More than 70,000 players, coaches, and fans traveled to Williamsport for the 79th Little League Baseball World Series, injecting an estimated $40 million into Pennsylvania’s economy according to the Lycoming County Visitor’s Bureau. First held at Memorial Park in Williamsport in 1947, the competition has included teams from 44 US states and 29 different countries.
“For 79 years, Pennsylvania remains the center of little league baseball each year, inviting thousands of visitors from across the globe to Williamsport,” said Anne Ryan, DCED Deputy Secretary of Tourism. “This year, the Commonwealth has been the center of some of the biggest events, and this is no different. Events like the Little League World Series usher in economic stability, boost communities and businesses, and have visitors adding Pennsylvania to their annual travel itinerary.”
This year, retired Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres first baseman Steve Garvey served as Grand Marshal for the Grand Slam Parade on August 18th and threw out the first pitch of the series on August 19th. Additionally, Williamsport Welcomes the World on August 28th featured former Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, the most recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductee who will serve as the 3rd base coach for the annual Challenger Exhibition Game on August 29th.
“Little League Baseball and the Little League World Series is one of the few annual global sports to be held in the United States and Williamsport is home to the largest truly global youth sports tournaments,” said Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau. “This tournament is a key driver to the local economy bringing to the region over $40m and 70,000 plus visitors during these two weeks in August.”
