Williamsport, Pennsylvania: First Little League Game Statue

Where the first game was played in 1939 -- marked by a 50th anniversary statue depicting three stubby fielders trying to catch a pop fly.

First Little League Game Statue

This statue is in the back corner of the large park across 4th street from the old Carl Stoltz Little League fields, which are on the river side of the road. If you drive down the park road with the minor league ballpark to your left, you'll come to the statue, a long block off of 4th St. While you're there, walk around the old Carl Stoltz fields -- they're worth it. You can park near the skateboard park next door.

[Hal Clarke, 09/23/2012]

First Little League Game Statue

In 1938, childless Williamsport resident Carl Stotz wanted to provide an organized baseball program for his nephews and neighborhood kids, and dreamed up the notion of a "Little League" (friends helped him name it). By 1939 he had the equipment and field dimensions figured out, and on June 6, 1939 the first game was played. Lundy Lumber beat Lycoming Dairy 23 to 8.

This statue of three boys trying to all catch one pop fly commemorates the 50th anniversary of the first Little League game. Memorial Park is also home to Bowman Field, the stadium used by the Williamsport Crosscutters minor league baseball team.

[Dan Mason, 04/30/2011]