Little League banned metal cleats for player safety

In 1997, the Little League World Series banned metal cleats to protect young athletes. This rule, applied across all divisions, replaced sharp metal spikes with safer molded or rubber alternatives. The decision came after concerns about injuries like cuts and punctures, especially for developing bodies. While professional baseball still uses metal cleats, Little League's forward-thinking approach significantly reduced lower-leg injuries in youth play, proving that tradition can evolve for safety.