LITTLE LEAGUE® AND SOFTBALL YEAR IN REVIEW

2017-18 LITTLE LEAGUE® INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS During the Fiscal Year 2017–18 Officers Hugh E. Tanner - Chairman Steven P. Johnson - Chairman-Elect Stephen D. Keener - President and CEO Patrick W. Wilson - Senior Vice President of Operations and Program Development David B. Houseknecht - Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief Financial Officer Liz DiLullo Brown - Vice President of Marketing and Communications Daniel P. Kirby - Vice President of Risk Management Melissa Singer - Vice President and Treasurer Lance W. Van Auken - Vice President and World of Little League® Museum Executive Director Joseph W. Losch - Corporate Secretary

Members John Boyd - London, England Corinne G.L. Chow - Vancouver, B.C., Canada Janice Christensen - Kirkland, Wash. Chris Drury - Riverside, Conn. Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour - Williamsport, Pa. Jolly Gomez - Makati, Metromanila, Philippines Antonio J. Gonzalez - Cayey, Puerto Rico Timothy Hughes - Williamsport, Pa. ®, INCORPORATED Sally John - Fort Mill, S.C. is a nonprofit organization dedicated Dennis Lewin - Wellington, Fla. “To promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways Jon D. Litner - Philadelphia, Pa. the interests of those who will participate.” Jonathan Mariner - New York, N.Y. Michael Mussina - Montoursville, Pa. Little League® was founded in 1939; incorporated January 8, 1950, and was granted Federal Incorporation July 16, 1964, by unanimous Act of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Congress of the W. Dwight Raiford - Atlanta, Ga. of America and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson as Public Law 88-378, 88th Congress H.R. 9234, and “The Board of Directors shall be the governing board Tony Richardson - Neptune, N.J. amended December 26, 1974 Public Law 93-551, 93rd Congress, H.R. 8864. of the corporation and shall be responsible for the general policies and program of the corporation.” Bob Toigo - Sammamish, Wash. Little League is the largest organized youth sports program in the world. In Fiscal Year 2016-17, nearly 2.4 Dwayne Tuggle - Amherst, Va. million youth ages 4 to 16 in more than 80 countries and territorial possessions participate in the divisions of Public Law 88-378 Little League Baseball and Softball. Shannon Walker - Newark, Ohio 88th Congress, H.R. 9234 Sec. 7(c) Travis L. Young, Sr. - Warren, Ark. LITTLE LEAGUE® INTERNATIONAL

HUGH E. TANNER Little League International Board of Directors Chairman

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Eight decades ago, Carl Stotz was exploring the idea of changing the game of baseball to make it more fun for his nephews and their friends. Mr. Stotz was asking the questions of what rules should change? What is the best field size change? How can more kids have access to this great game? Now, after 79 Little League® seasons, we are asking many of those same questions as Little League International’s commitment to providing all children with a meaningful and fun opportunity to play baseball and softball remains steadfast.

The updates found throughout this report demonstrate that we are closing another successful year for Little League International. In 2018, 248 new communities joined our incredible program. We have provided necessary, new online resources through the relaunch of LittleLeague.org and the expansion of the Little League Data Center. We have connected with millions through our digital media e’orts and the expansion of our International Tournament Table of Contents ® coverage on ESPN, with 231 games broadcast, including nearly 100 more Little League Softball games. Little League® International Congress 4-5 Partner Support 22-23

While proud of these accomplishments, we recognize the challenges ahead. Today, there are more and more children New Orleans Provides Welcoming Atmosphere 4 Little League® Welcomes New Partners and Licensee 22 specializing in one sport and no longer sampling many. Young families face greater demands on time and financial Little League® Recognizes Congress Award Winners 5 New Little League Merchandising Opportunities 22 resources. The birth rate continues to decline and there are fewer children available to play the game. Rob Manfred Welcomed to Hall of Excellence 5 Welcome to the Family Fun Zone 23 Celebrating Sports Matter Monday 23 Globally, we are proud to be the world’s largest youth sports organization, however, participation in the Little League Grant Opportunities 6-9 program, as well as most youth team sports, continues to see a slight year-to-year decline. These are the challenges Grow the Game Grants Continue to Support 6 Communications/Technology 24-27 we face, and, to embrace them, we must also embrace change. Little League® Provides Disaster Relief 7 Newly Launched LittleLeague.org 24 Official Sponsors Assist Local Leagues 8 Webinars Provide New Education Experience 24 In January 2018, we celebrated the 27 th Little League International Congress in New Orleans. Our District USABat Standard Assistance 9 Little League® Data Center Continues to Grow 25 Administrators and delegates debated and voted on important changes to the Little League program. Looking ahead Feature Videos Share Little League Stories 26 to the 2019 season, we will all be tasked to make changes that will allow Little League to overcome these challenges. MLB™ and Little League® 10-15 ESPN Public Service Announcements Provide Expanded Reach 26 Little League on Social Media 27 As I reflect on my first year as the Chairman of the Little League International Board of Directors, I am certain that MLB™ Little League® Classic 10-11 Beyond the Fences: An Inside Look at the LLBWS 27 my fellow Board members and all of our committed volunteer leaders, with strong support from our professional 2018 PLAY BALL Events 12 sta’, are up to the task. We will work together to ensure that the core mission of the Little League program, providing LLBWS Virtual Home Derby 13 World of Little League® Museum 28-29 a fun and beneficial baseball and softball experience to all children, remains at the forefront of Little League Little Leaguers® Shine at MLB All-Star Game Festivities 14 ® International and our thousands of local Little League programs in communities around the world. MLB Clubs Show Support with “Little League Days” 15 Museum Provides Aid to Little Leaguer in Nigeria 28 Urban Initiative Jamborees Visit MLB Ballparks 15 New Opening Video in First Exhibit 29 Thank you to all of the volunteers and families who continue to be the heart of the Little League International Exhibit Makes Debut 29 program, and we look forward to an exciting 80th season of Little League in 2019. Little League® World Series 16-21

2018 Little League® World Series Championship Recaps 16-19 Safety Initiatives 30-31

® Sincerely, Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game 16 A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) 30 Little League Softball® Celebrates 25 Years at Alpenrose Dairy 17 JDP Takes Over As New Background Check Provider 31 Update to Europe and Africa Regional Tournament Structure 19 New Scoreboards Provide Fan Experience at LLBWS 20 In Memoriam 32 Softball Coverage Expands With Launch of ESPN+ 20 2018 Little League Award Winners 25

Hugh E. Tanner Thomas Tull Enshrined Into Hall of Excellence 25 Little League International Board of Directors Chairman ® LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 5

