Following yet another successful 2024 Girls with Game^® Month celebration, and as local leagues get their spring seasons underway, Little League^® and DICK’S Sporting Goods are proud to announce an extension of their partnership, furthering their commitment to local Little League programs, families, and communities.

“Since the beginning of this partnership, DICK’S Sporting Goods has been committed to creating a positive impact in Little League communities, where the grassroots of our program comes to life, while also providing engaging opportunities when Little League is on the biggest stage at our World Series events,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “We are so proud to extend our partnership and to create new ways to enhance the Little League program and support our long-term vision. We look forward to an exciting year of firsts in 2024 and more importantly look forward to an even more exciting future over the next two years.”

The official partnership began in 2017 and the relationship between DICK’S Sporting Goods has continued to grow in scope and support of Little League, including the commitment of resources to Little League programs at the local level. Through the partnership, Little League has also created unique ways to celebrate The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation, including the annual “Sports Matter Monday” activations during the Little League Baseball^® World Series, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation’s Equipment Grant Program, and its ongoing support of Little League’s female inclusion initiatives.

Additionally, DICK’S Sporting Goods has expanded its partnership of Little League to include:

• Becoming a proud supporter of the Little League Girls with Game 50 Celebration and the organization’s overall female initiative strategy.
• Serving as the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Little League Softball^® World Series in 2024, which includes broadcast and presence-building assets, and extended support of the 50^th Anniversary of the event.
• Signing on as the presenting sponsor of the Athletes Unlimited Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series starting in 2024, furthering their support of the sport from the grassroots level to the professional stage.

• Supporting the resources for Little League’s youngest divisions of play, including presenting sponsorship of “The Basics” video series.
• Providing enhanced benefits and resources to local leagues and families through GameChanger, which is owned and operated by DICK’S Sporting Goods, The Official Team Management Technology Partner of Little League.
• Offering ongoing equipment support of LLWS tournaments through A.D. Starr, the Official Ball Supplier of the Little League World Series.

“Championing youth sports has always been a priority for our company, which is why we are thrilled to extend our partnership with Little League Baseball & Softball and to have the opportunity to continue to support all of their programming,” said Mark Rooks, VP of Creative, Sponsorships and Entertainment at DICK’S Sporting Goods. “Together, we are equipping youth athletes with the tools they need to succeed in sport and instilling values of teamwork and sportsmanship that will endure long after their playing careers are over.”

As part of this continued relationship, DICK’S Sporting Goods has strengthened their commitment to deepening Little League connections in local communities, supporting the youngest level of the program at the Tee Ball and Coach Pitch divisions of play, further increasing their support of Little League’s girls’ inclusion initiatives and the Little League Softball program, providing additional support to lessen financial barriers of entries for families, continuing to support the experience at all seven World Series events, and more.

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum, offer unparalleled benefits to those member leagues, support the social impact initiatives of the organization and its local communities, and provide the necessary funding and resources to support local leagues at the grassroots level. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors provide access and opportunities so that local leagues may offer the best programs possible, helping ensure that players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience while supporting their community.

To learn more about how DICK’S Sporting Goods and the other Official Partners are supporting Little League Baseball and Softball, and what opportunities are available for local leagues and their communities, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors.

About DICK’S Sporting Goods

DICK’S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS) creates confidence and excitement by inspiring, supporting and personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, the leading omnichannel retailer serves athletes and outdoor enthusiasts in more than 850 DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, Public Lands, Going Going Gone! and Warehouse Sale stores, online, and through the DICK’S mobile app. DICK’S also owns and operates DICK’S House of Sport and Golf Galaxy Performance Center, as well as GameChanger, a youth sports mobile platform for live streaming, scheduling, communications and scorekeeping.

Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, DICK’S has been a longtime champion for youth sports and, together with its Foundation, has donated millions of dollars to support under-resourced teams and athletes through the Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about DICK’S business, corporate giving, sustainability efforts and employment opportunities can be found on dicks.com, investors.dicks.com, sportsmatter.org, dickssportinggoods.jobs and on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.

