CHICAGO — On this day in 1939, something truly iconic began on a small field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — the sport of Little League Baseball was officially born.
In the very first game ever played under the Little League banner, Lundy Lumber defeated Lycoming Dairy 23-8, igniting a youth baseball tradition that has since spread to more than 80 countries and inspired generations of kids to step up to the plate (Chicago Tribune).
How It All Started
Little League was founded by Carl Stotz, a local oil clerk who envisioned a formal structure for youth baseball in his hometown. That first game on June 6, 1939, featured neighborhood teams with community backing — and launched what would become a global youth sports movement.
Today, the Little League World Series, still held in Williamsport, attracts millions of viewers worldwide and stands as one of the most celebrated amateur sports tournaments in the U.S. (LittleLeague.org)
Other Major Events That Happened on June 6
In addition to the first Little League game, June 6 has a long and fascinating history:
1944 – D-Day: Allied Invasion of Normandy
Nearly 160,000 Allied troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in a massive effort to liberate Western Europe from Nazi control during World War II. More than 4,400 Allied soldiers died on that day, including 2,501 Americans (Chicago Tribune).
1889 – The Great Seattle Fire
An industrial accident triggered a fire that destroyed 120 acres of Seattle’s downtown area, including much of its commercial and waterfront districts.
1933 – First Drive-In Movie Theater Opens
Camden, New Jersey, became home to the first-ever drive-in movie theater — a concept that quickly spread across America and defined mid-century leisure.
1912 – Novarupta Volcano Eruption in Alaska
A powerful volcanic eruption sent ash 19 miles into the sky, making it the largest eruption in North America in recorded history.
1966 – James Meredith Shot During Civil Rights March
Civil rights activist James Meredith was shot and wounded during his solo protest march from Memphis to Jackson. He survived and later rejoined what grew into a 15,000-person demonstration by the time it reached Jackson.
2015 – American Pharoah Wins the Triple Crown
After a 37-year drought, American Pharoah became the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown, clinching the Belmont Stakes by over five lengths.
June 6 Birthdays: A Few Notable Names
-
Gary U.S. Bonds (singer-songwriter) – 86
-
Marian Wright Edelman (civil rights icon) – 86
-
Tommie Smith (Olympic gold medalist and protest icon) – 81
-
Paul Giamatti (actor, “Sideways,” “Billions”) – 58
-
Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (Lily from “Modern Family”) – 18
Did you grow up playing Little League or watching the World Series?
Share your hometown baseball memories with us in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — or tag us with your vintage Little League photos!
