participate in the 10th annual Kids’ Day at the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum. There is no cost for any vendors interested in being a part of the event.

Kids’ Day is a free event full of family fun set against the backdrop of the Little League Museum in South Williamsport, Pa. Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 24, the event is co-hosted by WVIA Public Media. Dugout, the Little League mascot, and Curious George, a beloved children’s book character, are available for parents to take photographs and is just a small part of the scheduled festivities. Some of the other activities expected to be part of Kids’ Day include story time and a cooking demonstration for children about healthy eating.

View the Original article

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
February 6, 2012

With the average high temperature exceeding 90 degrees from April through October, and an average of higher than 100 degrees in five of those months, the Kuwait Little League has been looking for a way to give the more than 350 children in their program a relief from the heat.

They found the relief they had been looking for last week

View the Original article