Babson Professor Natalie Taylor, Case Director
Michael Grossman, Steve Cox and Sheryl Overlan, Case Writers

Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship,
© Babson College, 2003.

Abstract

This industry note is recommended to be used in conjunction with Professor Taylor’s case entitled Little League Baseball Inc. It provides an in-depth look at the nineteenth century origins of professional baseball in the United States and the development of youth baseball beginning in the 1930’s. Today, there are five major youth baseball organizations operating in the U.S. – the Little League being the most well known. The note furnishes a short history of these organizations as well as a comparative profile of key industry parameters. Financial statements for four of the organizations are also provided. A major benefit that can be gained by using this note with the Little League case is the discussion about the competitive pressures that baseball has encountered over the past few decades. America’s youth are watching more television and playing other sports such as basketball and soccer. As a result from 1997 to 2002, youth baseball participation dropped by more than 20 percent even though the youth population grew by four percent during the same period.

Location of the company: Throughout the United States
Years spanned by the case: 1850,s to 2002
Industry segments: Entertainment, baseball
Stage of the company: Mature to declining
Age of the entrepreneur: N/A
Key Words: entertainment, baseball, sports, youth, non-profits, mature/declining industry

DVD

There is a no DVD available for this case.

Teaching Notes

A four page case teaching package, written by Professor Natalie Taylor, is available for this note. The teaching package includes additional readings about nonprofits and baseball, suggested assignment questions for the students and answers for classroom discussion.