The post Little League® and DICK’S Sporting Goods Celebrate #GWG50 with Partnership Extension Through 2026 appeared first on Little League.

Little League^® International is pleased to announce New York Life, America’s largest mutual life insurer¹, as the Presenting Sponsor of the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, focused on honoring the dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond for their local communities. The announcement comes during National Volunteer Week, an annual recognition of the contributions of volunteers, where Little League and New York Life will honor a Community Hero each day of the week-long celebration.

“We are very excited to welcome New York Life as our newest partner and look forward to bringing its support and expertise to our thousands of local leagues and the millions of volunteers who make the Little League experience possible each year,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer.

As part of the partnership, weekly Little League Community Hero recognition social media posts are “Presented by New York Life,” and the top volunteers who are selected to be named Little League Community Heroes of the Year in August will receive additional support from New York Life.

Submit a Nomination

This new partnership will also create opportunities to deliver financial education by connecting New York Life’s more than 12,000 financial professionals across the country to local Little League Baseball and Softball programs in their communities. As part of the partnership with Major League Baseball, New York Life will also be the Presenting Sponsor of the MLB Little League Classic, set to be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“Like Little League teams across the country, New York Life agents are a staple of the community,” said Amy Hu, Chief Marketing Officer, New York Life. “We look forward to celebrating Little League Community Heroes, strengthening financial knowledge among players and families and deepening connections for New York Life agents through this partnership.”

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum and to provide unparalleled benefits and resources to those member leagues. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors help leagues offer the best programs possible, so players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience.

To learn more about how New York Life and the other Official Partners are supporting Little League Baseball and Softball, and what opportunities are available for local leagues and their communities, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors.

¹Based on revenue as reported by “Fortune 500 ranked within Industries, Insurance: Life, Health (Mutual),” Fortune magazine, 6/5/2023. For methodology, please see http://fortune.com/fortune500/.

The post New York Life Commits to Little League® Baseball and Softball, Including Support of Community Heroes Recognition Program appeared first on Little League.

As the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) season officially gets underway, Little League^® and MLB are pleased to announce the return of its MLB Little League Days program in 2024, providing unique opportunities for local Little League programs to bring their players to experience professional baseball in a fun and exciting way.

New in 2024, the unique experience will also add opportunities with Minor League Baseball (MiLB) clubs across the nation, helping to connect more Little Leaguers^® to professional baseball players while enhancing community relations with the local leagues.

“Experiencing the fun and excitement of a professional baseball game is a memory that every child remembers throughout their entire life, and thanks to our growing relationship with Major League Baseball, we can continue to offer increased opportunities through our Little League Days each year,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “We encourage all our leagues, families, and communities to take advantage of this opportunity and bring this memorable experience to life for their players.”

As part of the growing partnership between Little League and MLB, “Little League Days” allow local youth baseball and softball players to experience a professional baseball game at a ballpark near them. This year, nearly all 30 MLB clubs, as well as a variety of MiLB clubs, will be opening their ballparks to provide memorable opportunities and experiences the players will carry with them for a lifetime.

While each club’s Little League Days are set to be unique, many will provide discounted tickets for Little Leaguers, the opportunity to use tickets as fundraisers, and the chance for a special on-field experience. Learn more and find an event near you:

Major League      Minor League

The post MLB Little League® Days to Include Minor League Opportunities Starting in 2024 appeared first on Little League.

With baseball and softball season officially underway, Little League^® and Dairy Queen^® are teaming up to offer families across the United States a $1 small cone when their young athletes wear their youth sports uniforms to their local DQ restaurant this summer.

Between now and July 31, 2024, families are encouraged to stop by participating DQ locations after their game and to celebrate those cherished on- and off-field moments together with teammates, family, and coaches.

As the Official Postgame Destination of Little League for the second year in a row, Dairy Queen knows that the best moments to be celebrated are the ones the bring people together, and this offer is sure to put smiles on the faces of families this spring and summer.

