Little League World Series canceled for 1st time amid coronavirus impact

For the first time since its inception in 1947, there will not be a Little League World Series in South Williamsport.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Little League International decided Thursday to cancel the annual regional and world-championship events, as well as its six other World Series tournaments.

“After a thorough assessment of the impact the devastating covid-19 pandemic has had on 6,500 community-based Little League programs in 84 countries and based upon the direction of governmental and public health authorities, and in consultation with medical professionals and our Board of Directors, Little League International has made the difficult and disappointing decision to cancel its seven World Series tournaments and their respective regional qualifying events,” Little League International said in an online release.

The cancellation of the World Series does not mean the entire 2020 season has been called off. Local leagues could play if health conditions and state and local regulations allow.

Full remarks from @littleleagueceo on the cancellation of the 2020 #LLWS and Region Tournaments. pic.twitter.com/JKo486asFg

— Little League (@LittleLeague) April 30, 2020

The other tournaments to be put on the shelf are Little League Softball, Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, Junior League Baseball, Junior League Softball, Senior League Baseball and Senior League Softball.

“This is a heartbreaking decision for everyone at Little League International, but more so for those millions of Little Leaguers who have dreamt of one day playing in one of our seven World Series events,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League president and CEO, said in the release.

Keener added the public health uncertainty that will exist several months from now, and after consultations with Pennsylvania government and health officials, as well as similar leaders from locations that will host other regional and World Series tournaments, the decision to cancel had to be made.

Factors that played into the cancellations, Little League International said, included not being able to play U.S. qualifying tournaments and the complexity of international travel restrictions, international teams indicating they would not be able to participate and testing and mitigation protocols that would need to be in place at each location should any attendee be diagnosed with covid-19.

While the tournaments will not take place, Little League International announced it will donate nearly $1.2 million in support to local leagues.

The Major League Baseball Little League Classic, a regular-season game between the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles set for Aug. 23 in South Williamsport, also was postponed.

The 75th anniversary of the Little League Baseball World Series was to be in 2021. That celebration now will be in 2022.

Additional information can be found at littleleague.org.