Mike Mussina Speaks About Pitch Count

Part One (1 minute, 19 seconds): Why is it important for Little League to offer a Pitch Count Pilot Program to local leagues now? Part Two (2 minutes, 2 seconds): How does your own experience as a Little Leaguer factor into your decision to support the Little League Pitch Count Pilot Program? Part Three (1 minute, 22 seconds): Speaking as a member of the Little League International Board of Directors, what was the process that resulted in the Little League Pitch Count Pilot Program? Part Four (1 minute, 22 seconds): Would you recommend the Little League Pitch Count Pilot Program for all local Little Leagues?

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Feb. 7, 2006) – New York Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina, also a member of the Little League International Board of Directors, answered questions about the Little League Pitch Count Pilot Program today.

(Just click on the questions to the right to see Mike’s answers.)

Mr. Mussina is preparing to depart soon for Spring Training in Florida, but stopped by Little League International to speak about Little League’s newest initiative. He lives in Montoursville, Pa., only a few miles from Little League International.

“We’re very fortunate to have Mike on our International Board of Directors and as a valued counsel for many issues,” Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “Mike is dedicated to his community, to Little League, and to the sport of baseball, so he was willing to help us get the word out about this important program.”

Mr. Mussina played at Montoursville Little League, and went on to earn a degree in economics from Stanford University in 1991, finishing in just three and a half years. During his 15-year Major League career, he has established himself as one of the game’s premier pitchers. He has 224 lifetime wins, with 2,400 strikeouts.

Mike has volunteered his time for various organizations, including the College Bound Foundation, the Lycoming County (Pa.) Chapter of the American Red Cross, Junior Achievement, literacy programs, and Montoursville High School. In 2000, he established The Mike Mussina Foundation to benefit children and children’s charities.

At the 2004 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, The Mike Mussina Foundation conducted a ticket raffle in conjunction with The John Deere Worldwide Commercial and Consumer Equipment Division. A portion of the raffle’s proceeds were earmarked for the recovery efforts of several Florida Little Leagues that were ravaged by hurricanes, and were combined with a donation from Mr. Mussina’s foundation.

Mike is on the local board of directors of the Montoursville Little League, and is the first person elected to the Little League International Board of Directors who has played in the Major Leagues.