History
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Presidents of Valley Little League
1957 …………………………………………………………………………..Dick Givens
1958-1959 …………………………………………………………………….John Eccard
1960 …………………………………………………………………………Jack Llewllyn
1961 ……………………………………………………..…Harry Patton & Jack Llewllyn
1962-1963…………………………………………………………………....Aaron Steiner
1964…………………………………………………………………………….Carl Brandt
1965………………………………………………………………………….Aaron Steiner
1966……………………………………………………………………….Ken Phetteplace
1967…………………………………………………………………………..Frank Eccard
1968-1969…………………………………………………………………….Ken Bachtell
1970-1971………………………………………………………………………...Jim Stout
1972……………………………………………………………………….…Walt Rudisell
1973-1974……………………………………………………………………..Bob Boward
1975-1976…………………………………………………………………...…Walt Miller
1977-1978……………………………………………………………………Frank Bushey
1979……………………………………………………………………..Jack Hockensmith
1980-1981…………………………………………………………………….Frank Eccard
1982-1983…………………………………………………………………..…Phil Nussear
1984…………………………………………………………………………….Larry Trace
1985……………………………………………………..…Craig Clevenger & Norm Scott
1986-1988……………………………………………………………………..Harry Harsh
1989………………………………………………………………………….Steve Kendall
1990………………………………………………………………………Denny Kauffman
1991……………………………………………………………………………..Bill Hemm
1992……………………………………………………………………………Don Wilson
1993………………………………………………………………………….Frank Quillen
1994-1995…………………………………………………………………Cathy Wynkoop
1996………………………………………………………………………….Frank Quillen
1997…………………………………………………………………………Jackie Bowser
1998…………………………………………………………………………Gary Barnhart
1999……………………………………………………………………………Mark Feiser
2000-2001………………………………………………………………….Frank Morrisey
2002-2003…………………………………………………………………….…Ken Toms
2004-2005……………………………………………………………………Kathy Forrest
2006-2007……………………………………………..……………………….Brian Stone
2008-2009...……………………………………………………………………Jeff Bowers
2010………………………………………………………...…P. J. Everett & Mark Mades
2011-2012…………………………………………………………………….Lowell Coats
2013…………………………………………………………………………..Jason Snyder
2014…………………………………………………………………………...David Gouff
2015-2016.....................................................................................................Nathan Holmes
2017……………………………………………………………………… Bill McCartney
2018-2019...................................................................................................Jonathan Boyer
2020-2021..................................................................................................Joe Reagan
2022...........................................................................................................Todd Glines
Valley Little League:
A History:
Dedicated To: All the volunteers who worked countless hundreds of
hours to fulfill the dream of a baseball complex,
which today is called Valley Little League.
SHILLING FIELD:
The Valley Little League held an organizational meeting at the Chewsville Church on Monday, June 3, 1957. Norman Haines, temporary chairman, presided.
This was the first recorded meeting; but there were evidently previous discussions, as there were at this time two confirmed sponsors (Jefferson Heights Civic Association and North American Cement Corp.). In addition, the Lions Club and Pangborn were being approached by Rev. Homer Kendahl and Tyson Waltz. A five-year lease had been secured from Paul Shilling to use his field for baseball, and the estimated cost of grading was $500.00. Norman Klipp was helpful in this project. The field was just off Jefferson Blvd., on the Leitersburg-Chewsville Road to the right, just before going across the railroad tracks. For the next five years, this would be known as Shilling Field.
The first officers elected were:
President………………………………………………………...….Richard Givens
Vice President………………………………………………..Rev. Romer Kendahl
Secretary…………………………………………………………...Norman Haines
Treasurer………………………………………………………… George Williams
Player Agent…………………………………………………....Robert Hammersla
Tryouts the first year began on June 8th, using Grimm’s field in Chewsville for tryouts and practice. This was on the north side of Rt. 64 where the junkyard is no located. The new road had just been cut thru and the state had leveled off this field. There were no backstops, bases, or fences – just a field.
Opening Day was June 28th, 1957, with four (4) teams.
The team managers were:
Joe Luipersbeck, Vic Springer, George Bachtell, Norman Haines
Tyson Waltz (President of Lion Club) donated a flag pole. The season was very short due to the late start. However, the results were remarkable. Equipment from Semler McFaddin Sport Goods Store cost & 981.01; and after paying all bills, had a balance of $493.87 to start a new year.
