12/15/2015
HAMILTON, NJ… Almost 65 years ago, a group of men dedicated to the youth of America met in Hamilton Township, New Jersey and formed the Hamilton Little Bigger League. Now known as Babe Ruth League, Inc., the program caught on nationally, then internationally, and now ranks as one of premier amateur baseball and softball programs in the world.
They may be in their 70s now, but they are still the Little Bigger League’s Boys of Summer. The original surviving members of the Hamilton Little Bigger League (the country’s first Babe Ruth team) and their wives gathered on December 15th at the new Babe Ruth League Headquarters in Hamilton Township for a special meeting and luncheon.
Little Bigger League alumnus Jack Zoller, who is known for his sense of humor, arranged the entire gathering. Jack, now 80, still spends a great deal of his time at Bonacci Field at Switlik Park, providing meticulous care to the original home of Babe Ruth League.
Other LBL alumni in attendance included Jim Stevenson, Frank Schuessler, Leon Newton, Elmer Gafgen, Bob Walker, Dave Bryan, Frank Lugossy, Gil Lugossy, Ed Morris, Jack Schafer, Walt Faigier, Ted Kinter, Joe Brodowski, Bill Hawley, Wes Dawson, Vince Savelli, Ray Bell, Turk Morgan, Ron Fiori, Russ Wilbert, Jack Chrisner, Joe Ryan and Ron Bearce.
As part of the day’s events, the gang spent time swapping stories, sharing laughs and looking at clippings from their memorable first year. They concluded with a special rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and the tossing of boxes of cracker jacks and peanuts into the air.
The special time enjoyed by all was another wonderful chapter in their 65 years of history as the Little Bigger League’s Boys of Summer.
Babe Ruth League, Inc. officially moved from Lawrenceville into its new home, a renovated 10,000 square foot building located in Hamilton Township, this past June. The substantial space plays host to a state-of-the-art Hall of Fame and Museum room that greets visitors as they enter the main door. This room, which features a life-size statue of The Babe, also contains dozens of pieces of memorabilia featuring The Babe, and from famous alumni over the years.
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.