A Piece of Little League’s Past: John
Lindemuth’s “Founders” Ring
One of the 10 rings designed by Little League Baseball founder Carl E.
Stotz, honoring the men who were instrumental in the early
development of what has become the largest organized youth sports
program in the world, is among the artifacts on display at the Peter
J. McGovern Little League Museum.
The ring in the first case in the Founder’s Room was once worn by
John Lindemuth.
The commemorative ring recognizes important contributions Mr.
Lindemuth made during Little League’s infancy. He had a long tenure
with the organization and was instrumental in its international
growth.
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This ring was given to John
Lindemuth, one of 10 rings Little League founder
Carl E. Stotz had made for those most involved
in the earliest years of Little League. |
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Displayed in a small felt jewelry box, the gold ring features a
multi-faceted red jewel in its center. The words “Original Little
League 1939” encircle the jewel, and the official Little League
emblem graces both sides of the ring. An accompanying letter from
Mr. Stotz (then Commissioner), dated June 30, 1954, explains that
the ring was presented to Mr. Lindemuth in recognition of his
efforts during the first fifteen years of the fledgling
organization.
Mr. Stotz designed and purchased a total of ten rings crafted by
Balfour. He kept one and presented the others to nine men
who were instrumental during Little League’s formative years. In
addition to Mr. Lindemuth, the rings were presented to George and
Bert Bebble, Clyde Clark, Oliver Fawcett, Vance and Howard Gair,
William “Mac” McCloskey, and Martin Miller. Each received a letter
from Mr. Stotz giving recognition and thanks for their personal
contributions, even though some were no longer involved in Little
League by the time the rings were presented.
While Mr. Lindemuth did not participate in Little League’s inaugural
season in 1939, he joined Mr. Stotz and his collaborators for the
1940 season, and, with his wife Peggy, sat on the very first Little
League Board of Directors. Mr. Lindemuth also began his long and
productive tenure with Little League Baseball by serving as a team
manager.
Later becoming a full-time Little League employee, Mr. Lindemuth was
named Commissioner of Little League, and served as an assistant to
Little League President Peter J. McGovern. Mr. Lindemuth played a
vital role in the history of Little League, an achievement
documented with one of 10 so-called “Founders” rings.
The museum, 525 Route 15 Highway, just south of Williamsport, is
open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7
p.m. Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The hours change
from Labor Day through Memorial Day to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday,
Thursday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday. The facility is accessible to the disabled.
Rates are $5 for adults; $3 for those 62 and older; $1.50 for
children between the ages of 5 and 13. There is no fee for children
4 or younger. Group rates and tours are available.
For more information, call the museum at 570-326-3607, or visit
http://www.littleleague.org/museum/index.asp.
For more information contact Little League International
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