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> Little League Online > Media > News Archive > 2011 > January-April

January-April

Umpires Selected for Eight Little League World SeriesSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 21, 2011) – The umpires who will be working the eight Little League World Series have been selected after going through a lengthy and stringent selection process. Appointment as a member of the umpiring crew for a World Series is the highest honor Little League Baseball and Softball can bestow on an umpire.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Bo Boyd, President of Disney Consumer Products, Former Trustee of Little League FoundationSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 21, 2011) – Retired Disney Consumer Products Chairman Barton K. “Bo” Boyd, a trustee of the Little League Foundation from 1991-to-2004, passed away earlier this month. He was 68.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Oregon’s South Salem Little League President Michael SpidellSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 19, 2011) - Michael Spidell, President of South Salem Little League, passed away on April 11. He was 57. A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Mr. Spidell served as South Salem Little League President for several years.
Softball Players, Coaches from Little League Urban Initiative Leagues Benefit from ClinicsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 15, 2011) - The Little League Urban Initiative, in collaboration with Subway, the official restaurant of Little League Baseball and Softball, recently provided a free softball players’ clinic in Newark, N.J., and a softball coaches clinic on the North side of Chicago.
Snap Shot Season: 2011 Little League Photo Contest Has BegunSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Apr. 12, 2011) - The annual Little League Baseball and Softball Photo Contest will gather entries and award recognition to three photographers for their images depicting Little League Baseball and Softball activities.
Michael Serino Nominated to Represent Eastern Region on Little League International Board of DirectorsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 12, 2011) - Little League’s Eastern Region has nominated one of its members for election to the Little League International Board of Directors, it was announced today by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. The election took place recently in a vote by the region’s District Administrators.
New York Life Joins Little League Baseball and Softball as Exclusive Life Insurance Company SponsorSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 8, 2011) - New York Life Insurance Company, the largest mutual life-insurance company in the United States, has become a sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, making the New York City-headquartered company the Official Life Insurance Sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball. New York Life is one of 16 national sponsors of Little League, and the exclusive life insurance company partner.
Little League Museum Earns Grant from Lycoming County Visitors BureauSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 8, 2011) – The Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau as part of an initiative to grow tourism in the county. The grant is part of the Lycoming County Travel and Tourism Initiative.
Drive, Determination & Destiny: World Champion Cody Ross Decided in Little League Being a Big Leaguer Was His CallingSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., (March 31, 2011) - Nicknamed “Smiles,” Cody Ross, outfielder for the World Champion San Francisco Giants, did his clutch-best to turn playoff smiles upside down for all of the Giants’ opponents throughout the 2010 Major League Baseball postseason. Mr. Ross played a key role in San Francisco winning its first World Series Championship since 1954.
Little League Museum Hosting Kids’ Day on April 30SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 5, 2011) - There will be something for every child at the ninth annual Kids’ Day hosted by the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum on Route 15 in South Williamsport. The event will be held Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Little League's Urban Initiative Jamborees Begin with Event in CaliforniaSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (April 4, 2011) – After a successful first year of hosting state jamborees, Little League’s Urban Initiative has almost doubled the number of events this spring, hosting seven jamborees. The first event, the Southern California Jamboree, will take place April 29-May 1 in Los Angeles.
Little League Softball Offering Instructional CD by RightView ProIn an effort to increase the educational and training resources available to SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Mar. 18, 2011) - Little League Softball players and coaches, Little League Softball has partnered with RightView Pro to offer its participants a CD entitled “Hitting With the Champions.” The instructional video includes 23 tutorial lessons on hitting as well as various drills and coaching tips.
Olympian Crystl Bustos to Attend Urban Initiative Jamboree in Stockton, Calif.SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 17, 2011) – One of the most recognizable names in United States softball, three-time Olympian Crystl Bustos, will be a special guest at the Urban Initiative Northern California Jamboree in May. The event, which will feature Little League Softball teams, will be held May 20-22 in Stockton, Calif., and is one of seven jamborees across the country that is part of Little League Baseball and Softball’s Urban Initiative.
Little Leagues Can Host MLB Pitch, Hit and Run CompetitionsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 24, 2011) - Local Little Leagues wishing to provide players with a skills assessment program are encouraged to host a Major League Baseball’s 2011 Pitch, Hit and Run competition.
