The Mission of Little League
Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit
organization whose mission is to "to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest
of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball."
Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing
the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage
and loyalty, the Little League Baseball and Softball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior
athletes.
The Little League Pledge
The Little League Pledge was written by Peter J. McGovern, the late president of Little League
Baseball, in 1954. It made its first appearance in the February 1955 “Little Leaguer” magazine. Its text has remained
unchanged in the half-century since then.
The
Little League Pledge was drafted after Mr. McGovern became aware that local Little League programs were reciting the U.S.
Pledge of Allegiance before games. Mr. McGovern wanted to give all leagues (not just those in the United States) a pledge
reflecting some of the sentiments of the Pledge of Allegiance, minus the references to the U.S., while adding the elements
of sportsmanship and the desire to excel.
The
text of the Little League Pledge was sent to U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Feb. 22, 1955. President Eisenhower (and
every president since then) was a strong supporter of Little League.
In a response by letter to Mr. McGovern a few days later, President Eisenhower said: “Thank
you for…sending me the inspiring and fine pledge that, I understand, will now be repeated at the start of the Little
League Baseball games. I am always glad to hear the plans and activities of Little League.”
The Little League
Pledge I trust in God
I love my country
And will respect its laws
I will play fair
And strive to win
But win or lose
I will always do my best |
A recitation of the Little League Pledge is led by President George W. Bush before Tee Ball
on the South Lawn games at the White House. President Bush first recited the Little League Pledge in 1955 as a Little Leaguer
in Midland, Texas.
Today, local Little League
programs sometimes choose to recite the Little League Pledge at the start of the season, and some recite it before every game.
It is printed on the backs of the Little League rule books. Some local leagues also choose to play or sing the National Anthem
of the country in which the game is played. Others may add a prayer to ceremonies.
Whether to recite the Little League Pledge, play or sing the National Anthem, or say a prayer, is
entirely up to the local league’s board of directors. While many local leagues and districts include a recitation of
the Little League Pledge in ceremonies, it is not, and has never been, required to be recited by any person involved with
Little League Baseball or Softball.
