Bob Moon, age 9, of Tonawanda, N.Y., for his question:

WHEN WAS LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL STARTED?

Little League baseball was organized in Williamsport, Penn., in 1939. Today more than 60,000 teams play in over 10,000 leagues throughout the world.

The sport is organized for players between the ages of 8 and 12. The diamond is two thirds the size of a regulation baseball diamond, and games last six innings instead of nine.

Players wear rubber cleated shoes and use bats no longer than 33 inches. The ball weighs between five and five and a quarter ounces. Batters and base runners must wear protective helmets.

In 1974, girls were permitted for the first time to play on Little League baseball teams. Prior to that time it was for boys only.

A Senior League division is held for players 13 to 15 years of age and a Big League division is for those between 16 to 18.