WHEREAS, Little League International, a nonprofit organization that facilitates youth baseball and softball tournaments, has imparted the core values of leadership, citizenship, sportsmanship, and teamwork to boys and girls throughout the United States and the world for 75 years; and

WHEREAS, first envisioned by Carl E. Stotz while playing backyard baseball with his nephews in 1938, Little League International hosted its first official game on June 6, 1939, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which remains the home of the organization to this day; and

WHEREAS, originally including three 10-player teams, Little League International has grown to serve over 2.4 million children playing baseball and softball in 83 countries, with the help of countless volunteers and the generous support of local businesses and organizations in each Little League community; and

WHEREAS, Little League International experienced a period of great growth following World War II, and the first Little League World Series was played in 1947; the organization soon expanded internationally, and in 1957, a team from Monterrey, Mexico, became the first team from outside the United States to win the Little League World Series; and

WHEREAS, in 1974, Little League International launched a softball program, and in 1989, the organization launched the Challenger Division for children with physical and developmental challenges; today, the league maintains nine divisions, each culminating in their own World Series; and

WHEREAS, Little League International is deeply committed to enhancing the safety of its players on and off the field through its educational campaign, A Safety Awareness Program; Dr. Creighton J. Hale, a former president and chief executive officer of the league and a current member of the board of directors, helped develop innovative protective gear and the non-wood baseball bat; and

WHEREAS, Little League International offers young athletes the opportunity to have fun while learning the value of teamwork, respect, and self-discipline and how to win and lose with a positive attitude; and

WHEREAS, placing a strong emphasis on community fellowship, Little League International also provides a positive social experience for players, parents, spectators, and volunteers; the league carries on a long-standing tradition of local businesses and organizations supporting and sponsoring teams; and

WHEREAS, Little League International strives to teach players to become responsible members of their communities, and many former players have gone on to become successful actors, musicians, professional athletes, television personalities, community and business leaders, and elected officials; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Little League International on the occasion of its 75th anniversary in 2014; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Little League International as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the group's dedication to supporting youth and enhancing communities in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States and the world.