Celebrating 65 years of Little League baseball in Morristown

Nine members of the inaugural 1951 season return, for 2016 Opening Day of the Morristown National Little League. Photo by Berit Ollestad.
Nine members of the inaugural 1951 season return, for 2016 Opening Day of the Morristown National Little League. Photo by Berit Ollestad.
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Video: Opening Day 2016 Morristown National Little League

By Berit Ollestad

It’s been a raw spring, but the weather couldn’t keep Morristown from celebrating 65 years of Little League baseball being played in town.

Nine players from the 1951 inaugural season came to Burnham Park on a recent Saturday to  commemorate the Morristown National Little League’s presence here.

Most of them are well into their 70s by now and live up and down the eastern seaboard. But they shared vivid memories of playing baseball as 9- and 10-year-olds–and of learning good sportsmanship, hard work and character, lessons that have guided them through their lives.

The old timers seemed to agree on a few other things, too. The facilities have really improved since the days of playing with a snow fence to prevent balls from going into the road. Gone are the days of heavy wool socks.

They remembered their coaches as mentors, protectors, and pillars of the community.

“These were men coming back from WWII and they were part of the greatest generation this country has ever seen” said one former Little Leaguer.

Nine members of the inaugural 1951 season return, for 2016 Opening Day of the Morristown National Little League. Photo by Berit Ollestad.
Nine members of the inaugural 1951 season return, for 2016 Opening Day of the Morristown National Little League. Photo by Berit Ollestad.

“When you stand out here on these grounds, nothing else matters,” MNLL President Keith Chestnut said, recounting his boyhood ball playing.

Chestnut also encouraged the community to support the local businesses sponsoring teams.

“People are always going to them for handouts, but they really are supporting the community by supporting these teams” said Chestnut.

“When I told my friends back home [on Cape Cod] that Morristown was honoring us today, they couldn’t believe it,” said former Little Leaguer Steve Hoskins.

“I think it’s the best Little League field in the county, if not the state. Baseball is America’s sport and it has stood the test of time” said Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.

Coach Paul Flores said he aims to build teamwork, and to teach the boys to win or lose with dignity and grace.

“It’s not my goal to create a Major League baseball player. I just want the boys to have fun and enjoy coming to practice” said Flores.

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