Ypsilanti American Little League History
Ypsilanti American Little League was formed in 1953 and is said to be the first chartered Little League in Michigan. Additionally, the league has rich history with being the first ever to allow female players to play baseball. In 1973, Carolyn King decided to try out for Ypsilanti American Little League baseball -despite being told Little League had a "No Girls Policy". The league President at the time, William "Bill" Anhut allowed Carolyn to try out despite it being against the rules. Subsequently she earned a starting position and was drafted to the Orioles team that season (ahead of 15 boys) who had tried out. When officials at Little League International in Williamsport, PA learned of Carolyn's place on the team they threatened to revoke the league's charter sparking a series of legal battles that are still talked about today.
Ultimately the "No Girls Policy" was revoked and by 1975 girls were allowed to legally play Little League baseball.
You can learn more about the history of Carolyn King and Ypsilanti American Little League (now known as Ypsi-Arbor American Little League or YALL) by visiting the links below:
(1) The Girl in Centerfield | Facebook
The Power of One: Carolyn King, first girl Little Leaguer (annarbor.com)
Carolyn King - Wikipedia
Long after she helped change Little League, Carolyn King's legacy remains alive and well (annarbor.com)
Ypsi-Arbor American Little League Today
Today, Ypsi-Arbor American Little League or "YALL" serves families in portions of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Township, Pittsfield Township and Ann Arbor. The league provides opportunities for kids ages 4-15 to learn the fundamentals of baseball while emphasizing sportsmanship. The league offers no-cut, coed and age-based placement for T-Ball, Coach Pitch, Advanced Coach Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors and Senior divisions. The league plans to offer softball beginning in Spring 2023.
YALL is a not for profit 501(c)3 and is funded through local business and individual sponsors. The league prides itself on allowing every player to play regardless of financial status. No player is ever turned away for an inability to pay.
YALL offers both Spring and Fall baseball.
Registration for Spring season opens January 1st of each year with the season running late April-end of June
Registration for Fall season opens June 1st each year with the season running starting the Saturday after Labor Day thru end of October