The $1 small cone offer is available at participating DQ locations while supplies last. To stay up to date with all the latest information, be sure to download the DQ App Today and visit DairyQueen.com to find a location near you.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DQ

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Eggland’s Best is stepping up to the plate again with Little League^® to bring families the opportunity to win big with the “Egg-ceptional Wellness” Sweepstakes! In a world where busy schedules might sideline nutritious eating, Eggland’s Best is providing access to nutrition tips and healthy meal options. Fans can enter daily at EBFamilySweeps.com now through May 14 for a chance to win $5,000 plus other egg-citing prizes!

As part of the “Egg-ceptional Wellness” Sweepstakes, Eggland’s Best and Little League^® will give fans a chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 to plus up their wellness activities this Spring. Families can also win a weekly prize pack that includes swag from Eggland’s Best and Little League to enhance their wellness journey, plus a 3-month supply of Eggland’s Best eggs!

“Partnering with Eggland’s Best for a second year allows us to underscore the importance of nutrition in the lives of young athletes and families,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “The ‘Egg-ceptional Wellness’ Sweepstakes embodies our shared commitment to fostering a complete approach to wellness within the Little League community, ensuring our players have the energy and nutrition they need both on and off the field.”

Eggland’s Best has kicked off Year Two as the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball. Later this year, fans can join in on fun activities and giveaways with Eggland’s Best at the Little League World Series Fan Zone during the 2024 Little League Softball^® World Series in Greenville, North Carolina, from August 4-11 and the 2024 Little League Baseball^® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, from August 14-25. Eggland’s Best has also committed to supporting local leagues within the Little League Challenger Division^®, an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges, through the continuation of a grant program designed to assist local communities enhance the operation and offerings within their program.

“Through our continued partnership with Little League, Eggland’s Best is proud to support families in navigating busy baseball and softball seasons with nutrition at the forefront,” said Kurt Misialek, Eggland’s Best President and CEO. “Our commitment goes beyond just providing high-quality, nutritious eggs. It’s about empowering parents and players to make healthy eating a manageable part of their schedules, which we’re happy to make possible through our ‘Egg-ceptional Wellness’ Sweepstakes.”

“During busy sports seasons, I always recommend recipes and snacks made with Eggland’s Best eggs—they’re a nutritional powerhouse that offer essential nutrients, like six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Omega-3s compared to ordinary eggs, making them ideal for energy, recovery and overall health,” said Sports Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “I’m thrilled to work with Eggland’s Best to help share game-winning tips, tricks and recipes that fit seamlessly into families’ busy lives.”

For recipes, Sweepstakes Official Rules and how to enter, visit www.EBFamilySweeps.com. For more information on Eggland’s Best eggs, visit www.egglandsbest.com.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN IN THE EGGLAND’S BEST “EGG-CEPTIONAL WELLNESS” SWEEPSTAKES. Open to legal residents of the 50 US & DC, 18 or older and have reached the age of majority in state of jurisdiction. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes starts 4/2/24 at 9:00 AM ET and ends 5/14/24 at 11:59 PM ET. For Official Rules, which govern, click here. Sponsor: Eggland’s Best, LLC.

About Eggland’s Best Eggs

Eggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities. Independent testing has also confirmed that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs. The distinctive “EB” stamp on the shell assures consumers and food service customers that Eggland’s Best eggs meet the highest production and safety standards.

Eggland’s Best was voted “America’s Most Trusted Egg Brand” by American shoppers in the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards and “America’s Most Recommended Eggs” by women in the Women’s Choice Awards. In addition, Eggland’s Best has received more than 100 awards and honors from trusted publications, such as Good Housekeeping, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, Health, Men’s Health, and many others.

Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. Eggland’s Best eggs are available in the refrigerated egg aisle in Large, Extra-Large, Jumbo, Cage Free, Organic, Free Range, Pasture Raised, Hard-Cooked, Cage Free Hard-Cooked, Organic Hard-cooked and Liquid Egg Whites. The Eggland’s Best various frozen varieties can be found in the frozen breakfast section. Eggland’s Best Frozen Omelets, Bowls and Egg Bites make it easier than ever to start the day with the great taste and nutrition of Eggland’s Best eggs. All Eggland’s Best eggs are certified Kosher. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com.