® Little th International Board of of Board International Directors Chairman Rob Manfred (Left) Hugh by award presented League Little Tanner, E. . Aspart enshrinement his of ® Hall of Excellence. Mr. Manfred earned Manfred Little Excellence. Hall Mr. of ® of Excellence Rob Manfred Enshrined into Hall President and CEO, Stephen D. Keener, and ESPN’s Karl Keener, Stephen D. and CEO, President initiatives and events such as PLAY BALL; such PLAY as and events MLB & initiatives Pitch, MLB ballparks. more thanmore 1,000 Little dedicated volunteers. League Run; the Jr. Home All-Star Run Derby; the Jr. Run; activities; related Week Ravech (pictured below) for a keynote discussion in front of of discussion front in a keynote for below) (pictured Ravech Rounding out the Opening Convocation the of 27 to aspiring Little aspiring Leaguers to the MLB Little and Littleat Classic, League Days League Little League honor highest the growth on based dedication to his League’s League International Congress theenshrinement was League International of the into CommissionerBaseball Robert Jr., Manfred, D. the first alumnus of Little League to be elected as the alumnus the as Littlethe of first be elected to League Commissioner of Baseball. During Mr. Manfred’s tenure as as tenure Manfred’s Commissioner During Mr. Baseball. of Major shiftedCommissioner, has Baseball League focus its of youth baseball and softball, his commitment and softball, his youth baseball of pursuing to on connecting and engaging youth in baseball and softball and softballon youth baseball connecting in and engaging excellence, and his positive influence as a role model model influence a role as positive and his excellence, andshownhas tremendous supportLittle of throughLeague ceremony, Mr. Manfred joined Manfred with together Little League Mr. ceremony, A graduate of Rome (N.Y.) Little League, Mr. Manfred is is Manfred Little Mr. League, Rome of (N.Y.) A graduate Little League th ARDAW highlighting the dedicationhighlighting and commitment to major awards to a trio of dedicated volunteers, volunteers, dedicated of trio a to majorawards Highlighting the Chairman’s Banquet on the final the Chairman’s Highlighting from each region with the A.D.A. region from each Little League the Little and Softball Baseball League program. E. Ciacci (Hawaii District 6), who were presented presented who were 6), District (Hawaii Ciacci E. Breakfast and the Chairman’s Banquet. In Banquet. In Breakfast and the Chairman’s night of Congress was the presentation of three three of the Congress presentation of was night recognized some of its highest-level volunteers volunteers some highest-level its of recognized recognized those D.A.srecognized contributed who have Wendle B. Stiber (Connecticut District 3) and Mary 3) B. Stiber District (Connecticut Wendle withthe Meritorious Service and an A.D.A. Award with their 50 Years of Service of Award. with their 50 Years International Congress, LittleInternational International Commendation,International Little League addition to recognizing a D.A.a recognizing region fromeach to addition at least 20at service of years including ormore, On the final day of theOn of 27 the day final during the District Volunteer Recognition Recognition Volunteer theDistrict during AwardWinners Dave Wetmore (California District 57), presented by JohnsonSteven (right) P. CHAIRMAN’S Cadonau Family (Portland, received by Ore.), CadoauTracey Mckinnon and her husband, Bryce ARD AW PRESIDENT’S Gary Kay (Florida District presented Stephen by 12), Keener D. (right) PETER J. MCGOVERN DISTINGUISHED SERVICEARD AW changes and to outline standards for exceptional leadership exceptional for changes outline standards and to service Little and volunteer League providing while from the field. insight with helpful International at recognized On were Congress, the of final volunteers day Recognition Breakfast enjoying while Volunteer the District Peterson discussion between ESPN’sa keynote Kyle at out theandJessica event rounding Mendozabefore Banquet with a performancethe Chairman’s former by The contestant Zone. Passing Got Talent’s America’s Baseball and Baseball ® Little League International th , and a parade back to the hotel led by New led by the hotel to back , and a parade ® Orleans performers. Throughout the Little course the of weekend, District League Administrators andAssistantDistrict (D.A.s) Administrators discussions rule on for together future gathered (A.D.A.s) This past January, nearly 1,500 January, This Little past League together Softball thegathered from around world volunteers Newin Orleans the 27 for officiallyCongress. The off festivities got style kicked in with with the Opening provided Convocation attendees as were a performance the including of New Orleansa taste culture, from local a visit Little a local gospelby choir group, Leaguers New Orleans Welcomes Volunteers from Around the World

® LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS 4 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 7 with necessary with ® Little League International volunteers are identifying those are Little volunteers International League needs process, and and partners working the through grant those much-needed provide to and funds, supplies, seasons the future make successful, as andequipment to Little possible. as fun, seasons League looked a lot different been not have There might communities many in year. this and fields used games to many that as under the lights, But whatbe well-maintained a little ragged. more bit were the smiles on their playing, the children change were didn’t cheering and them onfaces their families on. work with Pitch In For In and thework newly formed Baseball with Pitch Pitch ForIn Little Softball provide Leaguers to the fields to in and softball return equipment to baseball communities. their Grow Little through addition, In International’s League local leagues grants, relief disaster the Game program’s two the in last years disasters the natural by hit who were financial get support to able their recovery. in aid to were

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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 6 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 9 *Stickers should be applied directly to the bat's surface programs in the adoption of the USABat the new of in adoption programs Little Standard, League ® program. program. ® Bat Kit: 20 pre-selected Easton bats of various sizes weights, and of all which are compliant with the USABat new Standard USA Bat Kits and Tee Ball Stickers Ball USA Kits Bat Tee and anIn effort local assist Little to League the Little through support the and Game with Grow additional League Program International, Grant from DICK’S Sporting numbera Goods,USABat of fromEaston Sportsgranted kits” Standard leagues“bat local to need. leaguesEligible in kit” witha “bat 20 consists of provided that pre-selected were Easton grant this for approved who and were applied compliant with the USABat new which are use of in for all and weights, Standard and approved sizes various at bats the Little Baseball League In addition, Little League International provided local leagues who have chartered a Tee Ball program in 2018 with 25 2018 in program Ball Tee a chartered local leagues who Little provided have addition, In International League programs. Ball can that be used their Stickers Tee Ball in USAfree Tee Baseball the implementation prior to 26” and/or the produced of new purchased (lengths bats Ball were that and shorter) Tee use for Program Sticker Ball the via USA Sticker Ball Tee Baseball can be certifiedstandard Tee these using Approved Little for play. League approved Ball Tee with approved As part of the bats Ball standard, new the in Little Tee all Ball League Baseball Tee program must feature the USA Baseball mark accompanying and text. have assisted local leagues around assisted have ® local league level. local level. league more than $1.2 million to underfunded to million the leagues over thanmore $1.2 managers the around country support provide the to at League programs devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes, by devastated programs League their Team Sports HQtheir Team platform, DICK’S Sporting Goods Littleassistance and included programs League with equipment and and upgrades, improvements field worked through more than more 50 through worked community marketing with bat kits with and technological bat assistance through past two decades. From helping to improve playing fields playing improve twopast to helping decades. From Grant Program was able to support a total of 19 local support to able 19 of was a total Program Grant and purchasing new equipment to rebuilding local Little rebuilding equipment to new and purchasing Honda disasters, and other has continued natural to the Honda supportlocal need. Thisleagues in year, and more. installations, needs, scoreboard apparel Along with their assistance providing local leagues localAlong leagues withtheir assistance providing The Honda Little donated has Program Grant League Baseball and Softball, Baseball worked ® the nation through their dedicated grant programs. programs. grant the their dedicated nation through Sponsor Support Along some with their support Official the level, national at Sponsors Little of League league grant projects this past year. year. past this projects grant league in San Antonio on a variety of different grant projects Sanin projects Antonio on grant a variety different of Retailer of Little Retailerof League the Bronx, RobertoLittle Clemente Chicago, in League together with Little League International with six local with with six Littletogether International League Oaks Little withtogether West and Lumberton League to help provide assistanceand furtherthe provide Little help to build League communityLeague those in areas. Little Little Houston, in League Bronxchester in League program, Visionworks, the Care Officialprogram, and Eye Eyewear In addition to its local its supportto addition In Go the Let’s through See and Windcrest Littleand Windcrest and League Northwest Little League Throughout the course of the year, Visionworks worked Visionworks worked Throughout the course the year, of

