Little League® joins the world in celebrating Black History Month in February as it celebrates the achievements of its players, volunteers, and communities while inspiring future generations of Little Leaguers® to take the field and help us write the next chapter in the Little League story.
Celebrating Volunteers
“Make sure you outwork everyone who’s in front of you, who’s next to you, and outwork yourself as well, because if you outwork yourself, then you’ll become a different person. A different player.”
– Mo’ne Davis
Celebrating Little League® Alumni
Since the first Little League® game was played in 1939, more than 40 million children have expanded on the life lessons learned on the Little League field to become accomplished citizens throughout the world, including public officials, professional athletes, award-winning artists, and a variety of other influential members of society. Celebrate some of the notable alumni of color who have gone on to inspiring careers.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Anderson Little League (Gary, Indiana)
- Dusty Baker – Riverside Little League (Riverside, California)
- Mo’ne Davis – Taney Youth Baseball Association Little League (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Wilbert Davis – Belmont Heights Little League (Tampa, Florida)
- Mychal Givens – West Tampa Little League (Tampa, Florida)
- Curtis Granderson – Lynwood Little League (Lynwood, Illinois)
- Torii Hunter – National Little League (Pine Bluff, Arkansas)
- Aaron Judge – Linden California Little League (Linden California)
- Sydney Leroux Dwyer – Whalley Little League (Surrey, British Columbia)
- Patrick Mahomes – Rose Capital East Little League (Tyler, Texas)
- CC Sabathia – North Vallejo Little League (Vallejo, California)
- George Springer III – Walicki Little League (New Britain, Connecticut)
- Lena Springer – Walicki Little League (New Britain, Connecticut)
- Nicole Springer – Walicki Little League (New Britain, Connecticut)
Little League® Hall of Excellence Enshrinees
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to look back at the nine African-American members who have been enshrined into the Little League Hall of Excellence, the highest honor that Little League can bestow.
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”
– Nelson Mandela
Urban Initiative Program
A component of Little League® Baseball and Softball, the Little League Urban Initiative began in 1999 with programs in Los Angeles and Harlem, New York and expanded to other cities in 2000. The Little League Urban Initiative is now operating with more than 200 leagues in nearly 85 cities in the United States.
Celebrate Black History Month on Social Media
Join Little League’s celebration of Black History Month by visiting @Little League on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by sharing your own content using #BHM.