Little League® is an international pastime that has been a fabric of societies throughout the world for 75 years. Since its founding in 1939 by Carl Stotz, Little League has instilled leadership, character, courage and loyalty in all that participate, including the nearly 1.5 million adult volunteers. Little League can be found in more than 80 countries worldwide with more than 2.4 million children participating each year. Little League has celebrated many milestones due to the dedication of its players, parents and volunteers. Below are just a few examples …The Legacy Begins: First Little League Game is played on June 6, 1939 Another First: First Little League Baseball® World Series is played in August 1947 International Expansion: Canada becomes the first international team to charter in 1951 Outgrowing Original Field: Howard J. Lamade Stadium was built in 1959 to support the growing popularity of Little League Federal Charter: Little League receives its Federal Charter in 1964 Expansion Outside of Baseball: Little League Softball is founded in 1974 Dugout: Walt Disney Co. creates Dugout the Mascot in 1985 Challenger:  The Little League Challenger Division is established in 1989 Urban Initiative: The Urban Initiative Program is established in 1999 The World Series Expands Again: Volunteer Stadium is built in 2001 to allow for a 16 team tournament Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division: The Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division is created in 2012 creating nine divisions of play