The post Eggland’s Best and Little League® Team up for “Egg-ceptional Wellness” Sweepstakes appeared first on Little League.

As local Little League^® programs around the world are gearing up and celebrating their Opening Days, NatureSweet^® is teaming up with Little League for an exciting season as “The Official Snacking Vegetable of Little League Baseball and Softball.”

“We are thrilled to work with our partners at NatureSweet as we continue to find new ways to provide all our families with a fun, healthy, and memorable Little League experience,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “As a community-based program, we are excited to align with NatureSweet’s commitment to providing a positive social, environmental, and economic impact within its communities and look forward to partnering with them through 2025.”

As the No. 1 selling snacking tomato brand in the country and an industry leader in greenhouse-grown vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, NatureSweet is committed to supporting the thousands of local Little League programs across the United States. As part of their support, NatureSweet will include the Little League brand on its product packaging and is also launching a campaign this year called “Dugout Delights,” which provides families and local leagues with suggestions on iconic snacks they can add to their lineup this season. In addition to their year-round support at the local level, NatureSweet will also be a part of the unique experience within the World Series Fan Zone at the Little League Baseball^® World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in August.

“America’s favorite snacking tomato brand is the perfect tasty treat to enjoy while watching America’s favorite pastime,” says Sergio Trujillo, NatureSweet’s Brand Manager of Snacking Tomatoes. “Our fresh produce snacking line of bite-sized tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are healthy and convenient treats that nurture developing minds and bodies. We’re thrilled to announce our official sponsorship with Little League as ‘The Official Snacking Vegetable of Little League Baseball and Softball,’ and we are dedicated to aligning both our commitments to providing a positive Impact within communities and supporting thousands of Little League programs across the nation.”

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum, offer unparalleled benefits to those member leagues, support the social impact initiatives of the organization and its local communities, and provide the necessary funding and resources to support local leagues at the grassroots level. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors provide access and opportunities so that local leagues may offer the best programs possible, helping ensure that players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience while supporting their community.

To learn more about what NatureSweet can offer to local leagues, as well as what all of Little League’s Official Sponsors can provide, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors. Additionally, to learn more about the 2024 Little League World Series events, visit LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries and download the World Series app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

About NatureSweet^® (NS Brands, Ltd.)

NatureSweet^® is the single-source solution for greenhouse-grown vegetables and is the No. 1 best-selling brand in snacking tomatoes. The largest vertically integrated agriculture company in North America, NatureSweet guarantees great tasting produce year-round, both organic and conventional. Our vegetables are carefully grown, harvested, and packaged by more than 6,000 directly employed company Associates. NatureSweet tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet peppers are handpicked at the peak of freshness and sold at major supermarket retailers throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. NatureSweet is dedicated to having a positive social, environmental, and economic impact within our communities, and our commitment is to transform the lives of agricultural workers throughout North America. This work, as well as our efforts regarding sustainability, have led us to earn B Corp, Fair Trade, and the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certifications.

The post NatureSweet® and Little League® Teaming Up to Support Local Leagues and Families appeared first on Little League.

After serving as the Official Uniform, Footwear, and Coaches Apparel Supplier of Little League^® and the Little League World Series since 2019, adidas has agreed to a multi-year extension with the world’s largest youth sport program, committing their support to the non-profit organization through 2027.

As part of the partnership over the past five years, adidas has designed and created all official on-field uniforms for each of the seven Little League World Series events. adidas has also provided cleats, training apparel, and uniform accessories, as well as athletic footwear and apparel for coaches and managers. Additionally, adidas has launched a line of replica jerseys for fans to purchase at the Little League Baseball^® World Series, which first debuted in 2023. Since 2019, adidas has also created unique experiences at the Little League World Series by hosting the adidas “Maker’s Lab,” a branded experience that engages players and teams to create and inspire.

