National Observances: National Little League Baseball Week – June 10th to June 16th

by Mateo, 10th grade

Baseball, considered the national pastime of the United States, originated in the mid-1800s. The Little League program, established in 1939 by Carl Stotz, was created for younger children and has since become widely popular. National Little League Baseball Week is celebrated annually to honor the program’s anniversary. Stotz’s vision was to provide opportunities for children to stay fit and healthy and introduce them to the sport of baseball. The program was such a huge success that we honor the anniversary of its creation each year during National Little League Baseball Week, which begins annually on the second Monday of June.

In 1939, a lumberyard clerk named Carl Stotz held the first Little League baseball game in recorded history, changing the sport forever. He not only planted the roots of the first amateur youth league in Williamsport, Pennsylvania but also edited the field dimensions and equipment sizes to accommodate the smaller children. The general motive behind this innovation was to provide extra opportunities for America’s youth to improve their fitness and raise the standard for American health overall while also introducing the youth to the incredible sport of baseball. Within a few years, the popularity of Little League skyrocketed; in 1947, the program enlarged to 48 teams across 12 leagues, all in Pennsylvania, and the same year, the first Little League World Series was hosted back where it all started in Williamsport.

In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared National Little League Week to recognize Little League’s impact. Today, there are over 7,000 youth baseball and softball leagues in all 50 U.S. states and over 80 countries. The annual Little League World Series features 20 teams, and the event is televised internationally on ESPN. Multiple professional baseball players began in Little League, showing its impact on the sport.

Little League has a big impact on youth baseball, with around 3 million kids in the US participating. It’s more than just baseball; it teaches life skills, builds friendships, and promotes community. Show your support during National Little League Week by attending a game or watching the Little League World Series, starting on August 14th. Let’s appreciate the role of Little League in connecting communities globally. Little League has had a major impact on youth baseball, with around 3 million kids in the United States participating in the sport. I played in the Little League for over 10 years, and it taught me valuable life skills and virtues, and I made lifelong friends through the program. Little League is about more than just baseball; it promotes sportsmanship, friendship, and community. It’s important to recognize the significant role that Little League plays in bringing communities together, both locally and globally.

Featured Pet: Meet Leo!

by Jules, 8th grade

Meet Leo, a furr-tastic one and a half year old pup! Over the past few months Leo has been staying at the OC Animal Care striving to improve his command abilities. Now excelling in his trust and self-control Leo is ready to find his forever home. Being a leader at heart and superstar at sitting still, Leo would be the perfect guard dog or furry companion.

If you would like to meet or adopt Leo, please contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 and state: Animal ID: A1852272 or visit their website at ocpetinfo.org.