The Little League program was started back in 1939. Today it includes almost 3 million youth worldwide. With so many participants, over so many years, it is not surprising that many famous people played Little League in their youth. Little League International keeps meticulous records on participants and recognizes former Little Leaguers for their various achievements. This endows the casual Little League historian (me) with the ability to share with you some interesting names.
IN THE GAME OF POLITICS:
"It's as American as Baseball, or apple pie". Baseball is the US' national sport, so it is not surprising to find out that a great number of high profile US politicians played Little League in their youth.
- Joe Biden, former US Vice President
- George W. Bush, former President
- Bill Bradley, senator/ Rhodes scholar
- Bill Cohen, former Defense Secretary
- Rudolph Giulliani, ex-mayor of NY
- Dan Quayle, former Vice President
NON-BASEBALL SPORTS FIGURES:
The Little League program at its core teaches kids the values of teamwork and discipline.
These are lessons that can be transferred to all areas of life and all sports-hockey, football, basketball, even golf.
- Troy Aikman, NFL
- Drew Bledsoe, NFL
- Ditka, NFL Mike
- Dhrury, NFL Chris
- Brett Favre, NFL
- Doug Flutie, NFL, CFL
- Hawk, skateboarder Tony
- Abdul-Jabbar, NBA Kareem
- Mickelson, PGA Phil
- Dan O'Brien, Olympic decathlete
GREAT AT THE GRAND OL' GAME:
Not surprisingly, many Little Leaguers dream of one day playing in the Big Leagues. Here is just a very short list of some who went on to live the dream, and have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame:
- Alomar Roberto
- Boggs Wade
- Gary Carter
- Jim Palmer
- Ripken, Jr. Cal
- Ryan Nolan
- Carl Yastrzemski
The Whole Ballpark's A Stage?
Many actors, writers and singers got their first taste of being centre-stage while stepping up to home plate playing Little League.
- Devito, actor Danny
- Franz, actor Dennis NYPD Blue
- Grisham, author John
- Kostner, actor/director Kevin
- Huey Lewis, signer/song-writer
- Kurt Russell, actor
- Adam Sandler, comedian, actor
- Selleck, actor Tom
- Bruce Springsteen, rock legend
CANADA'S FAMOUS LITTLE LEAGUERS:
We Canadians don't like to brag. Maybe that's why Little League Canada has no online published records of its alumni.
However, here are a few names I came up with that have close ties to little league.
- Jason Bay, 2004 NL Rookie of the Year. Played in the LLWS in 1990 for Trail, BC.
- Ray Ferraro, played 18 seasons in the NHL and is now a broadcaster and hockey analyst with TSN and TEAM 1040 Radio. Ray played in the LLWS for Trail, BC in 1976.
- Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins, 2008 All Star Homerun Derby Winner. New Westminster Little League renamed their Majors Diamond in his honour in 2008.
- Pierre Turgeon, played in the LLWS for Rouyn, QC in 1982. Played 19 seasons in the NHL and scored over 500 career goals. He is the only Canadian to have been inducted into the Little League Museum's Hall of Excellence.