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES 8 ® MLB™ LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC 11 Todd Frazier Todd Jake Arrieta As the Little League games wrapped up for the day, the As the Little games League the for up day, wrapped Bowman Historic turnedfocus to Field Williamsport in for theMLB Littlegame Classic League between the Mets address public iconic joining Phillies From and the Phillies. a to introductions, announcer player call Dan to Baker dance-off Met, and Dugout, to Mr. Phanatic, with the Phillie booth, the D.J. taking the Little over Series World League the honored the game, guests at with many were players their first-ever MLB experiencing game. theof players the theIn Mets end, won 8-2, but the game concluded like Littlea with game, the League two teams coming together hands, what in has become shake this to at tradition a new the of MLB hallmark event season. MLB when the third continue 2019 Little in will That tradition Williamsport, in on 18 August played is Classic League and the Cubs Pittsburgh the Pirates. Chicago featuring “The MLB Little been has Classic League fun a summer Mr. said two the Baseball for past years,” highlight both the Major give League to thrilled “We are Manfred. and Little Leaguers anotherplayers opportunity to 2019 in and strengthens that personal interaction the direct have look passion our for game. We a lifelong forward inspires Williamsport in and Cubs the joining welcome Pirates to to an outstanding collection as great players engaging of ambassadors our of sport.”

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® MLB™ LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC 10 ® MLB™ LITTLE LEAGUE CLASSIC 13 RealShelfy and Fuzzy. featured commentaryfeatured MLB from Network’s Datt Alexa with analysis from popular gamers and content creators, from popularwith analysis gamers creators, and content was available on ESPN3 available was and a the while ESPN app, Challenge presented by DICK’s Sporting DICK’s by Goods presented Challenge 30-minunte recap of the exciting event aired on ESPN aired 30-minunte event the exciting of recap on Sunday, August 19. The widely popular broadcast The popular widely broadcast 19. August on Sunday, during the coverage of the MLB of the coverage Littleduring Classic League A live stream of The of stream HomeA live Run VR Derby Little League

® ® World Series Williamsport, World in Pa. Located ® PLAY BALL ParkPLAY at the LLBWS For the second year in a row, Major League Baseball’s “PLAY BALL Major Baseball’s League Park”For an made the second a row, in year involved in the in the game LLBWS. visiting while involved impact a young audience, Major League Baseball hosted Major hosted Baseball audience, League a young impact free, interactive attraction created by Major League Baseball to provide opportunities Major provide to by Baseball League attraction created interactive free, and softball fun, a welcomingbaseball in setting. play to and teenagers children for to represent their team where they had 90 had they where their team seconds hit to represent to England Region went on to win the event, hitting home six win the on Region event, to England went just behind Volunteer Stadium a part as BALL PLAY the Zone, of Fun Family Volunteer behind just a is Park runs for a score of 5,415 to defeat Yuta Shimizu of the the of Shimizu Yuta defeat to 5,415 of a score runs for With opportunities andshow Virtual off ball to both in a plastic skills Derby World Series, a continued and in World effort and engage to participating teams in the teams in LLBWSparticipating one sent Little Leaguer In celebration of the start of celebration In the of Little Baseball League areas, PLAY BALL Park provides children of all ages with ages a fun opportunity all of BALL PLAY children get areas, provides to Park a special Virtuala special Reality Home Run on Derby Wednesday, as many home many as Aiden the Wilkins runs possible. as New of appearance at the Littleappearance at Baseball League MLB Derby Run VR Home August 15 inside PLAY BALL Park. Each of the 16 BALL PLAY inside Park. the Each 16 of 15 August Japan Region in the bracket-style elimination challenge. Japan Region challenge. elimination the in bracket-style game, played on game, played ®

all over Mexico to come to Mexico out over and all Play ® PLAY BALL - BALL - PLAY Monterrey, Mexico BALL PLAY Major Baseball’s League This year, MLB as international, and Littlewent Initiative League partnered Little allow up on 7 to May Leaguers de Estadio at held event During the exciting Ball! than more 300 participants BéisbolMonterrey, before drills baseball-related in engaged a localenjoying Little League the same field the that Los Angeles Dodgers and prior on one just day played Padres Series. Mexico partas the of 2018

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® MLB™ AND LITTLE LEAGUE 12 ® MLB™ LITTLE LEAGUE DAYS & URBAN INITIATIVE JAMBOREES 15 from under-served areas to to from under-served areas ® and ® Rays, and Texas Rangers all shared their support by donating tickets to allow the the allow to their support Rangers shared tickets donating all by and Texas Rays, participants attend to a game. Urban Initiative at Jamborees MLB Stadiums dreams big helping Major the fromaround nation are clubs (MLB) Baseball League Little allow to comeLeaguers donating tickets true by attendgames summer this part as Jamboree the Little of UrbanLeague Initiative For these of weekends. many Little the Leaguers, opportunity the first marked time game comes baseball and all a professional attending part as a memorableever of the 2018, In ceremonies, and more. filled with games, experience weekend awards Bay Houston Oakland Astros, Braves, SanAtlanta Tampa Athletics, Diego Padres, Days ® ® Little League MLB that is focused on fostering interest and encouraging and encouraging interest MLB on focused is fostering that many provide discounted tickets for Little for the Leaguers, tickets discounted provide many the “Little nation, opportunities provides League Days” experience to local andfor softball youth baseball players the Little the Leaguers opportunity on-field a special for participation in youth-centered baseball and softball opened their ballparks to local youth baseball and local and to youth baseball opened ballparks their opportunity to use tickets as fundraisers, and provide opportunityand provide fundraisers, as use tickets to each club’s Little League Days are set to be unique, be unique, to set Little are Days League club’s each More on information MLBexperience. Little Days League softball players to provide memorable opportunities provide to softballplayers a game at a ballpark near them. game a ballpark baseball at a professional the stars of game. While the for future and experiences activities, andcontinued effortsactivities, MLB by around clubs can be found at MLB.com/LittleLeague.can at be found This year, a totalThis League their of year, ballparks clubs to Baseball opened Major 25 youthlocal softball and baseball players As part partnership Little the of growing by League This year, a total of 25 Major League Baseball clubs 25 of Major a total clubs Baseball League This year, graduates showing off graduates ® past and present that shined in the spotlight during this year’s year’s this during the shined in spotlight that and present past ® MLB All-Star Game MLBWhile the 2018 All-Star moments filled with incredible Festivities were Little stars, was it biggest from plentythe of league’s highlights and exciting Leaguers the such as MLB Little competing events Leaguers current in From Hit, and and the Pitch, Game,Challenger the Junior Home Run Derby, Run National a number Finals, Little to of League and the MLB Game, Home the Futures at their skills All-Star Run Derby, this the in spotlight shine chance a to Littlegame, had ages all of Leaguers the foul inside to limited wasn’t The excitement D.C. July Washington, in a a local as of the surprise Little received Program League however, lines, Nationals superstar Bryce Washington as Harper special lifetime a made field dedication. with a newly renovated presentation Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos Mid-Summer Classic. Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos Photo Credit: Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos

