Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette correspondent Ryan Workman sings the national anthem as volunteers stretch a large American flag on the Montoursville Little League field as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024. .
Dr. Donald Shearer received a standing ovation as he walked from the third base dugout onto the field at Montoursville Little League's Leiter Field. It's been 70 years since he stepped on a Little League field, but there's no doubt he felt like a 12-year-old again.
Shearer threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Montoursville Little League's opening ceremony Saturday morning, which was more than fitting considering it was the league's 75th anniversary. Shearer played in the league in its first season in 1949 as a player for the International Furniture Company, one of the league's first five teams that year.
This year, the league's 75th season, Montoursville Little League has over 300 children participating, most of whom attended the opening ceremony. The league was founded in 1947, and the team competed in the first National Little League Tournament held at Original Field that year, but it wasn't until 1949 that the league was founded. .
“It's just a great opportunity. A great generation and group of kids that have gone through these fields and had the opportunity to play. Like in this area, fewer and fewer kids are participating in sports like Little League. We are very fortunate to be able to offer this opportunity.” said Montoursville Little League President Phil Sunderland, who is in his third year in office. “This year we have a league with 34 teams and over 300 kids participating in the league. I think it's a great opportunity to share that.”
Montoursville Little League has grown by leaps and bounds since the 1949 season. In its first year, the league consisted of five teams: Sylvania, Carey McFalls, Warsaw, International Furniture Company, and Cooper Insurance. Currently, the league consists of 34 teams in various divisions including Challengers, Minors, Majors, Juniors, and Seniors.
Ralph Wilson/Sun Gazette Correspondent Volunteers raise a large American flag over the Montoursville Little League field on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams, including T-ball, softball, baseball, and Challenger divisions.
The league now has four fields within a 20-mile radius and has grown from the first field at the corner of Mulberry and Arch streets, where the old high school auditorium was located.
“We are fortunate to have 315 children this year. Over the years, children have learned the importance of teamwork, friendship, loyalty and character in these areas.” Scott Metzger, a member of Montoursville Little League, said at the opening ceremony. “They grow up to be doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, teachers, and business owners. No matter where life takes them, they'll never forget the summers they played on this field.”
Metzger served as president of Montoursville Little League for 18 years before Sunderland took over.
“We see the community coming out and supporting as well. It's a really great opportunity to combine what we're doing in baseball and softball with the local community here.” Sunderland said.
Saturday's ceremony also included three proclamations commemorating the league's 75th anniversary. This includes a proclamation from the Pennsylvania State Senate, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Loyalsock Township), a proclamation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Sen. Joe Hamm (R-Hepburn Township), and a proclamation from Montoursville Mayor Steve.・Contains Mr. Bagwell's declaration.
By Ralph Wilson / Sun-Gazette Correspondent Dr. Donald “Doc” Shearer throws out the first pitch during the Montoursville Little League Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the program has expanded to 34 teams, with T-ball, softball, baseball and Challenger divisions.
“As Mayor of the Borough of Montoursville, I hereby proclaim this day, Saturday, May 4, 2024, as Montoursville Little League Day and wish everyone the best of luck for a fun and successful season.” Bagwell told attendees:
Mr Bagwell and Mr Ham were present to deliver the declaration, but Mr Yeo was unable to attend.
“I mean, this is a momentous occasion. Everyone who came before us built this league. What makes you great is the people around you who built the league. It's about the same.” Metzger said. “It's been an honor to be a part of it for so many years. There's nothing better than spending time with your family and doing something, and baseball is a great way to do that.”
After the awards and ceremony concluded in the late morning, the day began with matches in the Challenger division. Montoursville Little League will have a Challenger Division for the first time in 2020, and Metzger was fortunate enough to coach in its first year and is very happy to be able to do so.
“Right before COVID-19 hit, we wanted to have a challenger team in the league. So we came in, along with Jersey Shore and East Lycoming. , being able to coach that first Challenger team was one of my highlights as a coach. It was a lot of fun and the kids became friends with the kids in the Challenger division and friendships were built. Watch him grow and see his friendship with his friends.” Metzger said. “Now we have kids who can't wait to come here and be friends with the Challenger kids. That's a very special part of Little League Baseball. It's really great and it's great to have a division in our league. I'm honored to be able to do this.”
Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Little Leaguers listen to speakers during the opening ceremony of Montoursville Little League on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the program has expanded to 34 teams, encompassing T-ball, softball, baseball, and Challenger divisions.
Over the past 75 years, Montoursville Little League has achieved much through its age divisions. The minor girls softball program won the District 12 and Section 3 title in 1995, and the major softball program won the District 12 title in 1997. The minor baseball program won District 12 and Section 3 titles in 1997 and 2001, and a state title in 2001. In 1997, they finished third in the state.
The major baseball program has won a total of 10 District 12 titles, three Section 3 titles and two state championships, in addition to Eastern Regional runner-up in 1987 and State runner-up in 2002. .
The junior baseball program has an impressive track record since 1982 with 15 District 12 championships, eight Section 3 championships and two state titles. And the senior baseball program won 14 District 12 championships, eight Section III championships, four state championships, won the Eastern Division championship in 1990 and won the World Series that year. took 4th place.
Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Little Leaguers listen to speakers during the opening ceremony of Montoursville Little League on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the program has expanded to 34 teams, encompassing T-ball, softball, baseball, and Challenger divisions.
Ralph Wilson/Sun Gazette Correspondent Emma Sunderland reads the Little League Pledge during the Montoursville Little League Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the program has grown to 34 teams, encompassing T-ball, softball and baseball. and the challenger division.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun Gazette Correspondent Ryan Workman sings the national anthem during the opening ceremony of Montoursville Little League's 75th Anniversary Celebration Program on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Ralph Wilson/Sun Gazette Correspondent Volunteers raise a large American flag over the Montoursville Little League field on Saturday, May 4, 2024, to celebrate the program's 75th anniversary. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams, including T-ball, softball, baseball, and Challenger divisions.
Ralph Wilson / Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville Mayor Steve Bagwell welcomes the borough to Montoursville Little League as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Read the declaration.
By Ralph Wilson / Sun-Gazette Correspondent State Rep. Joe Hamm (R-Hepburn Township) speaks from the House of Representatives as the Montoursville Little League program celebrates its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Read the proclamation to Little League.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun Gazette Correspondent Scott Metzger introduced the teams that make up Montoursville Little League as the program celebrated its 75th anniversary with a parade and opening ceremony on Saturday, May 4, 2024. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams. The teams include T-ball, softball, baseball, and challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Players line the Little League baseball field in Montoursville on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary with a parade and opening ceremony. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses a wide range of teams. T-ball, softball, baseball, and challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Players line the Little League baseball field in Montoursville on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary with a parade and opening ceremony. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses a wide range of teams. T-ball, softball, baseball, and challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville Little League celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with a parade and opening ceremony at the Walnut Street field. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses the T-League. – Ball, Softball, Baseball and Challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Players enter the Montoursville Little League baseball field on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary with a parade and opening ceremony. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses a wide range of teams. T-ball, softball, baseball, and challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Players enter the Montoursville Little League baseball field on Saturday, May 4, 2024, as the program celebrates its 75th anniversary with a parade and opening ceremony. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses a wide range of teams. T-ball, softball, baseball, and challenger divisions.
By Ralph Wilson/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Montoursville Little League celebrated its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with a parade and opening ceremony at the Walnut Street field. Since its founding in 1949, the program has grown to 34 teams and encompasses the T-League. – Ball, Softball, Baseball and Challenger divisions.
