History of National Babe Ruth League

(extracts from the National Website)

In 1951, ten men from Hamilton Township, New Jersey, who believed that the future of their community depended upon the proper development of young people, met for the purpose of forming a baseball program for young men between 13 and 15 years of age , who had graduated out of Little League. The organization they created , Little Bigger League, became Babe Ruth League, Inc, in 1954, and operates under the National trade names Babe Ruth Baseball and Babe Ruth Softball.

• In 1966, Babe Ruth League expanded to create a new 16-18u division for older boys.  
• In 1974, the 13-Year-Old Prep division was added, which allows 13-year-old players to focus on making the transition to the regulation size diamond as they graduate from the smaller infield sizes of Little League, while competing with peers only their own age.
• In 1982, Babe Ruth League created the Bambino division for players ages 4-12.
• In 1984, Babe Ruth League expanded into girls softball with the Babe Ruth Softball division, which encompasses players 4 to 18 years of age. The program was organized because Babe Ruth League saw a need for a quality national softball program. The softball program was designed to focus on all ability levels of young female athletes, providing them with the same enriching athletic experience as the baseball divisions.
• In 1999 the Bambino division was renamed “Cal Ripken Baseball," to recognize that Cal Ripken, Sr. and Jr. both share the vision and philosophy of Babe Ruth League as it applies to development of young baseball players.  
• In 2000 the Bambino Buddy-Ball division was created for players ages 5-20 who are physically and/or mentally challenged.  A “buddy” helps the player swing a bat, round the bases, catch a ball, etc. 
• 2013 saw the addition of Xtreme Fastpitch to accommodate softball participants who wish to hone their skills by playing a higher degree of competition, with the goal of continuing play into high school and beyond.

Babe Ruth League has increased steadily from its first 10-team league in New Jersey, to its present combined size of well over one million players on over 60,000 teams in more than 11,000 leagues;  the organization currently boasts well over 1.9 million volunteers.

Local leagues are independent and autonomous, but are chartered and insured by Babe Ruth League, and agree to operate within the general guidelines provided by Babe Ruth League

Babe Ruth League offers an unparalleled, prestigious tournament trail for its participants. A tournament team from each chartered local league enters its district tournament. District winners advance to statewide competition, State winners advance to one of eight regional tournaments, and the eight regional champions from across the United States and Canada compete in an annual World Series. 

The Cal Ripken Major/70 World Series features 10 participating World Series teams from the United States and eight international teams to determine a true “World Champion."  This World Series is played at the Ripken Complex/Youth Academy in Aberdeen, Maryland.

The Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball Mission Statement:  to use regulation competitive baseball and softball rules, to teach skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, Babe Ruth League, Inc. is committed to providing our participants the very best educational, sports experience possible.

It is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball or softball be afforded that opportunity.

Jump to the National Website HERE to read more about the global organization