MLB™ ALL-STAR GAME 14 ® LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 17 PMS 423 PMS PMS 110 PMS PMS 321 PMS Black e PMS PMS 321 PMS 110 PMS Madeira 1991 423 PMS THREAD Madeira 1724 Madeira 1918 Whit Cuauhtemoc Mexico) LL (Monterrey, Eastbank LL (River Ridge, La.) Daniel Tenn.) Boone LL (Gray, Kirkland LL (Wash.) Lake Oswego (Ore.) Girls Softball Lake Oswego LL (Ore.) Host: Southeast: Southwest: Latin America:Latin West: year year th World Series World

® celebrated its 25 its celebrated ® Northwest Czech Republic LL Bacolod City LL West (Philippines) Layritz LL (Victoria, B.C.) Wheelersburg (Ohio) LL (Ohio) Wheelersburg Tunkhannock (Pa.) LL Tunkhannock (Pa.) Little League Softball Dairy Farm East: Africa: and Europe have longer tenures at their respective locations. their respective at longer tenures have Portland, Ore. Since 1891 when family patriarch Florian when patriarch family Portland, Since 1891 Ore. the Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Mich., Mich., the Series Junior Taylor, World in Baseball League Dairycommunitya into Farm grown has 1994, In institution. LittleSeries Williamsport; World in Baseball League and Little League’s seven World Series World tournaments, only the seven Little League’s just southwest of downtown Portland, Ore., the Alpenrose Portland, downtown southwest of just Ore., Canada: Central: Series called Alpenrose home for the first time. Today, of of Series Alpenrose called home the for first Today, time. Cadonau first began delivering milk from his dairy his from milk farm first Cadonau began delivering of World Series Alpenrose championships Stadium World at of in Wheelersburg (Ohio) Little League took home the LLSWS 2018 Championship with a 3-0 victory over decades after Mr. Cadonau added baseball fields to thefields to baseball Cadonauadded decadesafter Mr. Asia-Pacific: Tunkhannock (Pa.) Little League. Alpenrose Dairy Farm, the Little Softball League World 25 at Years Alpenrose This August, Little League Softball ® Coventry LL (R.I.) Mid Island LL (Staten Island, N.Y.) Island, Mid Island LL (Staten Peachtree City (Ga.) AmericanPeachtree City (Ga.) LL Post Oak LL (Houston, Texas) Coeur LL (Idaho) d’Alene Grandview LL (Des Moines, Iowa) Matamoros (Tamaulipus) LL (Tamaulipus) Matamoros Honolulu LL (Hawaii) Mexico: Mid-Atlantic: Midwest: England:New Northwest: Southeast: Southeast: Southwest: West: Exhibition ® World Series World ® World Series. ® Challenger Award recipient, recipient, Challenger Award ® Catalunya LL (Barcelona, Spain) Exhibition Game ® Vacamonte LL (Arraijan, Panama) South Seoul LL (South Korea) Radames Lopez LL (Guayama, P.R.) Gold Coast (Queensland) Baseball Association LL Whalley LL B.C.) (Surrey, Kawaguchi (Saitama) LL (Saitama) Kawaguchi Little League Challenger Division Little League Baseball Latin America:Latin Europe and Africa: and Europe Honolulu (Hawaii) Little League took home the LLBWS Championship 2018 with a 3-0 victory over Kawaguchi has worked directly with the Little the directly Game Grow League worked has Matt Pokorney, the Highland Baseball Club Little Club the Baseball Highland League Matt Pokorney, in the 2018 Little Division the Challenger in League 2018 by the 2016 Little the 2016 League by to hone his baseball acumen and shape his character. Led hone acumento baseball andshape character. his his Located less thanLocated 100 from Williamsport, miles Hazleton Evansville community. Evansville Little the is former League home Manager Cubs Chicago to Baseball Club (Evansville, Ind.) Little League were featured featured Little were League Ind.) (Evansville, Club Baseball Great Lakes: Grosse Woods-Shores Pointe LL (Mich.) Canada: Caribbean: Charities to make facility improvements and offer the best improvements facility make to Charities possible resources for all of its participants throughout its of all the for possible resources (Japan) LL. Game the Little during Baseball League Grant Program, the Honda Program, Grant Little Program, Grant League and Evansville native Don native Mattingly the through Mattingly and Evansville Asia-Pacific: Australia: Japan: Joe Maddon helping the for who league praise continues to This year, Hazleton (Pa.) Little and League Highland Hazleton (Pa.) This year,

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PMS PMS 321 PMS 110 PMS Madeira 1991 423 PMS THREAD Madeira 1724 Madeira 1918 PMS PMS 321 PMS 110 PMS 1991 Madeira 423 PMS THREAD Madeira 1724 Madeira 1918 Whit Whit

Texas District 9 LL Texas

Keystone/West Florida District LL 9 Smithville (Texas) LL Smithville (Texas) Snow Canyon LL (Santa Gold Coast LL Redmond West/ (Wash.) Georgetown LL (Del.) Host: Host: Southeast: Southeast: Southwest: Southwest: Latin America:Latin Latin America:Latin North LL Clara, Utah) West: West: (Puerto LL Rico) Hawaii) (Honokaa, (Fort Myers, Fla.) (Waco, Texas) Tampa/Bayshore LL (Fla.)

