What Is 2019 Intermediate League World Series

Overview

The 2019 Intermediate League World Series was a youth baseball tournament for players aged 11 to 13, organized by Little League International. Held annually, the event showcases top regional champions from the U.S. and around the world in a single-elimination format.

The tournament took place from July 31 to August 7, 2019, at Max Baer Park in Livermore, California. It featured ten teams: five representing U.S. regions and five international qualifiers, each having won their respective leagues to earn a spot.

• Taiwan claimed the championship by defeating the host team from California with a final score of 4–2 in the title game.
• The U.S. teams represented regions including West, Southeast, Great Lakes, Northwest, and Mid-Atlantic.
• International teams included squads from Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Venezuela.
• Games were played using a 50/70 field configuration—50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths—to prepare players for full-size diamonds.
• This was the sixth edition of the Intermediate League World Series, first introduced in 2013 for the 12–13 age group.

How It Works

The Intermediate League World Series follows a structured format designed to transition young athletes from smaller fields to regulation-sized diamonds. Teams qualify through regional tournaments, with winners advancing to the global stage in Livermore.

• Qualification: Teams earn berths by winning their respective U.S. regional or international zone tournaments, typically held in July.
• Age Range: Players must be between 11 and 13 years old, with strict age cutoffs based on Little League guidelines.
• Field Dimensions: The tournament uses 50-foot pitching mounds and 70-foot base paths, bridging the gap between standard Little League and full-size fields.
• Pool Play: The ten teams are divided into two pools—U.S. and International—competing in a round-robin format before advancing to knockout rounds.
• Championship Format: The top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals, followed by a final game to determine the world champion.
• Host City: Since 2013, Livermore, California has hosted the event at Max Baer Park, providing facilities and community support.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2019 Intermediate League World Series with other major Little League tournaments:

This comparison highlights how Little League structures its tournaments by age and field size. The Intermediate level serves as a developmental bridge, preparing players for larger fields and more advanced competition. Unlike the Majors division in Williamsport, which draws global attention, the Intermediate Series focuses on skill progression and regional representation.

Why It Matters

The Intermediate League World Series plays a critical role in youth baseball development, offering a competitive platform for players transitioning to higher levels. It emphasizes sportsmanship, regional pride, and international camaraderie.

• Player Development: The 50/70 field helps athletes adapt to longer distances before moving to full 60/90 fields in Junior League.
• Global Exposure: Teams from countries like Taiwan and Venezuela gain international experience and cultural exchange opportunities.
• Community Impact: Host cities like Livermore benefit economically and socially from tourism and local volunteer engagement.
• Pathway to Excellence: Many participants go on to play high school and college baseball, using this event as a developmental milestone.
• Little League Growth: The tournament reflects Little League International’s expansion into age-specific divisions to support long-term athlete development.
• Media Coverage: Games are streamed online, increasing visibility for young athletes and promoting grassroots baseball globally.

By bridging the gap between youth and advanced play, the 2019 Intermediate League World Series reinforced Little League’s mission to develop character and skill through structured competition.