“For the past five years, adidas has demonstrated incredible support for our players, coaches, and communities around the world with amazing uniforms and apparel. This vital support and funding allows us to create unmatched tournament experiences for every child that participates,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “The Little League World Series uniforms and apparel continue to be a highlight of the summer experience, and we are grateful for the support to our tournament operations.”

As part of their support of Little League’s Girls with Game 50 Celebration in 2024, adidas has also agreed to supply the uniform for the first-ever Maria Pepe Little League Baseball Legacy Series, set to be held on June 7-9, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“adidas’ partnership with Little League is founded upon the belief that sport has the power to change lives,” said Aaron Seabron, General Manager, US Sports at adidas. “It is a strong part of our ethos to support athletes at the grassroots level, so we’re proud to continue to give these players top-of-the-line footwear and uniforms, empowering them to strive for greatness during the most treasured sporting events of their youth.”

In addition to their World Series support, adidas continues to provide offers and discounts to all local Little League programs, including their line of unique cleats that are worn on field by baseball and softball superstars such as Julio Rodriguez, Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Trea Turner, Jose Ramirez, Kris Bryant, Luis Robert, Kiké Hernandez, Teoscar Hernández, J.P. Crawford, Sis Bates, Aliyah Andrews, and Amanda Lorenz.

To learn more about what adidas can offer to local leagues, as well as what all of Little League’s Official Sponsors can provide, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors. Additionally, to learn more about the 2024 Little League World Series events, visit LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries and download the World Series app in the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

About adidas

adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry. Headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany, the company employs more than 59,000 people across the globe and generated sales of €22.5 billion in 2022.

The post Little League® and adidas Agree to Multi-Year Extension Through 2027 appeared first on Little League.

After three years of continuous support, Little League^® International is pleased to announce a year-long extension with Ball Park^® Buns, making it the Official Hot Dog and Hamburger Bun of Little League Baseball and Softball through 2024.

“Ball Park Buns has provided incredible support to local Little League programs each year through the Ball Park of Dreams initiative, and we are proud to be able to extend our partnership with them for another year,” said Liz DiLullo Brown, Little League Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Relationship Officer. “We are incredibly grateful for their commitment of support to improving the experience for children and their families across our thousands of communities, and to the brand’s alignment with Little League’s core value of community.”

The extended agreement comes in coordination with the fourth-straight year of its ‘Ball Park of Dreams” initiative, helping to renovate three local Little League fields across the country. This year, Ball Park Buns also committed to supporting 17 additional local Little League programs in San Diego, Dallas, and Philadelphia through sponsorship funding, signage, and coupons to supply Ball Park Buns products in concession stands for the entire season.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Little League Baseball and Softball for the fourth year running. This partnership has allowed us to make unforgettable memories for young athletes on and off the field,” said Taylor Burgess, Brand Manager, Ball Park Buns. “Serving as the Official Hotdog and Hamburger Bun of Little League Baseball and Softball showcases our commitment to delivering authentic ballpark experiences to families nationwide and we look forward to continuing to celebrate the spirit of the game together.”

As a proud sponsor and the Official Hot Dog and Hamburger Bun of Little League Baseball and Softball, Ball Park Buns features the official Little League emblem on its packaging each summer, which is made available in more than 40,000 stores nationwide. Additionally, Ball Park Buns will be on-site at the 2024 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, showcasing featured products at the concession stands and offering fun activations at the Little League World Series Fan Zone.

For more than 75 years, Little League has partnered with major corporations on a national level to help keep the costs for our local Little Leagues to a minimum and to provide unparalleled benefits and resources to those member leagues. Sponsors help leagues operate smoothly, provide training resources for coaches, offset expenses for educational initiatives, offer grant programs for leagues in need, assist in supporting tournament costs, and provide opportunities and knowledge in fundraising, operations, nutrition, and safety. In short, sponsors help leagues offer the best programs possible, so players and volunteers can have a fun and rewarding Little League experience.

To learn more about how Ball Park Buns and the other Official Partners are supporting Little League Baseball and Softball, and what opportunities are available for local leagues and their communities, visit LittleLeague.org/Sponsors.