Emilia Tanauan LL LL Tanauan Bacolod City City Bacolod Ponoka (Alberta) LL Indiana District LL 10 Elnora (Alberta) (Alberta) Elnora

Poland Community Jesse Burkett LL Cranston (R.I.) Nat. Cranston (R.I.) East: Africa: and Europe East: Europe-Africa: the SLSWS 2018 title with a 7-0 victory District over Texas Rotterdam/Den Haag Romagna LL (Bologna, Italy) Eagles Softball LL Budlong Girls Softball LL 9 Little League. It was the first SLSWS Championship for Canada: Central: Snow Canyon Little League from Santa Clara, Utah, League. Little (Texas) Smithville Canada: Central: an Asia-Pacifican team. Region (Batangas, Philippines) (Netherlands) LL (Philippines) West LL West (Philippines) (Fort Ind.) Wayne, Mass.) (Worcester, (Ohio) LL claimedthe JLSWS 2018 with 9-3a victory over Senior LeagueSoftball Asia-Pacific: Asia-Pacific: Junior League Softball Tanauan LittleTanauan League from Batangas, Philippines, won World Series World World Series World International ® Europe and Africa Region Meeting in October 2016. an opportunity tournamentthe in have regional made based on discussions and feedback made on based made discussionsand feedback by Little League District Administrators during the during Little Administrators by District League to allow the allow opportunityto more leagues for to without earn worrying a spot theto in field 12 of Europe and Africa Region District Administrator and Africa Region Administrator Europe District Utilizes New Tournament remaining two earned an through remaining spots were who received automatic entry automatic onwho based country received participation and enrollment numbers, the while and enrollment participation experience the iconic Littleexperience League Structure Structure structure, all eligible teams interested in competing in teams interested eligible all structure, teams. about the tournament capping 14 at at-large tournament by any additional country additional any tournament by at-large champions wishing to enter. Through this new Through new this champions enter. to wishing Africa Region utilized a new tournament structure tournament a new structure Africa Region utilized the in Regional teams participated 12 of total A This year, for the first time ever, the Europe and theEurope the for first time ever, This year, and spotcompetea Williamsport. in for Tournament was The the structure new establish decision to country 10 of up champions made Tournament, West SeoulWest LL (South Korea) Mid-City LL (Midland, Texas) West BoyntonWest Beach LL (Fla.) Perth Metro North LL (Western Australia) Coquitlam/Whalley LL (Coquitlam/Surrey, Ankeny (Iowa) NationalAnkeny (Iowa) LL Scripps Ranch LL (San Diego, Calif.) Livermore/Granada (Calif.) LL Livermore/Granada (Calif.) Commack (N.Y.) North LL Commack (N.Y.) Baseball Division World DivisionBaseball World Host: Intermediate (50/70) Southeast: Southeast: Southwest: East: Europe and Africa: South Czech Republic LL America: LLLatin Kelly Guadalupe Treviño Puerto Rico: Radames Lopez LL (Guayama, P.R.) B.C.) Livermore/Granada (Calif.) Little League. Canada: Central: West: a 10-0 victory over the Host team from (Reynosa, Mexico) (Reynosa, claimed the 2018 Championship title with titlewith Championship claimedthe 2018 Series West Seoul (South Korea) Little League Asia-Pacific: Australia: PMS 423 PMS PMS 423 PMS PMS 110 PMS PMS 110 PMS PMS 321 PMS PMS 321 PMS Emilia Black Black e Cardenales LL Cardenales Aruba Center LL e PMS PMS 321 PMS 110 PMS Madeira 1991 423 PMS THREAD Madeira 1724 Madeira 1918 Whit PMS PMS 321 PMS 110 PMS Madeira 1991 423 PMS THREAD Madeira 1724 Madeira 1918 Lufkin (Texas) LL Lufkin (Texas) Whit Waco (Texas) (Texas) Waco North Springs LL

Elbert County LL (Ga.) Guadalupe Treviño Treviño Guadalupe Brownstown LL (Mich.) Manhattan (Calif.) Manhattan (Calif.) Central East Maui LL Easley LL (S.C.) Mexico: Host: Host: Southeast: Southwest: Southeast: Southwest: Latin America:Latin Latin America:Latin Europe and Africa: and Europe Beach LL Romagna LL (Bologna, Italy) Kelly LLKelly (Reynosa, Mexico) Southern LL West: West: (Santa Cruz, Aruba) (Wailuku, Hawaii) (Barquisimeto, Venezuela) (Coral Springs, Fla.) (Coral Saipan (CNMI) LL Shing-Ming Pariba LL Cronulla LL (Sydney, Cronulla LL (Sydney, Diamond Baseball LL Hills LL (Sydney, NSW) HillsLL (Sydney, Confederation Park LL Park Confederation Warren Park Youth Youth Park Warren Southern LL (Grand Johnsonburg/Kane/ Naamans LL (Wilmington, East: East: Europe and Africa: Emilia Naamans Little League of Wilmington, Del. NSW) the SLBWS 2018 Championship with victory a 7-2 over Rapids, Mich.) Ridgway Area (Pa.) LL Ridgway Area (Pa.) Romagna LL (Bologna, Italy) Del.) Baseball LL Ill.) (Chicago, Pariba Little League of Willemstad, Curaçao, took home Central: Canada: Caribbean: Central: Shing-Ming Junior Little Chinese League from Taoyuan, Canada: victory over Lufkin Little (Texas) League. (Willemstad, Curaçao) (Edmonton, Alberta) (Mirabel, Quebec) Senior League Senior Baseball Asia-Pacific: Australia: Asia-Pacific: Australia: Junior League Baseball Junior Junior LL Chinese (Taoyuan, Taipei, won theTaipei, JLBWS 2018 Championship with a 2-0 Taipei) World Series World World Series World

BASEBALL DIVISIONAL WORLD SERIES 18 ® LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 21

Dwight Fobbs URBAN INITIATIVE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR HOWARD AND GAIL PASTER PASTER GAIL AND HOWARD Port Arthur American (Texas) LL Little League Mike and Mary Brach (right) along with their son, Brett, and family his Thomas and Tull his family COMMUNITY AWARD Northeast Los Angeles (Calif.) CARL E. STOTZ LITTLE LEAGUE Challenger Division Challenger Washington District 8 Beverly Newsome CHALLENGER AWARD CHALLENGER Yulee (Fla.) LL Maegan Bowen MOM OF THE YEAR parents and were dedicated dedicated and were parents ® he once played for capture the capture for he once played ® THE YEAR