Annual Little League Magazine Hits the Streets, Philadelphia Phillies’ Victorino FeaturedSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 16, 2011) - The 2011 edition of the Little League Magazine, published by Major League Baseball, is currently being distributed to all local Little League chartered in the United States.
Baseball Bat InformationSOUTH WILLIMIAMSPORT, Pa. (Mar. 18, 2011) - Here is the latest aggregation of information on baseball bats in the various divisions of Little League.
Little League International Urges Leagues, Volunteers to Support Japan Disaster ReliefSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 14, 2011) – Little League International has received several inquiries from local leagues and volunteers about ways to help those coordinating relief efforts in Japan, following Friday’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. Little League encourages leagues and volunteers to assist by contacting their local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Little League, Top Colleges Team Up for Softball DaysSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 11, 2011) - Little League Softball and many of the top collegiate programs across the country have again teamed up to provide an opportunity for a complete softball experience by hosting a Little League Softball Day. The program was established to highlight the benefits of participating in Little League Softball while also showcasing the collegiate softball experience.
Marty Hoy Nominated to Represent Western Region on Little League International Board of DirectorsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 9, 2010) – Little League’s Western Region has nominated one of its members for election to the Little League International Board of Directors, it was announced today by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. The election took place Saturday at the annual regional meeting held in Seattle, Wash., in a vote by the region’s District Administrators in attendance.
Bart Sochacki Named Assistant Director of Little League’s Europe, Middle East and Africa RegionSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 8, 2011) – Bartlomiej (Bart) Sochacki has been named the Assistant Director of Little League’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Region, it was announced today by Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. One of four Little League International regional offices, the EMEA facility is located in Kutno, Poland.
Easton-Bell Hopes 'The Dome' Will Prevent Sudden InjuriesSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Mar. 8, 2011) - Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, recently attended the public introduction of the “pitcher’s helmet,” which was developed by the Easton-Bell sporting goods company.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Former Texas District 19 Administrator V. Royce JonesSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 8, 2011) - Little League International mourns the passing of former Texas District 19 Administrator V. Royce Jones. He was 93.
Little League Baseball and Softball Recognized By Institute for International Sport for SportsmanshipSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 2, 2011) – Little League Baseball and Softball has been honored by the Institute for International Sport for the role sportsmanship plays in the organization. As part of the Institute’s 20th anniversary of National Sportsmanship Day, it released a list of 60 people and organizations who have led the way in promoting sportsmanship.
Bigger & Better: Expanded Schedule of Little League Urban Initiative State Jamborees Set for This SpringSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (Feb. 23, 2011) – The Little League Urban Initiative was created to provide opportunities for communities in metropolitan areas to reap the benefits of having Little League in their neighborhoods. Again this year, that mission will be enhanced by local Urban Initiative leagues hosting games between fellow Urban Initiative leagues.
Mike Legge to Retire; Nina Johnson Named Central Region DirectorSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Feb. 17, 2011) – Little League's Central Region, and the Reuben F. Glick Little League Center in Indianapolis, Ind., will have a new, but familiar, director. Mike Legge, who has been the director of one of Little League's five U.S. regional centers since 2006, will retire later this year. His assistant, Nina Johnson, has been named to replace him.
Softball Factory to Conduct Four Clinics for Little League SoftballSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Feb. 16, 2011) – Little League Softball and the Softball Factory, a newly created extension of the Baseball Factory, are partnering to hold a series of four clinics this spring for any interested Little League Softball players.
Challenger Division Teams Selected for Little League Baseball World SeriesSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Feb. 15, 2011) – The two leagues that will be sending their Challenger Division programs to the Little League Baseball World Series have been selected. Representing more than 30,000 Challenger players and more than 900 leagues worldwide will be Lafayette (La.) Little League and Baugo Little League from Mishawaka, Ind.
Creating Hope through Commitment, Hard Work: Kuwait Little League Charters First Challenger Division in Middle EastSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (Feb. 7, 2011) – If sports can be considered an international olive branch of peace, then Kuwait Little League and its Challenger Division may represent the blossoming of hope.
Logos for 2011 Little League World Series UnveiledSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 31, 2011) – The logos Little League Baseball and Softball will use as the centerpiece for each of its eight World Series events have been selected after several months in the creative process. Russell Athletic, a Little League national sponsor, designed the logos that will be used this year.
