Letter: Remembering Little League Coaches Who Gave Their All

To the editor:

At this time of year annually I celebrate and humbly honor the many WWII veterans who helped found Little League baseball in Hellertown during the early 1950s.

Many of my buddies and I competed steadfastly to improve our basic skills on the two ballfields at Dimmick Park, then called East End Field, and the diamond at Reinhard Elementary School.

Coaches such as Mr. Grubb, Mr. Eckert, Mr. Hoppes and Mr. Finkbeiner volunteered their time to teach us Roosevelt and Baby Boomers the fine art of baseball. Parents and grandparents spent time, countless hours, to practice with us boys at home and watch games with enthusiasm, always stressing good sportsmanship.

Shakespeare wrote, "Ye Gods, it doth amaze me!" As I view the Little League playoffs at Williamsport, Pa., I recall great memories from Little League's beginning, now involving both boys and girls.

Those fond remembrances from the '50s continue to mingle with today's 21st century stars. I never became a star player, but some of my friends excelled. I continue to thank God and those WWII vets who began a lasting tradition of Little League baseball.

Sincerely,

Lee A. Weidner

Hellertown