Jul 23, 2015

Little League baseball has been a summer offshoot of “America’s pastime” for children since June, 6, 1939 – the date of the first ever Little League game. Little League Baseball has become the world’s largest organized youth sports program. In the space of just six decades, Little League grew from three teams to nearly 200,000 teams, in all 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries.

: Little League baseball. (Baltimore Sun archives)

: Southwestern lasses cheered for little league heroes in vain as Violetville starts dumped the Gwynns Falls outfit, 10-7. (Ralph Robinson/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Philip Watts, Greg Dabkowski, Keith Lookingland and Tommy Thompson – quartet of major league Yankee sluggers led team to 12-2 log, Immaculate Heart title. (Weyman Swagger/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Little League baseball, July 16, 1957. (Baltimore Sun archives)

: John Kiel – At .673, he ranked second among Bear Creek Yankees. (William Hotz/Baltimore Sun)

: Third-baseman Mark Sweitzer and catcher Mike Curran work on trap play with runner Mike Guewa as the American all-stars prepare for the Sept. 1 all-star cub game. (Joseph DiPaola/Baltimore Sun, 1962)

: Little League Baseball, July 17, 1957. (Ralph Dohme/Baltimroe Sun)

: Cappy Cleaner infielder Charles Bogy streaks homeward as pitching-slugging star Bruce Amoss lays down a perfect bunt against Parkville Pleasure Club and third baseman Jon Deise. Parkville came on to tie the game 5-5, but lost the replay to the cub champions. (Weyman Swagger/Baltimore Sun, 1965)

: A REAL PONY LEAGUE – Carroll Park Yankees’ Bruce Jacobs, Raymond Sullivan, Robert Blakefeld and Bob Shipley give opponents fair warning that they mean business. Paced by Shipley’s hot bat, the Yanks currently stand in first place with a 4-1 log. The pony belongs to Sullivan. (Baltimore Sun, June 10, 1964)

: Rodgers Forge players grab a bite at the food wagon. (Paul Hutchins/Baltimore Sun, 1965)

: The crowd cheers for Little Leaguers on August 7, 1969. (Ralph Robinson/Baltimore Sun)

: Anderson Chevrolet Brave pitcher Bobby Hollis and Hauswalds Bakery Oriole pitcher Bruce Boone. (Ralph Robinson/Baltimore Sun, 1962)

: Virginia Littriello, Lois King, Mary Gibson, Shirley Arnold, Elsie Sunday and other mothers cheer on the Sudbrook Little Leaguers. (William L. La Force, Jr./Baltimore Sun, 1965)

: Little League baseball, July 18, 1957. (Ellis Malashuk/Baltimore Sun)

: Charles Lannak of Hauswalds Bakery Orioles, catcher, making out on Anderson Chevrolet Brave centerfielder Gary Michael. (Ralph Robinson/Baltimore Sun, 1962)

: Diminutive shortstop Mike Brennan fondles a baseball in his large glove as the other infielders on the Parkville Lion team gaze in admiration of the defensive standout. Lions Fred Traut, Mike Wajda and Wayne Davis are Brennan’s admirers. (Clarence B. Garrett/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Sandy Milio, Vince Pompa, Tom Pompa and Michael Buenger – Southeast Police Boys stars unload bats before Baltimore Cub game at Patterson. (Ralph Robinson/Baltimore Sun, 1965)

: Mike Levin of the Pikesville Rams. (Frank Gardina/Baltimore Sun, 1965)

: Sticking his tongue out at runner Brien Pierpont is Pikesville third sackers Billy Waldon, who went on to tag out Brien in game at Sudbrook Junior High. (William L. La Force, Jr/Baltimore Sun, 1968)

: Little Leaguer, August, 7, 1969. (Clarence B. Garrett/Baltimore Sun)

: Joe Schweiger of the Parkville Lions. (Clarence B. Garrett/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Little League Baseball, July 18, 1957. (Ellis Malashuk/Baltimore Sun)

: STARTING EIGHT – The Pikesville Minor League Dodgers go after the loop crown tonight against the Orioles. Catching will be Pat Walsh (front row). The infield will be (middle row): Mark Beach, Jan Rosenthal, Randy Whitman and Bruce Stafford. The outfield comprises (back row): Mike Harrison, Bruce McFarlane and Billy Drew. (William L La Force Jr/Baltimore Sun, 1962)

: Jerry Thomas and Billy Levering – Two Carroll Park Braves appear hopeful of spot in starting lineup. (Clarence B. Garrett/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Jay Outland – He has them all talking as Edreco rolls on. (Harold Lalos/Baltimroe Sun, 1969)

: The members of Little League ball teams frequently are invited guests at the Stadium. On this particular afternoon the Orioles were watching the Orioles. (Baltimore Sun/William L. Klender, August 15, 1954)

: HITLESS WONDERS – Lakeland Cardinals are all smiles after 9-6 win over Phillies gained without a single base knock. (Baltimore Sun archives, 1963)

: RAINING CAPS AND TOGS – Rodgers Forge Yanks heave their paraphernalia heavenward after defeating the Indians, clinching first place in Towson farm loop’s Southern division. (William H. Mortimer/Baltimore Sun, 1964)

: Denny Lessner manager of the Lutherville-Timonium Braves, a Little League team of 11 and 12 year olds, gives his team a pep talk between innings. (Baltimore Sun, 1991)

: Denny Lessner manager of the Lutherville-Timonium Braves, a Little League team of 11 and 12 year olds, gives his team a pep talk between innings. (Baltimore Sun, 1991)

From the Vault: Little League baseball

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