By JoEllen Wankel
news@bradfordstar.com
“Baseball and softball embody the discipline of teamwork. They challenge players toward perfection of physical skills and bring into play the excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of the sports teach that while every player eventually strikes out or is on the losing team, there is always another chance for success in the next at-bat or game.”
www.littleleague.org
In 1939, the first season of Little League baseball was played in Williamsport, Pa., thanks to the ingenuity of Carl Stoltz. With 30 players and three teams, the league came to life and Bradford Regional Little League is keeping that fire alive in the hearts and minds of players in both Bradford and Otto-Eldred school districts.
BRLL President Jeremy Luna took some time to discuss all things baseball and softball Monday. He explained the BRLL roster totals 484 players this year, a slight dip from last year’s over 500 but still an impressive gathering of youth from age 5 to 16.
Luna noted the largest numbers lie in the entry level divisions — with around 100 kids playing T-Ball and roughly 80 in Machine Pitch.
“We are very bottom-heavy,” Luna said, referring to the larger number of players in the youngest divisions. “That’s good — and good for the future of the program.”
The league proudly took over Main Street for a bit on April 27, showcasing the various divisions in a parade — the first little league themed parade in Bradford in a number of years. Sponsors and emergency vehicles, coaches and team members were part of the festivities, braving the overcast skies and damp street to celebrate the kick off of the 2024 season. The day continued with games at Pitt softball field, although the full slate wasn’t accomplished due to unfavorable weather.
Weather can be a stressful component of any outdoor sports season, and little league is not immune. Luna explained the schedule is made and any number of things can throw a wrench into game play. Therefore, the schedule is flexible – as long as the game ultimately gets played.
“We’re always hoping to see growth,” Luna said, explaining that no kids are turned away. Families with kids who are interested in playing are encouraged to sign them up, taking the opportunity to hit the field and forget school and life’s drama for a couple of hours.
He noted that the community is very supportive as well, with businesses happy to support the little league during fundraising efforts.
Younger players generally play in the area, while older players can travel to play Potter-McKean teams and Smethport. For games in Bradford, the goal is to have every field active during the season, which can mean as many as eight to nine games per night. However, a good night will see pitches thrown and bats swung on four to five fields.
The season starts in mid-April and runs through mid-June, at which point the league gets into the all-star season.
“We try to get an all-star team for each age group for both softball and baseball. That goes as long as the teams go,” Luna explained. “Hopefully, we make a good run and they play well into the postseason. Then we take a little break, and Fall Ball starts in late August.”
For Fall Ball, people come from all over to play, and are invited to enjoy time on the fields. Luna explained the format is less about structure and more about fun in the four to six weeks of play (weather-dependent).
Giving Every Kid a Chance at Bat
A more recent addition to the BRLL is the Challenger Division, Little League’s “adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and intellectual challenges.” This division has been hitting the field for three years now, welcoming players from Bradford as well as any nearby community where a Challenger team is not already in existence.
Erin and Josh Bridge spearhead the Challenger Division.
“We love having them as part of the program,” Luna said. He explained he helps support by ordering supplies and otherwise stops by to see a game on occasion, as Erin and Josh handle the rest. The Bradford team plays on Wednesdays at Pitt-Bradford’s softball field, including facing Warren twice a year, and looks for other teams to compete against to expand their schedule.
Luna expressed gratitude to Pitt-Bradford for allowing access to the field, which is the most handicap accessible and really lets the kids get the full game experience.
The field will also host Friday evening games, starting at 7 p.m., to give the different age groups experience playing under the lights. Starting May 17, these games will be played by Major and Minor divisions.
“Every kid loves playing on the big field under the lights. It’s a pretty cool experience for everyone, and we are very appreciative of Pitt for allowing us that,” Luna said.
From Volunteer to President
Luna explained his involvement with the league started when he and a couple of friends with kids the same age stepped up to help out with T-Ball when his daughter was playing.
He took on an expanded role as opportunities arose through the years, eventually becoming president. His daughter pursues other interests currently, but his son plays in the league.
Watching the league grow has been a joy, but that means more hands on deck for things to operate smoothly.
‘With that many kids, we could always use more help,” Luna said. He explained the league finds a place for all volunteers who can pass a background check.
Parents may handle busy schedules and dinner on the run during the season, but they can be proud of their kids for being part of something, especially something as big as the BRLL. Luna said he has heard gratitude from parents who are happy to have such a fun opportunity and learning experience available to their children.
For game results please visit BRLL on Facebook.
