Little Leaguer - January 2008

 Volume 25 - Issue No. 1
January 2008

• The Little League Road Shows coming to a town near you
• Joe Losch, after four decades of service, is honored at his retirement
• Information on new rule changes
• A new online Little League store is about to open
• Walter O’Malley and Bowie Kuhn elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
• Little League World Series wins national travel award

Little League Road Show Coming to a Town Near You
The popular “Little League Road Show” is back again, with visitations from Little League International and Regional personnel coming to a town near you!  Check the Little League web site for updates. See the Road Show story here.

Joe Losch Honored for Four Decades of Service
Just weeks away from completing his 39th year with Little League Baseball and Softball, Senior Vice President Joe Losch was the guest of honor at a retirement dinner hosted by the Little League International staff recently. See all the details here.

New Little League Store Coming Soon
Whether you need a jacket, hat, scorebook, or pins, the new Little League on-line store is coming soon. Keep watching the Little League web site (www.LittleLeague.org) for the new store to become active. It will be easier than ever to get all the items you need and want for the 2008 Little League season.

Two Great Friends of Little League Elected Posthumously to Baseball Hall of Fame
Little League International joins the baseball community in celebrating the posthumous election of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley and former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. Check out the story and photos here.

Little League World Series Wins SportsTravel Award
The Little League Baseball World Series was recently named “Best Amateur Sports Event, Series or Circuit” in the annual SportsTravel magazine Readers’ Choice Awards. The award is nominated and voted on by SportsTravel readers. The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize excellence in sports event management and production. See the story here.

Check Out Latest Rule Changes
There are a few new rules and regulations going into effect for the 2008 season in Little League Baseball and Softball. The new rule books have been printed and are being shipped to districts and leagues now, but you can see the changes on-line here.

ChoicePoint Offers Birth Certificate Service
Providing yet another benefit for local Little League volunteers and parents, ChoicePoint offers an express birth certificate service through its VitalChek program. If a parent in your league is in need of this service, simply direct them to the front page of the Little League web site (www.LittleLeague.org), and have them click on “Obtaining Birth Records.”

Reminder: New Rule on Disengage-Able Bases Now in Effect
For the past two years, we’ve been telling district and local league volunteers about the new rule in effect for 2008 regarding disengage-able bases. It’s an easy process to install the bases, and will make the game safer for the children of your Little League. Check out the details here.

Little League Position on Non-Wood Bats
Recent news stories dealing with non-wood bats have led to many inquiries on the subject, so Little League International has put together the data you need to make an informed decision. Stay up-to-date on this issue by checking out the facts here.

New Little League Equipment and Supplies Catalog Now Available
Now is the perfect time to check out the 2008 edition of Little League’s Equipment and Supplies Catalog. The 48-page, full-color publication is the definitive source for everything league officials, managers, team parents and others need to make 2008 a rousing success. For more info click here.

“Pitch In For Baseball” Helps Little League Urban Initiative
Pitch In For Baseball, Little League’s equipment donation partner, continues to expand the ways in which it is supporting the growth of Little League Baseball and Softball. Learn more about how Pitch In For Baseball is helping kids in urban communities learn to love the game by clicking here.

Preserve Your Little League Memories with SharedBook
Even if your team did not make it to a World Series, parents can preserve those great memories with SharedBook, through a special arrangement with Little League Baseball and Softball. To learn more about this fun way to keep those memories alive, click here.

Ryan Howard: MVP On and Off the Field
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard made a visit to the 2007 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., recently, meeting with fans and players, signing autographs and telling stories of his life as a baseball player. Check out the details here.