Little League Baseball just released its public-service announcements for 2011. Clever messaging in this one. It begins:
"There's only one Little League where the kids of summer take over the world. The Little League Baseball World Series. Televised worldwide. To be part of this, join a real Little League. Sign up today."
True, only kids playing in youth leagues affiliated with Little League Baseball have a chance to play in the LLWS.
Also true that the chance is nearly the same as digging up uranium in your backyard. About 2.4 million kids play Little League, most in the 10-12 division that holds its championship in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Fewer than 400 make it to that series each year.
It all points to the intense competition for youth players. The number of kids playing baseball in organized leagues is flat, even shrinking. The number of organizations trying to sign up those players - Little League, Cal Ripken, Dixie, travel leagues - expands every year.
Showing posts with label Dixie Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dixie Baseball. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sunday, March 28, 2010
What's in a name? A youth sports league is asking
I received this the other day.
I am not involved in the research and don't know the researchers. But the project seems worthwhile so I am passing it on.
We are currently conducting research for a national youth baseball league to find out how people view the word "Dixie". Would you be willing to help us in our project?
We have a survey of about 10 questions that will take people no longer than five minutes to complete.
This is a link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J3JYJNW
The email didn't mention it, but I assume the reference is to Dixie Baseball, an organization that as of 2005 included about 400,000 players. The league has a sullied past. It formed in 1955. That year, a Little League program in South Carolina composed of all African American players entered the annual post-season tournament (leading to the Little League World Series). This was during the days of institutionalized segregation.
All-white Little Leagues around the state balked. They refused to play the black team. Instead, 61 leagues organized their own tournament. Eventually, the movement grew into Dixie Baseball. Now Dixie leagues are in 11 states. The organization long ago outgrew its racist roots. Now, it appears open to shedding its name.
In 2005, the 50th anniversary of the controversy, Little League Baseball honored the black players from South Carolina. Nice story.
I recommend participating in the poll.
I am not involved in the research and don't know the researchers. But the project seems worthwhile so I am passing it on.
We are currently conducting research for a national youth baseball league to find out how people view the word "Dixie". Would you be willing to help us in our project?
We have a survey of about 10 questions that will take people no longer than five minutes to complete.
This is a link to the survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/J3JYJNW
The email didn't mention it, but I assume the reference is to Dixie Baseball, an organization that as of 2005 included about 400,000 players. The league has a sullied past. It formed in 1955. That year, a Little League program in South Carolina composed of all African American players entered the annual post-season tournament (leading to the Little League World Series). This was during the days of institutionalized segregation.
All-white Little Leagues around the state balked. They refused to play the black team. Instead, 61 leagues organized their own tournament. Eventually, the movement grew into Dixie Baseball. Now Dixie leagues are in 11 states. The organization long ago outgrew its racist roots. Now, it appears open to shedding its name.
In 2005, the 50th anniversary of the controversy, Little League Baseball honored the black players from South Carolina. Nice story.
I recommend participating in the poll.
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