Following a well-attended media conference on December 30 at the Little League Baseball Museum in Williamsport, in which R. W. Grand Master Robert L. Dluge, Jr. announced $500,00 contribution to Little League, Pennsylvania Masonry was featured in television broadcasts and newspaper stories across the state. The contribution will be used to sponsor a big league-style scoreboard marked with Masonic symbols and to dedicate a bronze statue honoring the late Bro. Carl Stotz, Founder of Little League baseball. A Masonic cornerstone laying ceremony for the memorial statue is also being planned for the unveiling and dedication during the Little League World Series.

Bro. Stotz was a member of John F. Laedlein Lodge No. 707, Williamsport. He is credited with the idea of organized baseball for young boys. The program was founded in 1939 with only three teams. Today it has grown to become the world's largest organized youth sports program. Nearly three million boys and girls participate in Little League baseball and softball programs, with one million volunteers in 103 countries.
Grand Master Dluge presented the check to Stephen D. Kemmer, President and C.E.O. of Little League Baseball; Karen Stotz Myers, daughter of the late Bro. Carl Stotz; and Theodore H. Reich, Chairman of Little League Baseball International Board of Directors.
In receiving the grant, President Kemmer said: "With Little League Baseball continuing to grow and expand, it is appropriate that we take this opportunity to remember Carl Stotz as the founder of our program. We thank the Masons of Pennsylvania for their generosity and their belief in the mission of Little League as they memorialize Mr. Stotz. Their gifts will be of benefit to the children around the world."

© 2000, The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania | Credits