About Ball Park^® Buns   

Perfect for grilling, tailgating, parties and more, Ball Park hot dog and hamburger buns are America’s favorite buns and deliver fresh taste and outstanding flavor. With many varieties of buns and rolls, it’s easy to make Ball Park Buns part of your next meal – and watch the crowd go wild. Ball Park Buns are manufactured and sold by Bimbo Bakeries USA. For a full list of Ball Park products and where to buy them, please visit www.BallParkBuns.com.

Bimbo Bakeries USA is a leader in the baking industry, known for its category leading brands, innovative products, freshness and quality. Our team of 20,000+ U.S. associates operates approximately 60 manufacturing locations in the United States. Over 11,000 distribution routes deliver our leading brands such as Arnold^®, Artesano^®, Ball Park^®, Bimbo^®, Boboli^®, Brownberry^®, Entenmann’s^®, Little Bites^®, Marinela^®, Mrs Baird’s^®, Oroweat^®, Sara Lee^®, Stroehmann^®, and Thomas’^®. BBU is owned by Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., the world’s largest baking company with operations in 34 countries.

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Earning the trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to compete in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game are teams from Manalapan, New Jersey, and Mission Viejo, California.  

“In its 22^nd year, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game continues to be one of the most memorable events as it brings together two outstanding local Little League programs for a morning of fun competition,” said Sam Ranck, Little League Senior Director of Strategy and Development. “We are incredibly grateful for the hours and hard work the volunteers in each league’s community have dedicated to these players, and we are excited to welcome them to Williamsport in August.” 

Since 2001, the Little League Challenger Exhibition Game has been a memorable part of the Championship Weekend experience at the Little League Baseball® World Series. Little League® International will continue to support this year’s participating leagues with a $15,000 grant to help offset the costs for the teams to participate in the Exhibition Game.   

As part of its ongoing support of the Little League Challenger Division, Eggland’s Best, the Official Egg of Little League Baseball and Softball, will match Little League International’s grant value, donating an additional $15,000 each to the participating leagues. Eggland’s Best will also be supporting the first-ever Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest. Players traveling to Williamsport will have the opportunity to design their own unique pin design and one lucky winner from each team will have their custom pin design produced and distributed at the 2024 LLBWS Challenger Exhibition Game. 

“Eggland’s Best is proud to once again pledge support to Little League’s Challenger Division, reinforcing our commitment to fuel the next generation of sports families,” said Kurt Misialek, President and CEO of Eggland’s Best. “We’re also excited to extend our support this year through the inaugural Challenger Exhibition Game pin contest, celebrating creativity and participation. This initiative embodies our dedication to fostering inclusive opportunities for young athletes, reflecting our core values of community support and the promotion of healthy, active lifestyles.” 

Meet the teams playing in the 2024 Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game:  

Manalapan Township (N.J.) Little League Challenger Division

Established in 2016, Manalapan Township LL volunteers and leadership have worked hard to grow its Challenger Division. The division has gone from only meeting a few times a season, to participating in the league’s Senior Division championship game each year, competing against its neighbor league, Freehold Township (N.J.) Little League, and having its own mascot – Buster.  

In 2023, the Challenger Division held the New Jersey Statewide Challenger Exhibition tournament, hosting eight teams from across the state for a day of skill drills and competitive games. It was the division’s first step towards its goal of bringing communities together to provide athletes with a fun, community-driven experience.  

“The Challenger team from Manalapan Baseball Association is absolutely thrilled to be participating in the 2024 Challenger Exhibition game at the Little League World Series,” said Kevin Horstman, Manalapan LL Challenger Division Coordinator. “This golden opportunity is a dream come true for our Challenger family. We are so honored and excited to take the field with the Challenger team from California and make memories that will last a lifetime for our players, buddies, parents, and coaches.”  

California District 68 (Mission Viejo, Calif.) Challenger Division

Since 1991, California District 68’s Challenger Division has grown, seeing a steady increase in participating players each year. Operating today with five teams and about 70 players in the district, the Challenger Division has become a leading program in Southern California.

