EXCERPTS:

- For the first time in 1958, Lansford, Coaldale and Summit Hill would field Little League teams.

- Some 160 boys signed up to play that first year in Lansford and 150 in both Summit Hill and Coaldale. About that many registered for the second season in Nesquehoning after 110 participated the first year.
- In Coaldale, a new organization was founded using the name CHOSE to represent church, home, organization, society and environment and it administered the Little League program along with other recreational activities for the youth. Four teams were outfitted and managers were assigned including Joe Pisanick, John Kozak and Danny Ziegler. A fourth was still being sought as my preview appeared on March 30 in the Sunday Call Chronicle. Besides the Little League, CHOSE had collected enough funds during a drive to maintain a church league as well for boys 13-15 years of age.

FULL ARTICLE:

It was 40 years ago that a new era dawned in the heart of the Panther Valley.

The region that had been known not just for football but even more historically for its love of the great American pastime, was about to be reborn as the Little League movement came full cycle at last.

Several Valley communities would be making their first venture into organized baseball for the youth.

For the first time in 1958, Lansford, Coaldale and Summit Hill would field Little League teams. Nesquehoning was already on line, having organized its Little League program the year before.

Towns like Tamaqua, Jim Thorpe, Lehighton and Palmerton had well established youth baseball programs in place for a long time.

But, for the trio in the Valley heartland, this would be a big day. In fact, it was, with all the fanfare of a big league opening as special ceremonies took place in each town.

There were parades, flag raising rituals, ball tossing events and doubleheaders scheduled in the three communities as they set out to join their neighbors in the Williamsport-based Little League fold.

The return of baseball to the valley, once considered the stepping stone to the majors, was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the youth as well as the townspeople.

After all, big leaguers who got their start in the valley playing mostly for coal company teams included Al Moore of the New York Giants, Charles Engle, Pirates; Sparky Adams, Cubs and Cards; Johnny Chapman, A's; Jake Pitler, Dodgers; the late Harvey Hiller, Red Sox and Elmer Valo, who played in the old Panther Valley and Church leagues before going on to a long and historic career in the majors.

Fans were thrilled that now they could turn their encouragements to the bright young stars of tomorrow. They sensed that future major leaguers would be groomed on the same lines, except on a smaller scale.

It took a little time adjusting to the differences in dimensions of the field and the size of the bat. Otherwise, they noted, Little League baseball was no different than the game played in the minor and major leagues.

The differences they learned were that the distance between bases would be 60 feet, or one third less than in the big leagues and, as expected, the size of the bat would be smaller.

However, the same Louisville slugger lumber was used until years later when aluminum bats were introduced in an economic move.

Also it was only 44 feet from home plate to the pitcher's mound, in contrast to the 60-feet, 6-inch distance in the majors. They saw that the same five-ounce baseball was used but the bats size was limited to 33 inches.

In the majors, they ranged from 33 to 42 inches and now, in some cases, they are classed by weight.

Williamsport officials also recommended distances for home run fences at 180 feet along the foul lines and 190 in dead center. The minimum was 165.

Little League games also were limited to six innings and base runners were not permitted to leave their base until the ball had been delivered and had reached the batter.

Those were the rules and regulations that came out of Little League headquarters in Williamsport and I'm not so sure if any of them have changed over the years.

Some 160 boys signed up to play that first year in Lansford and 150 in both Summit Hill and Coaldale. About that many registered for the second season in Nesquehoning after 110 participated the first year.

Initially, the games were played on the Nesquehoning high school field, but with the building of the new elementary school, a new site was needed.

A spot behind the recreation center in the West End of town was selected and work began but heavy snows forced delays and it appeared the Memorial Day opening might be delayed.

A new field in the vicinity of the Co-Generation plant is expected to be unveiled this season.

Lansford outfitted 60 major league players with complete uniforms. Caps and T-shirts were ordered for the minor leaguers. Games were played at Lansford stadium and also on the Delauritis field in the East Ward.

Team managers included John Hanas, Bernie Pavlik, John Zuzu Jr. and Ritchie Vitek.

In Coaldale, a new organization was founded using the name CHOSE to represent church, home, organization, society and environment and it administered the Little League program along with other recreational activities for the youth.

Four teams were outfitted and managers were assigned including Joe Pisanick, John Kozak and Danny Ziegler. A fourth was still being sought as my preview appeared on March 30 in the Sunday Call Chronicle.

Besides the Little League, CHOSE had collected enough funds during a drive to maintain a church league as well for boys 13-15 years of age.

In Summit Hill, organizations sponsored teams. There was the Canary Club, St. Gabriel's Club, Polish-American Club and the Legion Post. Managers included Richard Williams, Harry Smyrl, Harold Richards and Vince Lisella.