Since the beginning, fund raising has been a problem. Membership cards (later called booster cards) were sold since the first year. The ladies also have been very active, especially in the concession stand and at the festival. The first festival was held on August 31, 2957, and the committee was: Homer Kendahl, John Eccard, Charles Bowser and Norman Haines.
A franchise had been obtained from Little League headquarters and there was some confusion regarding the boundaries for selection of players. It was decided to follow strictly the boundaries as set up in the franchise.
In 1958, the insurance cost was $600.00 from Little League headquarters in Williamsport, PA. The franchise cost $25.00, as did entering a team in the tournament. Outfield fences and backstop wire were purchased. The sponsor fees were set at $100.00 and the teams were expanded to five with Jones Gas as sponsor and Robert Kline as manager. On April 14, 1958, the Board of Directors voted to incorporate the League at a cost of $32.00. May 5th was set aside as Little League Day when all players were asked to sell “membership cards” in the area. A microphone and speakers were purchased, and it was decided to take the team members to an Oriole’s game in Baltimore at a cost of $100.00. In November 1958, a shooting match and a dance were held to raise funds, with the cooperation of the gun clubs. In the early years the shooting matches were all held at South Mountain Rod & Gun Club. Later, North American Rob & Gun Club helped out.
A minor league was started in 1959, and they played their games on Saturday. The playing field required constant work as seven loads of top soil were added to the infield. There was also problems throughout this period with the availability of practice fields.
A sixth team was added in 1960, with South Mountain Rod & Gun Club as the sponsor. New Uniforms were purchased for four teams for $102.00 per team of 15 players. Four umpires agreeing to umpire were: ‘Strap’ McKenzie, Tom Anthony, George Koontz and Frank Eccard. During this time, the season was split in half; two weeks in the middle to allow for rainouts and tournament play, and the second half beginning on July 4 and ending on August 19. The League members went to Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC to see Baltimore and Washington play. The first League picnic was held on August 28, 1960.
On September 28, 1960, a committee was formed to look for a new playing field. The lease would run out in two years and Shilling Field was just too small. The right field fence was extremely short and baseballs were constantly being hit over this fence into the adjacent oats field resulting in damages having to be paid for tramping down the oats while retrieving the baseballs.
Jones Gas Co. sponsored a team in 1961 for the last season.
On September 9, 1961, Jake Bonebrake and Aaron Steiner reported that an option had been taken on 15 acres at $7000.00 or 8 acres at $3000.00 of the Spessard property for the desired, long-sought playing fields. Evidently a compromise was made on these two choices because as a special meeting on October 28, 1961, Jake Bonebrake reported on an offer by Charles Warrenfeltz to sell approximately 6 acres situated in the rear of the Warrenfeltz home for $5000.00. (This was part of the Spessard Apple Orchard.) The Land Committee recommended purchase of this property and approval was carried through by the Board of Directors. Officers present at the special meeting were: Aaron Steiner, Jake Bonebrake, John Eccard, Richard Chaney, and George Williams. This was the beginning of Valley Little League as it presently exists.
On November 16, 1961, $5000.00 was borrowed from Thomas W. Pangborn through the efforts of Martin Brown and Aaron Steiner. This loan was interest free and could be repaid as convenient. There was some consternation when the original letter to Mr. Chaney, Secretary of Valley Little League, arrived affirming the loan but without a check! A subsequent letter of apology was received on November 21, 2961, from Mr. Pangborn with the check for $5000.00 resulted in many sighs of relief.
In 1962, a period began where raising money was a priority item. Many contractors and agencies were contacted requesting assistance in clearing the new field and making a ball park. The County Roads Department, Hurd Bros., Green and Daley, Callas Contractors, Thomas Earley, and many others responded with help.
Shilling Field was still used for games in 1962, and the season was played for the first time with the break between halves.
The new field was name Thomas W. Pangborn Field on July 13, 1962.
