PRESS RELEASE

JIM AND BONNE WINDER ELECTED TO

BABE RUTH LEAGUE, INC. INTERNATIONAL HALL OF FAME

Hamilton, NJ… The Babe Ruth League International Board of Directors, during their recent annual meeting, unanimously elected Jim and Bonnie Winder of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, into its Hall of Fame.

            Babe Ruth League, Inc. has more than just top of the line competition.  It has a legacy stacked with exceptional individuals who have given unselfishly of their time and resources to provide all young athletes with an enjoyable, healthy, and educational experience.  Jim and Bonnie Winder are included in that list of exceptional individuals. 

            Jim and Bonnie Winder have been elected as a team because they have served together as a team, dedicating 41 years of volunteerism to the West End Babe Ruth League and the Pennsylvania Babe Ruth Leagues.

            Hitting leadoff in the lineup for the West End Babe Ruth League, the Winders have served as President, Secretary, Treasurer, Manager, Coach, Groundskeeper, Play Agent, Scorekeeper and Purchasing Agent.  In addition, they have been in charge of scheduling umpires, volunteers for the concession stand, public relations, fundraising, maintenance and registration.  They have done it all in a quiet and unassuming manner. 

            Jim has served as President of the West End Babe Ruth League and Bonnie as Secretary/Treasure for the past 35 years.  As well, Jim has served District 8 Commissioner for the past 30 years and as State Commissioner for the past three years for the Pennsylvania Babe Ruth League State Organization.

            The West End Babe Ruth League has two fields.  One of those fields – Winder Field – was named after Jim and Bonnie for their unparalleled allegiance to the league.  Both fields have lights, bleachers, restrooms, concession stand, and an equipment shed.  Jim and Bonnie led the way in obtaining grants and raising funds to construct and maintain these fields.

            The Winder’s personal honors include: 

Induction into the Pennsylvania Babe Ruth Hall of Fame in 2004, becoming the second husband and wife team to be selected.

Induction into the Middle Atlantic Babe Ruth Hall of Fame in 2014, becoming the first husband and wife team to be selected.

            It goes without saying that an organization is only as good as its people.  The continuity created by the Winders has provided the foundation for the West End Babe Ruth League.  During Jim and Bonnie’s tenure, approximately 2,500 young men and women have participated in the league, learning many valuable life lessons, not just on the baseball field, but on the field of life.

            Babe Ruth League, Inc. is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to developing better citizens by providing properly supervised baseball and softball competition for 4 through 18-year-old players.  It is the basic intent of Babe Ruth League that every player who has a desire to play the sport is given the opportunity to participate and have fun.

            The Babe Ruth League International Hall of Fame was established in 1968 to honor those persons and organizations who have played a vital role in the development of the baseball and softball programs.  Each individual or organization, upon induction, receive the coveted Hall of Fame Plaque and are enshrined on the walls at Babe Ruth League Headquarters.  Induction into the Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame is a rather rare honor.  In its history, there have been millions of players and volunteers, yet there are only approximately 300 members in the Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame.