Coach During Integration, Vienna Inn Among Honorees On Little League Opening Day

Editor's note: This article has been updated to use the term integrated and clarify that integration started but was not fully in effect in 1962.

VIENNA, VA — Today, children can play side by side with their peers on Vienna Little League's baseball teams, regardless of their race or ethnicity. But it wasn't always that way.

It was 1962 when Vienna Little League started to become integrated, allowing Donald Ellis to become the first Black coach and one of the league's first two Black managers. On Vienna Little League's Opening Day last weekend at Yeonas Park, the league honored Ellis and other individuals and organizations that have made a lasting impact on the youth sports league.

Others honored were Vienna Little League Honor Roll inductee Jason Adams for heading the Challenger program for kids with special needs and Vienna Inn's Marry Volk for continuing the restaurant's 60 years of support.

Ellis, 90, was present with loved ones to receive the honor. The Vienna Little League dates back to 1952, which means it was 10 years later when the league says its integration began. Ellis's son, Tony, spoke about his father and the struggles he faced during the league's early days.

"At Opening Day, the crowd was deeply moved by the story of Donald—the league’s first African American coach—shared by his son, Tony," Vienna Little League President Andy Dinn told Patch. "Donald was a true trailblazer in our league and our community. It was truly the most moving story I have heard about VLL's past."

The Honor Roll induction for Adams put a spotlight on the league's sports offerings for people with special needs. Founded in 1989, the Challenger program marked the first Little League program in Virginia for people with special needs. For decades, the program has allowed children and young adults with differing abilities to play adaptive baseball at no cost to families.

Adams, who Dinn called a "dedicated baseball lifer," and parent of four current and former Little League children, heads the program. Many new and returning players were on hand at opening day to honor Adams.

"Our Challenger Program is widely regarded as one of the best in the country," said Dinn. "The Challenger Program is Jason's pride and joy, carrying on the tradition of several greats before him. Not only does it provide a tremendous experience for the players, but it provides an opportunity for our VLL Majors Teams to support, with two teams leaning in to support each week. It's a great example of bringing VLL together for a common good."

The other honoree was Vienna Inn owner Volk as a "Friend of Vienna Little League." Vienna Inn, which has been in existence for more than 60 years, has also supported the league for six decades.

"The Vienna Inn has sponsored VLL for over 60 years - one of our longest tenured sponsors," said Dinn. "Marty is tremendously generous, but always willing to lend a hand to support our special events like the annual 'Rookie and Tee Ball Day,' which typically features 500+ Vienna Inn chili dogs."

Vienna Inn thanked the league for the honor, noting Volk has "proudly carried on the tradition" of sponsoring Vienna Little League as the founding Abraham family did in 1963.

"Thank you Vienna Little League Baseball for this incredible recognition and to the Lancman boys for their amazing speech — we are grateful to be part of such a wonderful community! We hope everyone has an awesome season!"

The Vienna Little League enrolls children 4 to 13 in its spring baseball programs, and an estimated 600 children participate in the fall season. While the new season will keep the league busy, officials are also planning for next year's 75th anniversary of Vienna Little League.

"We are actively ramping up a capital campaign to make renovations to Yeonas Park," said Dinn. "We want to make sure that it remains a treasure for future generations of ballplayers, following the many that preceded it."

For more information about Vienna Little League and to follow updates throughout the season, visit www.vll.org.