In honor of the America 250 Celebration, and to officially kick off the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, the statue of Carl E. Stotz, the founder of Little League®, was formally rededicated in its new home at the Flag Plaza next to the World of Little League® Museum. The rededication featured a presentation of a citation from Senator Gene Yaw to Stotz’s daughter, Karen Stotz Myers, on Wednesday, August 19, as three additional generations of the Stotz family, including Carl’s great-great-grandchildren, watched.
“Carl Stotz’s vision almost 90 years ago has since created opportunities for millions of children, families, and volunteers around the world, and it all began right here in Williamsport. The rededication of this statue is an opportunity to not only honor the legacy of Stotz, but also to reflect on the positive impact of a simple idea that has led to the world’s most trusted youth baseball and softball organization,” said Steven P. Johnson, Little League International Board of Directors Chairman. “As we celebrate this important role Little League plays in our nation’s 250-year history, we are proud to ensure that Carl’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come and we are thankful to Senator Yaw, Karen Stotz Myers, and all those who came out to support this memorable moment.”
Previously located just outside of Volunteer Stadium, the iconic statue of Stotz standing with a Little Leaguer® was originally presented to Little League International by the Freemasons of Pennsylvania in 2001. A Freemason himself, the statue symbolized Stotz’s commitment to the youth athletes in the community, as well as the organization’s commitment to building Volunteer Stadium, which hosted its first international tournament games in 2001.
The rededication recognizes Stotz’s role in the program’s history as the statue now overlooks the complex that continues to provide lifelong memories to the thousands of players, coaches, fans, and families that visit every year, while being a new focal point to visitors to the Little League International Complex year-round. To learn more about the legacy that Stotz has created, be sure to stop by the World of Little League Museum or visit LittleLeague.org/Museum.
About The World of Little League® Museum
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.