Owego Little League opens for the season

Hyde Park celebrated its Golden Anniversary on Saturday as Owego Little League (OLL) opened its 66th season. Parade Marshall John Loftus’ “Let’s Roll” at 8:30 a.m. started the parade from the police station to Hyde Park, located at the end of George Street. 

President Scott Rollison played for then All Star Manager Ken Winters on the 1983 District Seven championship team. He succeeded the past 15-year president on the pitcher’s mound and delivered his first presidential address on Saturday. Five Baseball, Tee Ball, and Softball games were played every two hours for the rest of the day. 

The Chicken BBQ came back and Kathie Rollison’s volunteer team was very busy in the concession stand. Players were treated again this year with “freebies” from local organizations. 

Player Agent Eric Hawkins reported 300 registered players from Tee Ball through Teener this year. There are 23 teams – 18 Baseball and five Softball, and 239 players – 186 Baseball and 53 Softball, in addition to the Teener league, which starts in June.  

The following are the teams and their managers.

Majors: Partners Insurance – Steve Terry; Scott Smith and Son – Mike Beyer; Owego Rotary – Eric Hawkins; and Owego Elks Lodge – Dan Tavelli. 

Minors: Glenn A. Warner VFW – Dustin Robbins; Owego Police Benevolent – Jason Rieg; Ben Weitsman & Son – Kevin Thompson; and Owego Kiwanis – Greg Card. 

Modified: Tri-Town Insurance – John Gregory; Original Italian – Rob Teeter; Tioga State Bank – Bob McLaren; Owego Taxi – Justin Donnelly; and Metro’s Pizza – Kim Devita. 

Tee-Ball: Vietnam Veterans of America – Joshua Signs; Weaver Automotive – Jason Weaver; Moore’s Tire Sales – Kevin Thompson; Talcott Well Drilling – Steve Raeff; and Dunkin Donuts – Roy Cordero. 

The first 16 years of OLL was played at McMaster Street before Golden Hyde Park.   

After a welcome by Jim Raftis, director and master of ceremonies, there was a hat’s off to parade chairman and one time OLL president, John Loftus. It was noted during the welcome that OLL has been offered free to the community for the 66th year in a row. 

Owego Elementary School second graders, led by second grade teacher Suzanne Newswanger, sang “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”. OES fourth graders sang the “National Anthem”. 

OLL President Scott Rollison received a new American flag to fly 24/7 from Exalted Ruler Zach Newswanger. The Honor Guard of Glenn A. Warner Post 1371, Veterans of Foreign Wars, raised the American and POW/MIA flags. Saluting the flag were members of Veterans from Veterans of Modern Warfare of Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, and Vietnam Veterans.  

Senior Pastor Brian Scanlon of Sword and The Spirit Church gave the invocation and 12-year-old players recited the Little League Pledge. Players also sang “Happy Mother’s Day.” 

Sportsmanship and teamwork was the theme of Scott Rollison’s first remarks as president. He introduced his officers, directors and volunteers. School and community leaders were introduced and thanked for their continuing support.  

Volunteers were thanked for spring clean up at Hyde Park including the grounds, field, a new batting cage, painting, banners, and fence guards and cleaning. 

There are new 3′ x 6′ vinyl banners on outfield fences. Sponsor Officer Tom Brock reported there are 100 sponsors so far. The sponsors are listed on the OLL website, www.owegolittleleague.com.

The 15th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award, known as Dick Horton Memorial Plaque, was presented. OLL’s Vice-Presidents offered the First Pitch Ceremony introductions. Vice President of Baseball Steve Terry had Tee Ball teams, Modified Tee Ball Teams, American teams and National Teams. Vice President of Softball Emily Crawford has the softball teams. 

Scheduler Eric Hawkins has published the regular season of games for baseball, tee ball and girls softball. 

The fields and grounds were “in golden shape” thanks to Building and Grounds Officer Ken Winters and his team, and uniforms were ready from Uniform Officer Brandy Beach. Jeff and Christina VanWagenen had the equipment all ready for players and teams.  

Owego Apalachin Teener League President Jim Lavo says his season starts on June 6 and runs through July 15. Player signups are still being accepted and thirty-four players are currently registered. If you have any questions, email or call Jim Lavo at lavojim@gmail.com or 953-9751. 

Click here to view a photo gallery from the Opening Day Parade.