History of Babe Ruth Leagues of Virginia, Inc.
1951 TO THE PRESENT

Babe Ruth League, Inc., the parent program, is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization devoted to providing wholesome amateur baseball and softball for 4- to 18-year-olds.

Originated in 1951 in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, as a local youth athletic activity, Babe Ruth Baseball has become one of the world's largest youth baseball and softball programs.

Babe Ruth competition on regulation diamonds under the basic rules of organized baseball and softball has affiliated local leagues throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America, South America, and Europe. The Babe Ruth League history is one of steady growth with several hundred new leagues registering each year as youngsters the world over have experienced the thrill of organized competition in a program lauded by youth and recreation leaders everywhere.

In addition to baseball and softball, ever-increasing numbers of young people are taught basic American ideals while playing under the Babe Ruth banner, and this unceasing growth seems certain to carry this program, perpetuating the name of one of America's greatest sports heroes, to even greater heights in coming years.

Babe Ruth League Baseball and Softball, above all, is of, by, and for the young people whom it serves. In adopting rules, in establishing standards, and in all planning, the primary consideration at all levels is what is best for the youngsters. Before Babe Ruth League, Inc., was formed, 13-15 year-olds were the "orphans" of the organized baseball picture. Today, this group is participating in ever-growing numbers in a program hailed as one of the finest ever established. Babe Ruth League, Inc., strongly recommends its program to everyone who is vitally interested in the youth of the world.

In 1952, a league of four teams was organized in Front Royal, Virginia, the first Babe Ruth Baseball organization in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Today, there are about 1,700 baseball and softball teams under the direct supervision and administration of our Virginia State and District Commissioners.

"For when the One Great Scorer comes to mark against your name,
He writes, not that you won or lost, but HOW you played the Game..."
Grantland Rice (1908/1914)

[Revised: 03/09/14]