Hamilton Little Lads celebrating 70-year anniversary

Few things symbolize springtime more than opening day in a youth baseball league.

Whether it’s the parade of America’s youngsters, many wearing a uniform for the first time, or the smell of hot dogs and french fries at the concession stand or just the umpire yelling “play ball” there’s a warmth in the air and in our hearts.

Tucked in a corner off Edwards Ave., in Hamilton, it’s a special opening day this Saturday for the Hamilton Little Lads organization as it begins its 70th year of baseball.

“This is all about the kids,” said Lads president Jim Kinley. “This is a great organization and so many of the people that have been through the league have been able to bring something better or different and it’s hard to top some of the things that have been done.”

Dick Snyder and Larry Koch originally formed the league back in 1948. There have been a few changes over the years as Little Lads was a part of Little League, Inc. for several years, then it was an independent league and then in 1983 it joined with the Babe Ruth League’s Cal Ripken Division.

“It’s a great organization,” said Steven Tellefsen, the President and CEO of Babe Ruth League, Inc. and a graduate of the Little Lads program. “They do an awesome job for the kids in the Township. They have a super complex over there and just a wonderful group of volunteers.”

Over the years, Little Lads has hosted many Babe Ruth/ Cal Ripken events and this year it’s hosting state tournament.

“This has been a very rewarding experience for me,” said Mark Meara, the director of public relations and a former coach and president. “I started playing in Little Lads when I was seven years old and to have now been back for some years all those memories just come back. Of course, a lot of things have changed, but some things never change. You see things differently as a coach and an executive board member than when you’re a player. But, it all has been amazingly rewarding.”