As visitors of all ages walk the halls of The World of Little League® Museum, they get a first-hand look at hundreds of artifacts, 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 artifacts on display for visitors to see in person, as well as items currently “hidden” in the vaults. In May 2026, Adam Thompson, Director of The World of Little League Museum, gives fans a closer look at two artifacts “from the vault” – a carousel horse given to the organization by the Lexington Host committee when the city in Kentucky hosted the 2010 Little League® International Congress and a Little League patch flown into space by Little League Coach, U.S. Air Force Col. Terry Virts. Plus, Thompson gives a sneak peek into an item on display that visitors have a chance to see for themselves – an iconic bicycle from the 1948 Little League Baseball® World Series.
From the Vault: Lexington (Kentucky) Carousel Horse
Every four years, volunteers across the world gather in a host city for the Little League International Congress to reflect on the program, discuss important issues, share ideas, and shape the future of the organization. As part of the 2010 Little League International Congress hosted in Lexington, Kentucky, the city gave an ornately decorated carousel horse to sit center stage at the podium during speeches.
Known as the “Horse Capital” of the world, Lexington is closely tied to horse culture and racing tradition, making the carousel horse an especially fitting gift, and with the Kentucky Derby kicking off every May, it feels like the perfect time to bring it out of the vault.
From the Vault: Little League Patch Flown in Space by U.S. Air Force Col. Terry Virts
In 2010, United States Air Force Col. Terry Virts, a Little League coach in Houston, Texas, piloted the Space Shuttle Endeavour on a 13-day mission to the International Space Station known as STS-130. This mission delivered Tranquility and the Cupola – the seven-windowed observation deck that became one of the station’s most recognizable features. Not only did this mission share the space station into what we know today, but it also took a piece of our organization with it – a Little League patch.
Later that year, at the 2010 Little League Baseball World Series, Col. Virts spoke at the Opening Ceremonies, introducing the ceremonial first pitch from space – a pretty unforgettable way to say “Play Ball!”
On Display: 1948 LLBWS Championship Bike
At the end of every Little League World Series tournament, the championship-winning team receives a banner from Little League International to hang at their local fields. In 1948, the Little Leaguers® from Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, were given another item to commemorate their win on behalf of their townspeople and merchants – bicycles. In 2013, former Little Leaguer John Heckman’s bike was restored to its original condition by members of Boy Scout Troop 66 and is currently on loan from the Clinton County Historical Society/Heisey Museum.
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.