Little
League Baseball is an international organization that is on a mission to
develop, supervise, and encourage the participation of youth in the games of
baseball and softball. Their program
assist communities improve qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and
physical well-being in its players and volunteers. The words Character, Courage, and Loyalty are
branded on every baseball uniform and in the hearts and minds of some of
baseball’s biggest fans.
There are
lots of non-profit organizations today with important missions but let’s face
it there is no shortage of good causes. Little
League Baseball decided in the early 1980’s they needed to improve the
connection with fans new and old. They drew
on deep of relationships with the world’s best brand experts. Disney was selected because its founder, Walt
Disney, had served on the Little League Foundation board of trustees for nine
years.
Dugout is
the official mascot of Little League baseball was created by artists at Disney
Consumer Products, who considered him a cross between a gopher and a beaver. Dugout
was introduced by Disney’s Sport Goofy at the Little League World Series in
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in 1985.
Every year since introduction, the antics of the Little League’s lovable
mascot has brought smiles and laughter to a generation of Little League players
and spectators, on and off the field, as well as on television.
Whether
or not you are a baseball fan or not I think you will agree that for the last
50 years baseball is synonymous American culture. I can remember growing up and thinking there
is something special about friends cheering as you hit the ball or parents
bringing the team snack after the game. It’s
funny how we grow up, experiencing something special; however, not really knowing
how special it is to you turn-over a printed tag on a toy 30 years later.
“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.” – Little League Pledge.
I am
confident that growing an organization and raising a family with the mission of
“Building Character” is all part of a journey started on the Little League
fields. Like many who play the game,
most will not make it to the World Series.
Rest assured the lessons learned, memories created, and lives touched
will be no less valuable. Building an entertaining
character is only the beginning of value creation.
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