Colette Cloyd (Belleville, Mich.) Michigan District 16 Michigan District 16 SOFTBALL VOLUNTEER OF World Series Championship title, Founder, Chairman, Series Founder, World Championship title, ® Kailee Diaz-Randall GOOD SPORT OF THE YEAR Westside LL (Santa Rosa, Calif.) Terry Dodd Terry Issaquah (Wash.) LL member the of Little Excellence. Hall League of th VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Parents Mary and Mike Brach of the Year: Freehold Twp. (N.J.) Little League program, Mr. and Mrs. Brach have truly truly and have Mrs. Brach Little Mr. program, League (N.J.) Twp. Freehold Mike and Mary Brach, parents of 2016 MLB 2016 of All-Star and MaryMike parents member Brach, of andcurrent baseball. The parents of three sons, all of which grew up and played in the in and up played which grew sons, of all three of The parents baseball. the , Brad Brach, have forever been ingrained in the in game been of ingrained forever have Brach, Brad Braves, the Atlanta their son, While most the within league. people recognize may volunteering to with name the the role as Orioles because big the his in family of Brad, and Brett, moment who the biggest had Little in League. brother, his was it Braves, Excellence Championship as the winning pitcher, with his father as his . his as father with his Championship the pitcher, as winning into the Little into Excellence. Hall League of Withenshrinement his ceremony prior 57 to the 2018 LLBWS Championship Game on August 26, Mr. Tull became the LLBWS the 2018 to Championship Tull Game on 26, August Mr. LittleBaseball League exemplified what it means what it be Little to exemplified League In 2004,In the Senior Series to team Brett his World helped Baseball lead League returned to Williamsport to receive Little League’s highest honor, enshrinement honor, highest Williamsport to Littlereturned receive League’s to and CEO of Tulco and 2016 Maine-Endwell Little League sponsor, Thomas Tull, Maine-Endwell and 2016 Thomas Little Tull, sponsor, League Tulco and CEO of 2018 Little2018 League Award Winners Just two years after watching the LittleJust two League after watching years Thomas Tull EnshrinedThomas Tull Intothe Hall of ® and Regional games that were broadcasted through the through and Regional broadcasted games were that ESPN Networks of Family Broadcasting and the Canadian catches impressive From year. past this Corporation (CBC) momentsand unforgettable sportsmanship of the final to out every provided of championship game, these highlights the happening action all of glimpse with an exciting viewers the All of highlights summer. States this thearound United LittleSeries fromthe World and Regional League 2018 games can be seen LittleLeague.org/Videos. at Throughout the course of the summer, LittleThroughout the League course the summer, of than more 700 provide to video able was International from the than more 230highlights Little Series World League More Than700 Highlights Shown Series World From and Regional Games Softball Regional Tournament games, were covered Softball covered games, Regional were Tournament tournament With now being the entire theirin entirety. Little the Softball League 2018 Regionalbroadcasted, and marking the replay, use of also featured SeriesWorld events As softball part any the organization. first the of usage by Little able was League International coverage, expanded nearly 300 share to from the than more video highlights summer, this 100broadcasted softball games were that the Asia-Pacificof victory at the while highlight Region’s theSenior SoftballLeague Seriesmore in World brought impressions onthan million Facebook. 2.9 World Series, ® fans had the opportunity had fans watch to ® World Series, as well as all U.S. Little U.S. all as Series, well as World League ® available on the ESPN Networksavailable of Family Little for League enjoy. to over from all fans Thissummer Little the first marked time the that entire League Softball from Disney Direct-to-Consumer Group, and International conjunctionin with Little ESPN. the expanded Highlighting softball in a major was increase 2018 in coverage League with than more 100 live softballcoverage games available onthe ESPN Networks. of Family Over the course37 of than more 230days, and softball baseball games were In 2018, Little 2018, In League almost twice ESPN+, games of the many as launch to thanks the direct-to-consumer new service streaming subscription displays while a third board has been has along board the added back a third while displays Lamadeof the complex across Stadium walking fans for with new fans provided board The display new enjoy. to posts social media from opportunities exciting including game-dayfans, and schedules, andmore. updates Softball Leads Expanded Coverage Broadcasts of LLWS fans and players from around the world got to enjoy a a enjoy the got from around to world and players fans in-game new brand of the addition to thanks experience state-of-the-artthree LED Scoreboards, Video Display the support to thanks and the the family Easton of from Easton Foundations. The each two at located scoreboards with brand-new been the replaced twoof have stadiums New ScoreboardsNew Highlight Game Day Experience Thissummer the Littleat Baseball League

® LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES 20 PARTNER SUPPORT 23 World Series (LLBWS) ®

® Baseball and Softball Baseball DICK’S official and its Sporting partner, ® “Sports the for Sports awareness Matter” raise help Matter to caps a campaign, the for youth money sports and awareness focused on raising initiative nationwide the Sports featuring Matter baseball unique a logo was addition, In crisis. funding were theparticipants of and each games all the day used for LLBWS of that played of shoelaces the through entirety wear green with of to a set provided once again the support tournament to the initiative. to celebrate “Sports celebrate to Matter Monday” The of celebration in DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter initiative. 20, August the LLBWS of participants green made specially On wore Monday, Sports Matter Monday Little League Goods, Little the teamed 2018 Baseball League during up Baseball and Softball. Baseball This ® Family Fun ZoneFamily Fun more. World Series, the Family Fun Zone provided visitors with Series, visitors World the Zone FamilyFun provided pins, special guest appearances, exciting giveaways, and giveaways, exciting guestappearances, special pins, engaging and family-friendly interaction withthe official interaction and family-friendly engaging sponsors Little of League year, some of the exciting opportunities the Fun Family that some the exciting of year, As does it the Little during every August Baseball League Zone provided included virtual included Zone reality provided games, customized

® Museum Museum ® World Series ® Merchandising location for all of the District Administrators and and Administrators the District of location all for Finally, Little League International expanded Little expanded League International Finally, its offerings with a new line of vintage-inspired vintage-inspired of offerings withits line a new merchandise to grow the excitement surround surround the excitement grow to merchandise merchandise, apparel designed specifically for specifically designed for apparel merchandise, merchandise launched in 2018 that was made made was that 2018 in launched merchandise District Administrators, and more. and more. Administrators, District the second-year event. Earlier this year, at the Little at League year, this Earlier an on-site store organized International League with Little League International to operate the with the Little operate to League International on-site MLB sales all of Little Classic League International’s merchandising efforts merchandising came International’s International Congress New in Orleans,International Little as DICK’Sas Sporting Goods joined together League Little of the World at available during theduring Little League Baseball delegates to explore, with custom Congress with Congress custom explore, to delegates Another exciting addition in 2018 to Little to League 2018 in addition Another exciting and Official Store. and Official Store.

Partners World Series with hosted ® ® International had two exciting two had International exciting ® World Series. As World the Official the Littleof Ball ® New Little League licensee, Creative Outdoor Distributors, that offers a line Outdoor offers that a line Distributors, Creative licensee, tournaments at all levels of play within the within Little play of program. League levels tournaments all at League World Series, A.D. STARR balls were used at all all used at Series, were World League A.D. balls STARR Little League League Baseball and Softball. The partnership was highlighted and Softball. Baseball League The partnership highlighted was retail outlets. outlets. retail resources to local to the leagues around world. resources of Chick-fil-Aof as the official Quick-Service Littleof Restaurant of outdoor chairs that will be available for sale at national national sale at for be available outdoor will of that chairs In addition, Little addition, In welcomed International League on a new seven World Series events and was the recommended and was for Series ball World events seven announced its bulk baseball and softballannounced business equipment baseball bulk its announcements regarding new partners new announcements looking regarding provide to concessions, and more. dinner events for all the participants, on-site Chick-fil-A the on-site participants, all for Chick-fil-A dinner events during theduring Little League Baseball A.D. STARR has beenA.D. namedSTARR theOfficial the of Supplier Ball This April, DICK’SThis April, Sporting Goods Sports and DICK’S HQ Team This summer, Little League International announced Little the addition International League Thissummer, This year, Little League This year,