PANGBORN FIELD:
Registration was held on the old field in 1963, and final grading around the new building on the new field was completed in May – just before Opening Day. The playing season was ended early to complete the new field. Also, Mr. Shilling, owner of the old field wanted his property put back in its original condition. The dugouts had to be filled, grass planted, concrete removed, and backstop and fences taken down, all before spring of 1964. This was all done by volunteer Valley Little League personnel. The known teams and managers for the first year (1963) at Pangborn Field were:
Major League:
Pangborn - Joe Luipersbeck
S.M.R.G. - Vic Springer
Lions - George Bachtell
Callas - Frank Eccard
NACCO - Jake Bonebrake
Minor League:
Lions - Jack Hockensmith
Pangborn - Raymond Feltner
NACCO - Unknown
Jones Gas - Unknown
It was during this period that the League started selling Christmas trees in addition to other fund raising activities. There were many cold fingers and toes endured to help play summertime baseball.
In these early years, each year a budget was submitted at the beginning of the year and most all bills were voted on by the Board of Directors for payment. At the year end, the books were audited. Both purchases and payments had to be approved.
The grading of the field was completed in 1964. Signs were being sold for the outfield fences (like Municipal Stadium) to help pay expenses. The League still owed $2500.00 for building materials, plus the $5000.00 to Mr. Pangborn. Many ideas were tried to raise funds: booster tickets, festival, raffle, selling score cards, selling dirt (top soil) and the ladies helped greatly in all events. Five shooting matches were held in the fall of 1964, and as a result the material bills were paid and $500.00 paid to Mr. Pangborn.
1965 saw the Minor League Representative voted in as a member of the Board of Directors; sprouting was completed on the building; a telephone was installed; and the Major League parking was completed.
In the fall of this year, an internal dispute arose which threatened the operation and continuation of Valley Little League. This was resolved at a special meeting presided over by Mr. Bob Day, Little League Representative, on October 13, 1965. New bylaws were drawn up and reorganization completed. Unfortunately, some members felt compelled to resign; but it was felt that the League emerged stronger and more stable as subsequent years proved.
From the beginning, the following years brought constant growth, development and building. 1966 saw rough work started on the Minor League field, $1,000.00 paid on the Pangborn debt, some blacktopping installed, a concession stand committee appointed, the first mention of an annual picnic, and the NACCO name changed to Marquette.
1967 was the year the hot water heater was donated and installed by Ralph Pryor. On the Minor League field, E.D. Plummer & Sons provided a grader to level the field. Then, in 1967, Mr. Thomas W. Pangborn died with Valley Little League owing $3,500.00. The estate called in all debts. The Board of Directors voted to pay $2500.00 on the Pangborn debt and asked for one year grace for the remaining $1000.00. This was done, but only nine months was granted for an extension. All building and construction came to a halt in 1968, since all energies were directed to paying off the debt to the Pangborn estate.
Smithsburg Lions came in as the sixth team sponsor in 1969 and lumber was approved to construct Minor League dugouts. 1970 saw the Major League Fences being repaired, a drive-thru gate being installed in left field, and the Seven-Up Co. installing a drink mixing machine in the concession stand. A used ice machine was purchased in 1971, and use of a paid groundskeeper began. (Previous to this each team took a weekly turn at Grounds keeping.)
1972 was the year that the Minor League finally took shape. Minor League Representative Bob Calandrelle obtained approval from the Board of Directors to make a presentable ball field. The two telephone poles with chicken wire which was the backstop was removed. The snow fence (briar covered) was removed. The materials for a new fence and backstop were secured at cost from May’s Hardware. Walt Miller supplied some heavy equipment and many people helped to complete this field. Finally, the apple tree was removed from center field.
The press box atop the building was added in 1973. Raymond Willard supervised the work which was done by League personnel. The Duvinage Corp. donated the spiral stairway which was installed in April 1973.
Soon after Opening Day in the spring of 1973, a tragic accident at home took the life of Joel Barr, a Valley Little League player. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Barr and family expressed the desire to provide a memorial and agreed to help fund the cost of a modern scoreboard. However, Mr. Barr soon afterward notified the League that they family would pay the entire cost. The new scoreboard that is now servicing the Major League was erected in the fall of 1973. Mr. Barr also provided help and equipment from Miller-Liskey to assure completion. A memorial plaque for Joel Barr was installed on the west side of the building above the concession stand windows. The old scoreboard was relocated to the Minor League field.
