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 April 2026, Adam Thompson, Director of The World of Little League Museum, gives fans a closer look at two artifacts “from the vault” – Jackie Robinson’s Little League Baseball® Book, published in 1972, and, as we celebrate National Volunteer Week in late April, a Team Host Jacket from longtime volunteer, Fred Plankenhorn. Plus, Thompson gives a sneak peek into an item on display that visitors have a chance to see for themselves – the first Little League uniform.
From the Vault: Jackie Robinson’s Little League Baseball Book, 1972
In honor of Jackie Robinson, who was the first African American to play Major League Baseball in the modern era, hundreds of Major Leaguers across the league all run out onto the diamond on April 15 wearing the same number – 42. Recognizing the day he made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, the annual celebration is formally named Jackie Robinson Day.
Published in 1972, Jackie Robinson’s Little League Baseball Book was written for young players and packed with practical advice. From hitting and fielding to the fundamentals, it has everything a youth athlete might need to become a great ball player. Robinson wasn’t just a trailblazer on the field; he believed in teaching the next generation how to play the game the right way.
From the Vault: Fred Plankenhorn’s Team Host Jacket
Each year in late April, Little League joins the world in celebrating National Volunteer Week, recognizing the thousands of people who step up to the plate every day for Little Leaguers® across the world. Such volunteers include the Little League Baseball World Series Team Hosts, who are responsible for ensuring that each team that travels to Williamsport to compete is on time for games and practices, media activities, uniform fittings, and act as a friendly face for the players, coaches, and managers while they are far from home.
In 1966, Fred Plankenhorn was assigned as a Team Host for the first time. For years, while games were being played on the field, the off-field experience was being shaped by people like him. Plankenhorn passed away in 2010, but his donated Team Host jacket tells his story and reminds us that behind every great moment in Little League, there’s a volunteer who helps make it happen.
On Display: The First Little League Uniform
In 1939, the very first Little League uniform was purchased by founder Carl E. Stotz for $1.29 from a Kresge store. More than 85 years later, putting on a Little League baseball or softball uniform for the first time is still one of the most exciting things a player does at the start of a new season. Join Thompson as he spotlights the first-ever Little League uniform, worn by a player from Lycoming Dairy and the only one that still exists today.
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.