Little League Softball Players Attend ABC’s Good Morning AmericaSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 25, 2011) – Several Little League Softball players and their parents attended the Good Morning America program on Wednesday (Jan. 26) to promote Little League Softball registration. This kicked off a month-long promotion by Little League supporting girls’ participation in the program.
Spalding and Dudley to Supply Official Balls for Little League World SeriesSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 25, 2011) - Little League Baseball and Softball will use a Spalding baseball and a Dudley softball at its respective World Series after reaching a multi-year agreement with the parent company, Russell Brands.
Testing Results on 2 1/4 Inch Composite Bats Results in Waivers of MoratoriumSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 20, 2011) – The first test result has been received at Little League International regarding composite-barreled bats for use in the Little League (Majors) Division and below. Little League has created a list for those bats that receive waivers of the moratorium that was enacted on Dec. 30, 2010.
Senior League Baseball World Series Receives Community Service Award from Bangor, Maine, Chamber of CommerceSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 25, 2011) – The Senior League Baseball World Series, for players ages 14-16, has been played in Bangor, Maine, since 2002. On Jan.19, 2011, at the Bangor Chamber of Commerce 100th Anniversary Awards Celebration, World Series Tournament Director Mike Brooker accepted the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Former Massachusetts District 14 Administrator Alice O’NeilSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 20, 2011) - Alice O’Neil, former Massachusetts District 14 Administrator, passed away on January 16. She was 84. A native of Lynn, Mass., Mrs. O’Neil served as a volunteer District Administrator for 16 years. An advocate of the Challenger Division, she became involved in the Little League program 40 years ago as a volunteer in the East Lynn Little League.
Home Little League of Tucson, Ariz., Shooting Victim Creates Memorial PatchSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan 25, 2011) - Following the tragic shooting in Tucson, Ariz., that claimed the life of Little Leaguer Christina Taylor Green, Little League International has received several inquiries from local leagues and districts regarding ways to pay their respects.
Little League International Takes Little League Baseball World Series Ticket Lottery OnlineSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 18, 2011) – Each year, Little League International provides an opportunity for Little League fans to receive tickets to the Little League Baseball World Series Championship game through the Little League Baseball World Series Ticket Lottery.
In Wake of Tucson Shootings, Blog Post Reminds Parents, Coaches and Players to Keep PerspectiveSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 14th, 2011) - In the aftermath of the deadly shootings in Tucson, Ariz., that took the life of several people, including nine-year-old Little Leaguer Christina-Taylor Green, Pete Barth, a columnist with the Sheboygan (Wis.) Press newspaper, posted poignant and relevant remarks in his “2 cents worth” blog.
Chance Discovery Leads to Memorable Little League ReunionSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT (Jan.14, 2011) – While sifting through some old boxes in a storage unit, 62-year-old Leo E. Boyle of Fort Myers, Fla., discovered a photograph of the Highland Park Little League team he played on in 1959, while living in Lowell, Mass. Mr. Boyle’s discovery was a quick glimpse into his past that in a year’s time became a life-changing event.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Kathy Thomas, ClearChannel Williamsport/WRAK Radio News DirectorSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa., (Jan. 12, 2011) – Kathleen (Kathy) M. Thomas, News Director for the Little League Baseball World Series flagship radio station WRAK in Williamsport, Pa., and wife of Little League Baseball World Series Public Address Announcer Rob Thomas, passed away on Jan. 9. She was 59.
Little League International Mourns for 9-Year-Old Little Leaguer Who Perished in Arizona ShootingsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 9, 2011) -- Little League International mourns the passing of 9-year-old Little Leaguer Christina-Taylor Green, who perished yesterday in the shootings in Tucson, Ariz.
Little League Graduate Roberto Alomar Elected to Baseball Hall of FameSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 5, 2011) – Roberto Alomar has culminated his 17 seasons in Major League Baseball with election to the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y., but his first organized baseball games were played in Puerto Rico’s Mariano Lopez Little League.
Little League International Mourns the Passing of Gulf Coast Little League President Cindy MyselsSOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Jan. 18, 2011) - Cindy Mysels, President of Gulf Coast Little League in Naples, Fla., passed away on Jan. 10. She was 52.