50 Years of Little League Softball World Series


In celebration of 50 years of female inclusion and the 50th Anniversary of the Little League Softball® World Series (LLSWS) in 2024, Little League® Baseball and Softball is pleased to announce the launch of its “Girls with Game 50” Campaign (#GWG50) as part of a historic day at the AU Pro Games at the LLSWS, marking just one of the many ways the organization is strengthening its strategic focus on female inclusivity and opportunity.

“Over the last 50 years, we have been on a steady journey toward making Little League more accessible for girls and women,” said Nina Johnson-Pitt, Little League Senior Strategy Executive. “To truly be a program for all, we need to be intentional about leading with equity. Through some of the efforts outlined below, along with a variety of strategic efforts we are continuing to develop, our hope is that by 2032, there will truly be equal opportunities for participation among girls in the Little League program.”

While the #GWG50 Campaign will continue to grow and develop closer to the start of the 2024 season, below are just some of the fun and exciting opportunities that are ahead.

Continued Focus on Female Inclusion

Over the past 50 years, the Little League program has evolved into an important part in setting the foundation for female inclusion within the organization and youth sports. Looking ahead to the future, it is critically important for Little League to continue to find new ways to inspire, welcome, and develop the girls and women involved at every level, from the players on the field to the coaches, officials, and volunteers who make the experience possible each year.

To aid in these strategic efforts, Little League has committed itself to prioritizing its focus on providing the necessary funding, research, and resources in an effort to increase female inclusion and opportunity within every level of the program. Additionally, Little League will continue to work to find supporting organizations and partnerships that align with these same goals and values in hopes of providing the best possible support system to develop and achieve these goals.

“As part of our ongoing effort to provide more opportunities for girls and women, we’ve partnered with The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport and DePaul University to pursue specific research to learn about current strengths and weaknesses related to engaging girls and women in the program, and to pilot a coach-training specific to coaching girls,” said Mrs. Johnson-Pitt. “The goal is to measure what is currently working and not working for making Little League Baseball and Softball accessible to girls, measure any differences in different locations where Little League operates related to gender equity, and pilot coach training in one location and measure its impact. We look forward to using the results to help guide future decisions to make Little League more equitable for girls and women across all aspects of the program.”

Some of the strategic efforts include creating initiatives and programmatic changes to increase access, offering creative and innovative programming, renovating fields, creating coaching opportunities for females, providing useful resources for fostering an inclusive environment for all females to succeed, and hosting events to encourage and inspire female participation.

#GWG50 Campaign

An expansion of the Girls with Game celebration held every March, the #GWG50 campaign will be a year-long celebration that includes a series of interviews, digital content, feature stories, in-person events, unique activities, and more to celebrate the importance of the past 50 years. With the campaign set to officially kick off with the start of 2024, Little League is proud to unveil the official #GWG50 logo, creating the foundation for the year-long campaign and activations that will continue to be unveiled as the 2024 season draws closer. 

#GWG50 Logo

Developed by Ologie, the same agency that created the newly branded Little League brand identity and logo, which launched in 2020, the #GWG50 logo is designed to represent the weight and power behind this celebration — the significance of fifty years of girls participating, thriving, and achieving in youth sports. It signifies the boldness it takes to compete, the sharpness needed to excel, and the flexibility needed to succeed in a team setting. The distinct shape of the logo can also act as a container to house our more energetic brand elements. It has the presence to stand alone, and the flexibility to work well and pair with any logo. 

Women's Sport Foundation

 On April 11, 2020, Women's Sport Foundation and Yahoo Sports hosted #WeKeepPlaying, a live event.  Join Billie Jean King and many others as they inspire young athletes during the COVID-19 crisis.  

#GirlsWithGame 2022

Lead Her Forward 2020

 

 "You're gonna figure it out.

You're gonna find by taking a risk
and getting out of your comfort zone


that not only can you do it,

you're quite good at it

and you're successful at it

and that breeds

confidence."


Julie Foudy
Two-Time FIFA World Cup Champion,
Olympic Gold Medalist, & ESPN Sportscaster



 
   

  

Girls With Game

A campaign to honor all the girls and women who have made the program what it is today.

In celebration of National Women's History Month in March, and February's National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Little League® Baseball and Softball has launched a campaign to honor all the girls and women who have made the program what it is today. From written stories and feature videos to inspiring quotes and photos across all of its digital media platforms, Little League Baseball and Softball's #GirlsWithGame Campaign celebrates the memorable moments, exciting events, and inspiring individuals throughout the Little League program.

My biggest goal for any young girl is for them to look at themselves

in the mirror, and see someone that's strong, smart, beautiful, and kick butt.

- Jessica Mendoza, Two-Time Olympic Medalist and ESPN Analyst

Girls With Game

The 19 Girls Who Have Made Little League Baseball® World Series History 

Kalani Swim Coach Victoria Ruelas was First Girl Starter in Little League World Series

Southeast Softball World Series Experience

"Throwing Like a Girl"

A Different Point of View: Persistence, Self-Awareness, Confidence Prevail as Teenager Takes on Umpiring

"It Makes My Day": Softball Volunteers Share Their Stories

Why We Play: Little League Softball World Series Teams Share Their Stories

Meet the Women of the Little League® Hall of Excellence

The 18 Girls Who Have Made Little League Baseball® World Series History

Cat Osterman's Story

Katherine Sandercock: From Little League to USA Baseball

Sue Enquist Motivates and Inspires Little Leaguers® in San Bernardino

"It's so important for girls to see themselves in someone else."

"Have fun. Let yourself fall in love with the Game."

Jenny Dalton-Hill to be 7th Woman Enshrined into the Little League Hall of Excellence

7 Little League Alumnae Earn Spot on 2022 USA Baseball Women's National Team

Six Innings with Little League Graduate Elizabeth Osder

The Power of Perspective from a Former D1 Athlete

Krissy Wendell: From the Little League Baseball® World Series to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame

Girls With Game - July 29,2019

Girls With Game and a Positive Mental Attitude

With a name like Kaya, she was born to throw K's.

Volunteer Spotlight: Reflections of Little League® From Female Leaders

ESPN's Jessica Mendoza's Advice for Young Girls

Hailey Dawson Pitching for Poland Syndrome Awareness

Debra Crerie: Breaking the Mold of Little League® Umpires

Tuohy Takes Home National Title, Tops List of Gatorade Players of the Year with Little League® Ties

When your Mom's this fierce, who wouldn't want to follow her footsteps?

2017 JLSBWS Empowered By The Game

#GirlsWithGame Instagrams


If you want it bad enough, and you're willing to make the sacrifices,

you can do it. But first you have to believe in yourself.

- Jennie Finch, Two-Time Olympic Medalist 

#GirlsWithGame Tweets

#GirlsWithGame March 31

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#GirlsWithGame March 1

 

Local Sponsors

Georgia Little League

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