Play Ball! 50th Anniversary for Morris Plains Little League

Saturday wasn't just opening day for Little League in Morris Plains, it was the 50th Anniversary of the borough's first Little League opener. The event, held at Community Park, was really something special, since it was shared with former players, parents and coaches. 

Despite the frigid temperature and winds, the large crowd was warmed by the musical talents of 12-year-old Anastasia Bergeron singing the national anthem, and 11-year-old Juliana Belles singing “God Bless America.” Both girls are students at the Borough School. 

Mayor Frank J. Druetzler was on hand, and once again he shared his famous adage with the crowd, “It never rains in Morris Plains!”  It didn’t rain that morning and the storm held off until well into the afternoon.

For many on hand it seemed like 1961-62 was only yesterday.  “We beat Morristown that year,” former Morris Plains Little Leaguer Steve Walsh said.  “They never lived that down!” Joining the celebration were other 1962 Little League “Legends” who were honored at Brian Fleury Field during the opening ceremonies. It may have been 50 years ago, but these boys of summer still found it hard to hide their grins as the new generation of young ball players filed in and surrounded the infield.

Members of the Original 1962 Little League were: Coach Bob Pitts, Coach George Shivas, Gary Osborne, Joe Chanley, Peter Helt, Bob Weir, Bob Romano, Philip Wilk, Tony Moschella, Steve Welsh, and Rob Pitts.

This year promises to be an exciting one, with all the support from parents and the current Morris Plains Little League Board:

• President - John Walsh                                                     
• Vice-President Baseball  Kevin Burns
• Vice-President Softball - Chuck Stiesi                             
• Player Agent Baseball - Frank Votapek
• Player Agent Softball - Michelle Breslin                         
• Treasurer - Anthony Cannavina
• Equipment Manager - John Lynch                                  
• Field Maintenance BaseballSoftball - Peter Demnitz
• Team Parent Baseball - Katie Lade                                 
• Concession Stand - Mary Eliasen
• Safety DirectorLegal Advisor - John Engler                  
• Scheduling - Tom Bergeron
• Fund Raising/Special Events - Phil Forbes

Download the movie

Download the movie