Little League Hits Line Drive Into Yugoslavia

Little League baseball, already in more than 30 countries, has hit a line drive over the rubble of the Iron Curtain into Yugoslavia, while Czechoslovakia, Romania and the Soviet Union may be next, a Little League official said.

“We welcome Yugoslavia into the Little League family,” said Creighton J. Hale, chief executive officer of Little League. “Our goal has always been to provide the benefits of Little League baseball to youngsters of all countries.

“For the first time, the people of Yugoslavia can take advantage of Little League baseball as a family-oriented activity while learning the values of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being.”

Yugoslavia is the 34th country to have Little League teams and the second in Eastern Europe. Poland’s Little League started last year.

Hale said negotiations are under way with the Soviet Union to start a Little League this year in Moscow. Czechoslovakia, Romania and Nigeria are also likely to start Little League baseball soon.

“We project 50 to 60 countries will be in the program within the next five to 10 years,” Hale said.