1974 was the year that Valley finally got a new ice making machine. New bleachers were built at the Minor League and a new building constructed at the Minor League for lockers and press box. Valley Little League was approved for an exemption from real property taxation and the office in Charge procedure was adopted for each game. A new 51-foot flagpole was obtained from the American Legion on Northern Avenue and installed. Discussion regarding a Senior League came up at several meetings. Frank Eccard, a longtime member of Valley, was elected District Administrator; a position he held through 1979.
On January 20, 1975, the Board of Directors voted to proceed with a Senior Division. Bob Boward was appointed to be in charge of the organization. Boundaries, uniforms, equipment, sponsors, playing field, umpires, managers and coaches were some of the problems to be solved. Little Sluggers, who had disbanded their program, cooperated. Four teams were planned for the first year. Modified Little Slugger and high school uniforms were used. The high school gave permission to use their field, but snow fences had to be erected. All equipment and supplies had to be carried in and removed after each game. The Senior League played two years on the high school field. In 1976, the league expanded to six teams.
On August 3, 1975, it was agreed to purchase four acres of land adjoining the Major League field known as Dye property. The final paperwork worked out to a purchase price of $12,000.00 with $2000.00 down and $2000.00 per year for five years at 6-12% interest. After much negotiation, the down-payment on the land was made in March 1976. This was a wooded area and many doubts were expressed over the wisdom of this purchase. Today it is justified.
Thus, began the era of the submarine sandwich. To overcome the debt, Valley Little League personnel made subs with the cooperation of Frank Bushey who provided push and space. Every winter thousands of Valley subs were mass produced and sold from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. All League members cooperated and the mortgage was burned in 1980.
The plot plans were signed by President Walt Miller on March 4, 1976, and clearing began. Jack Hockensmith, Walt Miller (heavy equipment), and many, many other spend hundreds of volunteer hours to clear the trees and brush until daylight was finally seen.
Huntzberry Bros. contracted to level and grade the land after clearing was completed. The cut wood was sold for $10.00 per pick up load. Grass was planted on the field in November 1976, and dugouts were built.
The second ice making machine for Valley Little League was purchase in 1977. The Minor League Representative was changed to “Vice President, Minor League”. The first season of Senior League was played on their own field, and Senior League backstops were purchased in January 1977. Sod had to be put on the low spots of the field. The Senior League fences were erected in April 1978.
1979 was the year the Senior League buildings were erected and the first year for the 13-year old All Star Team. Sound equipment was ordered for Senior Division and Huntzberry Bros. completed the road. The bus trip to the Oriole’s game was still in effect. A Senior League scoreboard was ordered in January 1979, and was installed in April 1980 by a volunteer crew headed by Bob Calendrelle. Also, in 1980, a new roof was installed on the Major League building, the Senior League flag pole was erected, and Craig Clevenger completed the inside of the Senior League press box. The final trip was made to the Oriole’s game due to the cost of the buses rising and many times not being available.
In 1981, the League started going to the Suns’ games and awarding prizes for selling booster tickets. The Senior League bleacher seats had to be replaced, the League started making ham and cheese sandwiches and Bob Calendrelle was commended for his many years and efforts to make the festivals a success.
The Kubota diesel tractor was purchased in 1982 and the Major League bleacher repaired.
The six and seven year old T-Ball League started in 1983, and the concession stand had a major overhaul in 1984. The Major League had a new backstop and fencing installed in 1985, and 1986 saw a Minor League Parking lot created after many loads of rubbish and trash were hauled away. Vic Ditto and the Washington County Roads Department donated much assistance with the clearing out for the parking lot.
In 1984, Valley entered a team in the Big League, 16, 17, and 18-year-olds. This league is operated by Little League District staff and most games are played on Hagerstown Junior College’s field. 1985 tournament (Regional) was held at Municipal Stadium. Valley’s entry coached by Courtney Beard has won the League championship both years since entering. In fact, all tournament All-Star teams from Valley have been very competitive and successful.
The work is not over. There is rebuilding, repairing, maintenance, constant fundraising, planning, painting and building. In fact, plans are now being made for the fourth field in 1987. This will be a T-Ball field for 6-7 year olds just beyond the Major and Minor fields. A ball player can now play at Valley Little League from five years old through 15 years old.
Congratulations to those men in 1957 who envisioned a Little League in the Chewsville area…one that would be independent, asking neither county, state nor federal assistance. We wish that they could see us now!
