Lighting up the Little League fields

It was announced by members of Owego Little League last week that the five fields located at Hyde Park will have stadium lights installed, which will allow for their Fall Ball Program to be played under the lights. Raftis Field has the new lights already installed, with the others to follow suit.

Thanks to grants awarded by the Hyde Foundation and the Floyd Hooker Foundation, there will be 16 lights per field, with the next installation to be at the girls’ softball field.

“This has been talked about for fifty years,” said John Loftus, Little League volunteer.

He added, “I remember what it feels like to play under the lights. It’s exciting.”

Loftus noted that Plexicomm is installing the lighting, and that Dan English, owner of Plexicomm, has a connection to the field. English’s grandfather helped build the pavilion with the Lions Club years ago that graces the backdrop of the field and rests near the Owego Creek. English also has two children who are now involved in Little League.

Owego Little League is grateful for the funding received for the lighting, and is anxious to turn them on for a game

On Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., the public is invited to join them at Hyde Park for the first game of Owego Little League’s Fall Program, under the lights. The concession stand will also be open that night, and Jim Medovich will return to umpire under the lights.

This is the second year for the Fall Program, with games taking place on Fridays and Saturdays. Loftus noted that teams also come in from other towns. 

Now, in addition to their recreational league and All-Stars, they offer the Fall Ball Program.

“We are almost a year round baseball and softball program,” said Loftus, adding, “we have programs for ages four to senior citizens.”

The best part, highlighted by Owego Little League volunteer Jim Raftis Sr., is that the program continues to be free. Raftis noted that the sponsors and the concession stand pays for Owego Little League.

Both Raftis and Loftus emphasized, that Owego Little League is one of the only programs that is free.

Deceased a few years ago, George Chernowsky, who served as president nine times, always stated, “No kid will pay to play in Owego Little League.”

This has been the case now for 66 years.

Loftus and Raftis also reflected on the development of the fields at Hyde Park, and the work that it has taken over the years to grow the program.

Loftus referred to those who built the park as the greatest generation. Raftis echoed that sentiment, stating, “Owego Little League is now looking for the newest, greatest generation.”

To learn more about Owego Little League, you can find them online at www.owegolittleleague.com.