“For 20 years, my son Bobby and I have been committed to the success of our Challenger program, and I could not be more grateful for the volunteers in our community who make this program possible. While Bobby started in the program as a player, he has since begun coaching kids who want an opportunity to play ball like he did and it’s an honor to coach with him on the field now and for a truly full-circle experience,” said Rod Hurt, California District 68 Assistant District Administrator. “I’m honored that our team has been selected for this great opportunity, and the privilege of bringing a squad to Williamsport for the Challenger Exhibition game is so thrilling.”  

The 2024 Little League Baseball World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, is set to take place on August 14-25. To learn more and plan your trip to Williamsport, visit LittleLeague.org/Visit.

About Eggland’s Best

Eggland’s Best is the #1 branded egg in the U.S. and is an excellent source of Vitamins D, B12, E, B5 and riboflavin. Eggland’s Best eggs have six times more Vitamin D, more than double the Omega-3s, 10 times more Vitamin E and 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs. Eggland’s Best’s patented method of production and verification ensures that every Eggland’s Best egg has these superior qualities. Independent testing has also confirmed that Eggland’s Best eggs stay fresher longer than ordinary eggs. The distinctive “EB” stamp on the shell assures consumers and food service customers that Eggland’s Best eggs meet the highest production and safety standards.   

Eggland’s Best was voted “America’s Most Trusted Egg Brand” by American shoppers in the BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards and “America’s Most Recommended Eggs” by women in the Women’s Choice Awards. In addition, Eggland’s Best has received more than 100 awards and honors from trusted publications, such as Good Housekeeping, PEOPLE, Allrecipes, Health, Men’s Health, and many others. 

Eggland’s Best’s hens are fed a strictly controlled proprietary, high-quality all-vegetarian diet, which results in a better-tasting, more nutritious egg that stays fresher longer. Eggland’s Best eggs are available in the refrigerated egg aisle in Large, Extra-Large, Jumbo, Cage Free, Organic, Free Range, Pasture Raised, Hard-Cooked, Cage Free Hard-Cooked, Organic Hard-cooked and Liquid Egg Whites. The Eggland’s Best various frozen varieties can be found in the frozen breakfast section. Eggland’s Best Frozen Omelets, Bowls and Egg Bites make it easier than ever to start the day with the great taste and nutrition of Eggland’s Best eggs. All Eggland’s Best eggs are certified Kosher. For more information, visit www.egglandsbest.com. 

The post New Jersey and California Teams Set for 2024 Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game, Presented by Eggland’s Best appeared first on Little League.

Thanks to its ongoing support and significant equipment donations to Pitch In For Baseball and Softball (PIFBS), Little League® has been named the recipient of the 2023 PIFBS Equipment Donor MVP Award.  

Throughout the 2023 season, Little League International donated more than 4,000 pieces of equipment including helmets, baseballs and softballs, and training aids to PIFBS while also conducting outreach campaigns to its local leagues in an effort to encourage additional donations. 

Naming Little League as its first-ever strategic partner in 2005, PIFBS has remained committed to reducing barriers of entry into the sport and promoting youth development by providing equipment directly to leagues and community organizations around the world. For nearly two decades, Little League has worked with PIFBS to provide baseball and softball equipment to youth athletes both in the United States and around the world who want to play but lack the equipment. As part of its efforts in 2023, Little League also worked with PIFBS through the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Equipment Grant program, which provided local leagues and families with the resources they needed to play Little League each year.  

In addition to receiving its own MVP award, Little League also congratulates one of its own graduates and current member Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Softball, who was recognized by PIFBS for her significant contribution to the organization as the Softball Ambassador MVP. Aleshia Ocasio, a graduate of Conway (Fla.) Little League, chose PIFBS as her AU Athlete Cause in 2023, donating more than $4,800 to PIFBS.  

Over the past decade, PIFBS has helped more than one million children get on the field across all fifty states and in more than 110 countries internationally. To learn more about Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, and how you can donate to support other Little League programs around the world, visit PIFBS.org.  

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