As visitors of all ages walk the halls of The World of Little League® Museum, they get a first-hand look at hundreds of artefacts, photos, and videos that connect them to the people and moments in history that made the Little League® program what it is today. But what is on display does not tell the full story.
“From the Vault” is a monthly content series showcasing exhibits and artefacts on display for visitors to see in person, as well as items currently “hidden” in the vaults. To kick the series off in March 2026 Adam Thompson, Director of The World of Little League Museum, gives fans a closer look at two artefacts “from the vault” – a baseball signed by the 1952 Little League Baseball® World Series Canada Team and a basketball signed by legendary basketball sportscaster, Dick Vitale – and gives a sneak peek into an exhibit visitors have a chance to see for themselves – the Girls with Game® exhibit.
From the Vault: Baseball Signed by the 1952 Little League Baseball World Series Canada Team”
In 1952, Little Leaguers® from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, traveled to Williamsport, becoming the first international team to compete in the Little League Baseball® World Series. Since then, teams from around the world have become a fixture of the international tournament, and the event has turned into not only the world’s largest youth sports tournament but a bucket-list destination for families across the globe. From Japan to Australia, South Korea, and Mexico, athletes from all four corners now make the trip to Williamsport in August.
From the Vault: Basketball Signed by Dick Vitale, Legendary Basketball Sportscaster
While March is typically thought of in the baseball world as the start of the season, sports fans everywhere also enjoy the thrills of March Madness. There are buzzer beaters, Cinderella stories, two crowned champions, and, since 1979, one unmistakable voice on the broadcast – the voice of Dick Vitale.
Following a successful college and professional basketball coaching career, Vitale joined ESPN as an on-air analyst. Since then, his “Vitale-isms” such as “Awesome, Baby!,” “PTP’er” (prime-time player), “Rolls Roycer” (a flat-out superstar), and “diaper dandy” (freshman star), have become household catchphrases. A member of 11 halls of fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2008), Vitale has been recognized for inspiring the next generation through his work on the court, with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and countless charitable efforts.
Inducted in the Little League Hall of Excellence in 2012, the highest honor a program alumnus can receive, Vitale gifted Little League an autographed basketball. This donation represents more than a signature. It represents energy, optimism, commitment, and the joy of playing the game you love, whether it’s on a Little League diamond or on college basketball’s biggest stage.
On Display: Girls with Game® Exhibit
Unveiled in coordination with Little League’s Girls with Game 50 (GWG50) Celebration in 2024, the Girls with Game® exhibit honors the pioneers who have helped pave the way for generations of young female athletes.
The exhibit is found leading into the World Series section of the museum and is highlighted by a large-scale mural featuring some of the inspiring Girls with Game who have competed in the Little League Baseball® World Series, a photo wall with an inspirational phrase for visitors to capture memories in front of, and top photos from the #GWG50 Photo Contest. There is also an exhibit case that features a rotation of artifacts in celebration of the history of girls in the Little League program.
About the World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store
The World of Little League®: Peter J. McGovern Museum and Official Store is located at 525 Montgomery Pike (U.S. Route 15) in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Additional information about the Museum, including pricing, hours, and any additional updates, can be found at LittleLeagueMuseum.org or by contacting the Museum at 570-326-3607. Follow World of Little League on Facebook (Facebook.com/LittleLeagueMuseum) and X/Twitter (Twitter.com/LLBMuseum). Visitors of Lycoming County are also encouraged to visit the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau website, VacationPA.com, or call toll-free, 1-800-358-9900.