PARTNER SUPPORT 22 INFORMATION SERVICES 25

®

Data Center Brings Digital Solutions to Local League Operations processing financial operations. operations. financial processing parents and grandparents; doctors and provide additionaltools for league and district technology services additional to have benefits to make operating a Little League program easier for dedicated Little League volunteers. the Little League program allow the children in their communitya meaningful to have and fun the world. tools to makeoperating a local league as easy Littlethe League 2018 season. With an easy- to-use design,the newData Centerbrought the Little League Data Center was fully launched for League Data Center continued to expand and management, including connecting directly including connecting directly management, District Administrators in monitoring league league monitoring District in Administrators volunteers. They are moms and dads; foster with DICK’S Team Sportswith DICK’S Team HQ, powered Blue by chartering process, insurance enrollment and construction workers,and the commitment International’s commitment providing to the safety plan submission, and tournament Sombrero, to allow for leagues utilizing their organization comeswith an annual set Little League in and, responsibilities, of destination for local league administrators and and local administrators league destination for as possible for its volunteers, a newly revamped activity, updating league officer information, and administrationonline and has become a and dedication that these individuals bring to experience on baseball and softball and experience baseball on fields around Administering volunteer-run, any non-profit There are more than a million Little League Throughout season, the the 2018 Little World Series site, enhancingSeries Divisional World Series site, World ® International officially International announced newly LittleLeague.org designed which its the of launch ® Educational Webinars hosted by Tom Rawlings, Little League International’s Little Rawlings, League International’s Tom by hosted Fundraising and Sponsorship; Websites and Social and Sponsorship; Websites Fundraising its regional headquarters, revamping the Little Baseball League headquarters, revamping regional its Media; Player Draft Methods; Parents, Volunteers, and and Volunteers, Draft Methods; Parents, Media; Player insight the conversation. insight these webinars, additional webinars were made available available made were webinars additional these webinars, membersfor the of Little Registry Umpire League and Director of Umpire Development. League University (LLU). Recorded live and later made made and later Recorded live UniversityLeague (LLU). With the launch of the new website, Little furtherWith is League of the website, the of new the launch incorporating sites enhanced by online presence its webinar was hosted by Nick Caringi, Little Nick Caringi, League by hosted was webinar webinars included Combined Teams; Interleague Play; Play; Interleague Combined included Teams; webinars order to provide users with the experience. best possible web provide to order offers users a one-stop resource to access information and tools in an improved layout designed for all devices. The site The devices. all site for designed offers users layout a one-stop access and tools an information in improved to resource International will continue to develop and enhance the through newly in LittleLeague.org designed online presence develop its continue to will International International Senior Operations of and Education, International Director In JanuaryIn Little 2018, League attendees andsubmitting participate by register to sites, relaunching Little League University, and integrating an enhanced videos archive and official store. Little and official an enhanced videos League archive store. and integrating Little University, League relaunching sites, available for league and district officials league and district for Little through available on the Officials League available each tab LLU, of expert contribute to andwelcomed guesta presenter also includes more robust search capabilities, consistent design elements, and a streamlined user experience. user elements, experience. design and a streamlined consistent capabilities, search robust more also includes Over the last year, a live webinar series was made made series was webinar a live Over year, the last questions during these daytime events. Topics of the the of Topics thesequestions daytime during events. Newly Designed LittleLeague.org Appointments; and Tournament Affidavits. to addition In andAppointments; Tournament A variety of timely and engaging topics invited all all invited topics A variety timely of and engaging

COMMUNICATIONS 24 INFORMATION SERVICES 27

has now now has ® per week Followers of more than and reaches over reachesand over one million users 643,000 amassed an audience Little League World Series Williamsport. World in ® has now amassed an audience an amassed now has ® provided fans with look a unique fans the Little inside provided Baseball League ® Behind-the-Scenes Video Series: Beyond the Fences look short goes what at on from the Williamsport in ESPN videos, ranging cameras. away The comprised 11 series was of Filmed from the point of view of the players, the “Beyond the Fences” series provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes viewers the “Beyond the Fences” series provided theFilmed players, of view from the of point for the firsttime on Facebook Live. Little League also launched with World Series-related content on Instagram Stories Stories Instagram on content Series-related World with launched also Little League Little social League’s media accounts saw continued growth reaching in platform 2018, media in 2018. Includedmedia in 2018. in this effort archived are 21 games, re-broadcast Little by League from a look and the MLB the Slam Grand at do Parade when the Little games what the players to for Classic League videos from the “Beyond the Fences” series LittleLeague.org/Videos. can at be found out. All rained 11 get the day Posting of native social video directly into users’ feeds increased dramatically year-over- year, leading to a spikeyear, in direct consumption of Little League video content on social In additionhighlightsto from additional games carried Family the by of Networks, ESPN Instagram. Across these threeplatforms, Little League of more than 643,000 followers and reaches more than one millionusers per week. and IGTV. goals and driving a record number of combined impressions across and Facebook, Twitter, Increased Social Media Exposure This year, Little League This year,

®

30 Seconds

® 9 who struck out, and his friend Minutes ® there was an additional 5 airing on ESPN networks. Little League International Hours In addition 231 this to year’s of Littleof League commercials Tournament gamesTournament broadcast Teammates No Matter tells What theTeammates story on the ESPN of Networks, Family shares the connection between a father and lift his spirits. The other PSA, Just Me and You, breaks on the networks not only during the Little but also from October through February, when hisson during a coach pitch game, where dad his son. Both of these can PSAs be viewed on their registrations. registrations. their teamed up to produce two brand new this PSAs LittleLeague.org/Videos. Little League Public Service Public Announcements Little League League games Tournament in July and August, most local Little League programs are holding ESPN networks.ESPN year. was an additional 5 hours, 9 minutes, and 30 can’t find the strike zone and needs a lift from International Tournament games broadcast games broadcast Tournament International seconds of Little League messaging on those of a Little Leaguer on the family ESPN of networks, but there and teammate who comes back to the dugout to (PSAs), produced aired ESPN, by in commercial Commercials Hit the Airwaves Little League Kid, This year, there LittleThis were231 year, League To help fill thosehours, To Little League andESPN ®

Story ® World Series Williamsport, World in ® Little League Mexico, and Livermore, Calif. All of the All of videos can be Calif. and Livermore, Mexico, that were featured on LittleLeague.org, Little on LittleLeague.org, League featured were that found at LittleLeague.org/Videos. at found Little Baseball League Poland, in on-siteLittle video features created League League doesLeague communities for In the around world. all resources to feature stories highlighting leagues and leagues and highlighting stories feature to resources platforms. Ranging from educational tutorials and platforms. and from educational Ranging tutorials University, and Little League’s official and Little socialmedia League’s University, International produced nearly 100 video features produced nearly 100International video features addition to more than 15 video features surrounding the surrounding video features than more 15 to addition volunteers, this year’s video features share what Little share video features year’s this volunteers, Over the course of the last year, Little League Over the course year, the of last Video Features Tell

COMMUNICATIONS 26 WORLD LEAGUE OF LITTLE WORLD LEAGUE OF LITTLE First Inning Update The World of Little League® Museum and Official Store updated the “First Inning” feature video detailing the history and importance of the Little League Baseball and Softball program. The new, updated video features a variety of footage from the modern era and a voiceover by Jessica Mendoza, a two-time Olympic medalist with USA Softball, a Little League® mom, and one of the

coolest Coach Pitch coaches in the world.

