Little League Baseball and Softball is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, United States, that organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues throughout the United States and the rest of the world.
Intermediate, Junior, and Senior League Baseball are youth baseball divisions of Little League Baseball that are considered more advanced and difficult than younger Little League divisions due to more advanced rules, including the ability to lead-off and steal as the pitcher breaks, along with longer base paths and greater pitching distance. Junior League also includes the use of bats with 2 5⁄8-inch (6.7 cm) barrels rather than the transitional 2 1⁄4-inch (5.7 cm) barrels of Little League. Junior League also allows the use of metal spikes in cleats in addition to the molded or plastic spikes used in Little League. The Big League level was discontinued in the baseball and softball divisions — after the 2016 Big League World Series.
The Big League World Series was a baseball tournament for children aged 15 to 18 years old that began in 1968. On August 26, 2016, Little League International announced that it was eliminating the Big League Level of both baseball and softball. It was patterned after the Little League World Series, which was named for the World Series in Major League Baseball. Most recently, the tournament was held in Easley, South Carolina.
The Senior League World Series is a baseball tournament for children aged 13 to 16 years old that began in 1961. In 2017, the tournament was moved from Bangor, Maine to Easley, South Carolina. It is patterned after the Little League World Series, which was named for the World Series in Major League Baseball since 2002.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Central Region was one of five United States regions that sent teams to the World Series. The Big League division was discontinued by Little League Baseball after the 2016 BLWS. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1968, when it was known as the North Region.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) East Region was one of five United States regions that sent teams to the World Series. The Big League division was discontinued by Little League Baseball after the 2016 BLWS. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1968.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Southeast and Southwest regions were two of five United States regions that sent teams to the Big League World Series. The region's participation in the BLWS dated back to 1968 when it was known as the South Region. The Big League division of Little League Baseball was discontinued after the 2016 World baseball Series.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) West Region was one of five United States regions that sent teams to the World Series. The Big League division of Little League Baseball was discontinued after the 2016 World Series. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1968.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Asia–Pacific Region was one of five International regions that sent teams to the World Series. The Big League division was discontinued by Little League Baseball after the 2016 BLWS. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1968. It produced the most championships (18) of any region, all won by Taiwan.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Canada Region was one of five International regions that sent teams to the World Series. The Big League division was discontinued by Little League Baseball after the 2016 BLWS. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1969.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Europe–Africa Region was one of five International regions that sent teams to the World Series. Little League Baseball discontinued the Big League division in 2016. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1970.
The Big League World Series (BLWS) Latin America Region was one of four International regions that sent teams to the World Series. The region's participation in the BLWS had dated back to 1970. Little League Baseball and Softball terminated the Big League division after the 2016 World Series.
The 2000 Big League World Series took place from August 6–12 in Tucson, Arizona, United States. Fraser Valley, Canada defeated Jeffersonville, Indiana in the championship game. It was Canada's first Little League championship in any division.
The Intermediate League World Series is a baseball tournament for children aged 11 to 13 years old that began in 2013. It is patterned after the Little League World Series, which was named for the World Series in Major League Baseball. The tournament is held in Livermore, California.
The Intermediate League World Series Host team is one of six United States regions that currently sends teams to the World Series in Livermore, California. The champion of California's District 57 Tournament receives the bid.
The Senior League World Series Host team is one of six United States regions that currently sends teams to the World Series in Easley, South Carolina. The Host team first competed in the SLWS in 1961.
The 2016 Big League World Series was a youth baseball tournament that took place from July 26-August 2 in Easley, South Carolina, United States. Taoyuan, Taiwan defeated Maui, Hawaii in the championship game. It was the first BLWS title for Taiwan since 1996, and extended their overall record to 18.
The 1968 Big League World Series took place from August 7–10 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Charleston, West Virginia defeated New Hyde Park, New York in the championship game.
The 1969 Big League World Series took place from August 12–16 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States. Barstow, California defeated host Winston-Salem in the championship game. This was the final BLWS held in Winston-Salem.
The Junior League World Series Host team is one of six United States regions that sends teams to the World Series in Taylor, Michigan. The host team first competed in the JLWS in 1985. It was discontinued after 1989, but returned in 2018.
