Cold weather, snow and rain at Hyde Park has delayed work on Dick Franz Field to reconvert it to a Girls Softball Field after years as a Little League Baseball Field. After it rains it takes three days for the ground to dry. Then John Chandler, of J.O.C. Construction, is able to move his heavy equipment to continue work and have the field ready for Opening Day. (Photo contributed by Jim Raftis Sr.)
Owego Little League (OLL) opens its 65th season with a downtown parade starting at 8:30 a.m., Hyde Park ceremonies at 9 a.m., followed by five Little League Baseball, Tee Ball and Girls Softball games at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Here’s more about Hyde Park.
It is the 49th season at Hyde Park after 16 years at McMaster Street on property of Endicott Johnson Shoe Company, the 29th season for American Softball Association Softball, and in June it is the 15th year for Owego’s teams in the Tri County Teener League.
Hyde Park has five diamonds – three baseball, one tee ball and one girls softball.
Nick Raftis Memorial Field. McMaster Street Field dedicated by E-J Chairman Charlie Johnson in August 1956 and rededicated in 1968 at Hyde Park. Johnson told his E-J employee and former college teammate in 1951 his job was to develop Owego’s first Little League Field.
Nick Raftis was a college and professional third baseman for Fordham University, Binghamton and the Chicago White Sox in the American League. He was a 40-year baseball scout for the Saint Louis Cardinals. He was a well-respected home plate umpire for thousands of professional and amateur baseball games. He was OLL’s first honorary president and umpire.
George and Marguerite Cheresnowsky Memorial Field is dedicated to the eight time OLL President and 20 year District Seven Little League Administrator. As Owego Elks Exalted Ruler, George was responsible for the Elks Flag Pole and led the dedication ceremony on July 4, 1968. George was a wounded WWII Veteran and every year came to the Flag Raising Ceremony and saluted the American Flag as it was raised to fly 24/7. George and his wife Marguerite were 61-year OLL volunteers.
Jim Beauter Field was built in 1973 and dedicated in 1982. The field honors the 17-year OLL Manager and two time 18th OLL President in 1980 and 1981. He was the founder of the Owego Little League Baseball Invitational Tournament.
Dick Franz Girls Softball Nee Little League Baseball Field was built in 1975 and resurfaced for girls’ softball in 2016. The field was dedicated in 1986 to a 50-plus year volunteer and active director, retired umpire in chief and umpire. Knowledgeable of every aspect of OLL operations, Franz is recognized for volunteerism by the Owego Apalachin School District Wall of Fame.
OLL receives financial support from many charitable organizations including the John Cooper Family Foundation, the Fanny C. Hyde Charitable Trust, the Mildred Faulkner Truman Foundation, Tioga United Way and services from Ah-Wa-Ga Tent and Portable Toilet Services, JOC Construction, Taylor Garbage, many outfield billboard sponsors, Grand Central for Raffle Gift Certificates and the Village of Owego. Hundreds of volunteers have provided support to team players and concession stand operations.
The Dick Horton Memorial Award remembers the multiyear significant contributions of Groundskeeper Richard Horton. His labor of love for the kids was reflected in the well-manicured diamonds. Dick died on April 29, 2002. He retired in 1991 from 32 years of service with the New York State Department of Transportation.
Twenty-six recipients of his prestigious award are: Dick Franz, Ken Winters, the Firebaugh Family of Mark and Cindy and two sons Ethan and Adam, Greg Poffenbarger, Rich Ives, Steve and Diane Gregory, Jim Medovich, Joe Fuller, Lori Espe, Rose Winters, Mike Slevetskas, Steve Lounsberry, Suzanna Peacock, Dean Smith, Debi Schmidt, Ed Walters, Dan Martin, Jim Raftis, Karen and Bob Johnson, Mike Stewart, Karen Vinti, Brandy Beach and Dave York.
Here is the timeline for OLL’s 65th Opening Day on Saturday, April 30:
8:00 a.m. to 8:25 a.m. – Parade organizes on Temple Street between Owego Police Station and First Presbyterian Union Church. Uniformed players show up before 8:25 a.m. Locate your team banner near your Manager or Coach.
8:30 a.m. – Parade Marshall John Loftus starts the parade. The route proceeds up North Avenue and down George Street. Tioga County Sheriff Gary Howard leads the parade. Color guards from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 480 and Veterans of Modern Warfare Chapter 9 participate. Bag Piper Dan Lasky, Owego Lodge of Elks 1039, and other community organizations participate.
Twenty-five Little League Baseball, Tee Ball and ASA Girls Softball teams, with Managers and Coaches and sponsors, march the one mile. They tip the hat in appreciation to motorists waiting at key intersections.
9:00 a.m. – Arrival at Nick Raftis Memorial Field. Players enter the field from third and first base sidelines. Players fill infield. Guests locate behind the pitcher’s mound.
Welcome to Hyde Park by Master of Ceremonies Jim Raftis. Hats Off to Parade Chairman and Opening Day Ceremonies Organizer and OLL President in 1993 and 1994 John Loftus. Announcements: No registration fee for 65th year in a row. No smoking, drinking or alcoholic beverages in Hyde Park. Drive slow on George Street.
Owego Elementary School second graders sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game.”
Flag Presentation by Elks Exalted Ruler Zach Newswanger, who presents the new American flag to 27th President of OLL Ken Winters. Bag Piper Dan Lasky leads veterans to the Elks Flag Pole to raise American and POW/MIA Flags.
Invocation by the Rev. Peter VanLieshout, Parochial Vicar of St. Patrick’s-Owego and Blessed Trinity Churches at St. Margaret Mary-Apalachin, St. John’s-Newark Valley and St. James-Waverly.
Fourth Graders of OES sing the “National Anthem.” The Little League Pledge is recited by 12-year-old Little League Baseball Players. Players pay advance tribute to mothers for “Mother’s Day.”
Ken Winters gives his 14th Presidential Welcome. Overview remarks. Introduces Officers, directors and volunteers. Cites improvements to the Hyde Park complex. Director Dick Franz gives updates on the Girls Softball Field. Special reminders: Team Pictures. Parents are encouraged to volunteer their services. Players are invited to march in the Memorial Day Parade. Brief remarks from dignitaries.
14th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award, known as Dick Horton Memorial Plaque is presented. This is a Special Appreciation Award.
First Pitch Ceremony Introductions by OLL VP’s.
VP Baseball Steve Terry introduces six Tee Ball teams: Dunkin Donuts, Talcott Well Drilling, VVA, Lions, Moore Tire Service and Weaver Automotive. Six Modified Tee Ball Teams: Tri Town, Tioga State, Richards Funeral Home, Owego Taxi, Mario’s and Moose. Five American teams: Chemung Canal, PBA, Ben Weitsman and Son, VFW and Kiwanis. Three National Teams: Partners, Rotary and Scott Smith and Son.
VP Softball Dave York introduces five softball teams: Three Minors Bud’s Place, Price Chopper and Original Italian. Two Majors: Susquehanna and Elks.
Play Ball! “We Do It For The Kids” – Groundskeeper Dick Horton