® ®

MUSEUM MUSEUM MLB Exhibit Visitors to the World of Little League® Museum and Official Store will have the opportunity to experience a brand-new exhibit as Little League® shares its historical connection with Major League Baseball. The new MLB exhibit includes everything from game-used memorabilia and the inaugural ticket from the MLB Little League Classic to personal items provided to the museum from Anthony Rizzo’s parents, highlighted by the bat, jersey, and hat from his World Series Inspirational Glove from run with the . Also on display are artifacts from five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Mike Nigeria Mussina, including the glove, ball, and jersey from his final year as a Major Leaguer with the . The World of Little League® Museum and Official Store’s newest acquisition is made mostly of cardboard. The Located at the end of the “Second Inning: Heritage” of the hand-made, right-hander’s baseball glove, fashioned Museum, the new exhibit offers visitors an exciting transition ® by 9-year-old Little Leaguer Philip Adeeri Fagbenro of into the “Third Inning: Connections” area of the museum, which the Ekiti Kete Little League in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, is now features the most-complete Babe Ruth game-worn uniform on considered one of the Museum’s most important artifacts. display in the entire world, as it ties the historical connection between Little League and Major League Baseball. Comprised of cardboard, paper, glue, black thread, and copper wire, the glove also has a magazine photo of former Phillies outfielder/first baseman Von Hayes, who played for Philadelphia from 1983 to 1991, to mimic other gloves that are endorsed by Major League Baseball players.

After seeing a photo of Philip and his glove on Facebook, the Museum asked if the glove could be displayed in the Museum. In return, the Museum sent Philip a brand- new Easton glove as well as a kit of other baseball equipment and school supplies for his community to utilize. When the package arrived, Philip and members of his community joined together in celebration and shared with the Museum a video of them dancing and singing in joy.

28 29 SAFETY INITIATIVES 31 background check process and offers user support.background background check and can on be the viewed leagues background on the JDP website under “Quick App.” The system The system on the JDP under “Quick App.” website local help and to league online JDP available are tutorials also allows the league volunteer to completetheir own to thealso allows league volunteer application with a government-issued photo ID. Free Free with government-issueda ID. application photo volunteer application, including the social security number. the social security including application, number. volunteer district officialsdistrict become with completion familiar the of JDP Portal. must verify the All leagues volunteer’s still The with Application tied the is Little Volunteer League International were were International ® local Littlefrom leagues League including criminal records and sex offender registry offender registry and sex records criminal including made available through a new provider, J.D. Palatine Palatine J.D. provider, new a through available made their volunteers to complete the Little League Volunteer the Little complete to Volunteer League volunteers their records across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. of 50 and the all District across states records (JDP), which has access to more than more 450 access which has to records, million (JDP), enter the volunteer’s information, name information, and email address, thevolunteer’s enter In 2018, the 125 free background checks provided to to checks provided background free the 125 2018, In conducting the background checks to send a link to to send link a to checks the conducting background JDP HandlesJDP Background Checks Application online. A league board memberboard league A can online. Application now The members JDP new board allows also system 18 ASAP Award Regional 18 20 Winners Central Region CountyGrant Little Ky.) (Crittenden, League LakeGull Little Mich.) (Richland, League East Region Little League Glenburn (Maine) Little League (Pa.) Plains Southeast Region Little League SpringfieldCentral (Va.) Little Melbourne League West (Fla.) Greater Southwest Region LittleHigh Plains (Falcon, Colo.) League Little Colo.) Three Rivers (Eagle, League Region West American Little League Chino (Calif.) Little League Cupertino (Calif.) season, no league ® . From preventing physical injuries, to .From preventing ® helping build confidence build helping and emotional making the health, to being of the Little of being Leaguers than 90 percent of all submitted plans have been approved. beenthan 90 approved. submitted all of have plans percent League and for that were named the National were that ASAP and for WinnersLeague Award Little Leaguers. Little During the 2018 League 91 percent participation total marks a three percent increase over 2017 2017 over increase percent a three marks total participation percent 91 A Safety Program (ASAP) Awareness percent of the all United States Little Leagues participating. This year’s States Little This United the year’s all of Leagues participating. percent program; extensive enforcement of players wearing proper protective protective proper wearing players of enforcement extensive program; self- players’ as location,well on as geographic based its policies (88 percent); and is the first time in the program’s history more that the and is first time the in program’s percent); (88 equipment; along with repairing and replacing of damaged protective damaged of protective and replacing equipment; along with repairing physical “universal” more its to needed.equipment, as addition In experience as fun as it can be for everyone involved, it’s all aboutall it’s the funas can it as everyoneexperience befor involved, American Little embodied ASAP of the spirit than more Chino (Calif.) safety initiatives, Chino American Littlesafety initiatives, also looks League institute to and received a Musco Light Structure Green™ lighting system for a for system lighting a Musco Green™ Structure Light and received confidence and emotional well-being. 200-foot field for the honor. 200-foot the for field Among its safety initiatives, CALL features a concussion Among CALL awareness features safety initiatives, its At theAt heart (ASAP) the is well- Program the of A Safety Awareness The ASAP program showed substantial growth in 2018, topping 90The topping ASAP growth 2018, in substantial showed program

SAFETY INITIATIVES 30 Barbara Bush, and her husband, the 41st President of the United States George ® H.W. Bush, had been Little League Little League thanks its sponsors and partners who supporters for decades. For more than 60 years, Little League and the Bush family have crossed paths many times. supported our 2018 efforts

“The entire Bush family has been great friends and strong supporters of the Little League program for many years. Mrs. Bush, like millions of women around the world, was a dedicated Little League volunteer, where she served as a team mom and scorekeeper while her husband coached a team in Midland, Texas. Love of her family and service to her community, whether it be through a Little League program or in her role as First Lady, were the attributes that made her so special. On behalf of the entire Little League International family, I extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Bush’s family and her many, many friends.”

Stephen D. Keener Little League International President and CEO

In Memoriam Bill Hyman Robin Carey Glen Feibig Former Illinois District 6 Little League Softball World Series Pennsylvania District 10 Administrator Umpire-In-Chief, player (2016 and 2017) August 2018 Little League Baseball World Series March 2018 February 2018 Gary Pate Eddie Greatorex Former Texas District 18 Administrator Tom Waclawski Former Massachusetts 9 District August 2018 Little League World Series usher Administrator for 50 years March 2018 Jud Rogers February 2018 Former LLI Senior Marketing Gregg Quedeweit Executive Travis Hough Maryland District 2 Administrator September 2018 League President, Saydel LL, April 2018 Des Moines, Iowa David Murphy March 2018 Former First Lady Barbara Bush Texas 2 A.D.A.; LLB World Series Little League Volunteer umpire (2005) Partners Augie Garrido April 2018 September 2018 University of Texas Head Coach/ ESPN SW Region Billy Connors Baseball Commentator LLBWS champion, former MLB pitcher March 2018 and coach June 2018 Gary Scales Former Alabama District 6 Regina Strickland Administrator Oregon 1 D.A. and served as the March 2018 LLSBWS Director for one year (1994) July 2018 2017–18 LITTLE LEAGUE® YEAR IN REVIEW

LittleLeague.org