Hey Everyone,

We hope you’re all excited for the start of the season! We sure are. There’s nothing better than seeing young athletes step up to the plate with confidence, ready to play the game they love. But this year, Little League has taken away an important choice that belongs to parents and players—the ability to use protective gear that helps prevent injury at the plate.

Little League’s sudden and unnecessary ban on thumb protectors puts players at risk and, in doing so, undermines their confidence and enjoyment of the game.

Little League has failed to provide a clear explanation of how a thumb protector modifies the bat—because, quite simply, it does not. That claim is incorrect.

If you reach out to Little League (and we hope you will, for the sake of your athlete) and they claim a thumb guard provides an unfair advantage, ask them to explain, ask for a clear explanation, as this is illogical. How can a simple, effective piece of protective gear create an advantage? A thumb guard doesn’t alter the bat, its weight, or the player's ability to hit—it simply provides protection from painful impact and bat sting. If that’s their argument, why are items like tape, batting gloves, shin guards, cleats, helmets, etc. still allowed? These are all items that can provide comfort, reduce injury, and help players perform better, yet they are not banned. So why is a thumb guard being singled out?

More importantly, why are they stripping away a player’s right to choose essential safety gear? Athletes deserve the ability to protect themselves at bat, and with this unnecessary and illogical ban, Little League is doing a disservice to player safety.

Parents must make it clear to Little League that removing essential safety gear puts players at risk. The safety of youth athletes at the plate should be prioritized, not taken away.

We need your help to keep up the pressure!

💬 Leave a comment on this petition – Share why thumb protection matters to you and your player. Your stories, your voice, make a difference!

📢 Spread the word – Share this petition with other parents, teammates, and coaches,  The more voices we have, the stronger our message!

📧 Reach out to your local Little League – Contact info can be found on the Little League website. Send emails, make calls, and ask for real answers!

Thumb guards have been used for decades at all levels of play to help protect players at bat. Little League should not be taking away essential safety gear!

Let’s work together to get it reversed and keep kids safe at the plate!

Keep the momentum going and let's get to 200 signatures! Thank you for standing up for youth safety!

Best,
Craig First

PS: Let’s hit our goal of 200 signatures and keep the pressure on Little League to prioritize youth safety! Every voice matters. If you haven’t signed yet, please do—and share with others who care about keeping players safe at the plate.