Is the interest in Little League shrinking?

The national body claims it's not, but locally, some leagues are losing players.

By BRANDON WRIGHT
Published August 3, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Considering the growth of travel baseball and other organizations over the past two decades, it's logical to think Little League's participation numbers would be dropping.

Not so, says Lance Van Auken.

Van Auken, Little League's senior communication executive, said his organization's enrollment figures have been increasing, with that number approaching 2.7-million boys and girls this season.

"Last year we had an increase of 29,000 players," he said. "The figures aren't going to be that much this year, but there will again be an increase."

Little League, which began in 1939 in Williamsport, Pa., has long been the brand associated with youth baseball in the country. It enjoys big-name sponsorships from major companies Kellogg's cereal, and every game of the World Series is televised (ESPN/ABC), as well as each region final.

"Little League's numbers are more than twice of all the other leagues combined," Van Auken said. "We have about 67 percent of all the youth playing."

However, not all of its leagues are flourishing. Some, such as Dunedin in District 12, used to be split into American and National divisions to accommodate the number of players.

"Within the last six years we've lost all those two-league formats," District 12 administrator Bob Gibson said. "There used to be two for Largo and Dunedin and Safety Harbor, etc. Those have all gone to single leagues."

Other leagues have been forced to pool players in order to field all-star teams. For example, Pinellas Park, Cross Bayou and Gulf Beaches formed one Major Softball all-star team this season.

And then there's Meadowlawn in St. Petersburg.

One of the oldest Little League chapters in the country, Meadowlawn began play in 1949. However, with the emergence of neighboring Fossil Park's Dizzy Dean League, the number of players has been on a steady decline. So much so, that there was talk the league might fold.

"We're having a reorganization meeting Aug. 11," District 5 administrator Swanee Franklin said. "Other leagues have just been taking a piece of the pie."

So while national and local officials paint somewhat differing pictures, it is certain Little League is losing some quality players to organizations that stress competition over playing time.

"There's no question our talent pool is down," Franklin said.

Little League mandates each player have an at-bat and two innings in the field on defense during a regular-season game. Not all organizations have rules such as those in place.

"The kids come first, regardless of their ability. It's not just about ability, it's about giving each kid a chance and teaching them sportsmanship, teamwork and fair play that they'll use the rest of their lives," Franklin said. "Bottom line, it's always been about the kids."

Contact Brandon Wright at bwright@sptimes.com or (727) 892-2216.

[Last modified August 2, 2007, 20:56:27]