PITTSFORD LITTLE LEAGUE

History

History

This timeline was compiled from conversations with local historians. The League has a rich tradition within the community; we invite all families to be part of its future.

1953-05-23

1953: Play Ball!

Pittsford Little League Baseball, Inc. was founded with four teams - Legion, Lions, Rotary, and Firemen (and four farm teams with the same name). The first season of play began on May 23rd with the inaugural Opening Day Parade and Ceremonies. Games were played on fields along Monroe Ave. and at what is known today as Ford A or Ackley Field on South St. along the Erie Canal in the Village of Pittsford. 

1953-05-23

1962-05-05

1962: Honoring Bob Ford

The fields on South St. were named "Bob Ford Field" as a tribute to the PLL's founder and first umpire-in-chief.

1962-05-05

1963-05-04

1963: Batting Helmets

PLL players were required to wear batting helmets for the first time.

 

1963-05-04

1968-05-04

1968: FIELD C, FAILED DUGOUTS AND A NEW CONCESSIONS STAND

Field C was moved to East St. on what is known today as the Habecker Field Complex. When it opened, it featured elaborate sunken dugouts that collapsed after the first frost. The original dugouts are buried beneath the present dugouts. Volunteers from the US Naval Reserves Sea-Bee unit built a concession stand at Ford A field.

1968-05-04

1978-05-06

1978: NEW FIELDS

Three (short) years after breaking ground, Field D on East St. was completed and opened for play.

 

1978-05-06

1980-09-06

1980: MIKE JONES MLB DEBUT

Mike Jones became the first former PLL player to play in the Major Leagues. Mike was a left-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals and pitched for four seasons. In 1985, Mike and the Royals won a World Series Championship.

1980-09-06

1984-06-01

1984: HONORING JIM HABECKER

Fields C and D on East St. were renamed “Habecker Fields” in honor of Jim Habecker, longtime PLL manager, board member, and Pittsford Village Clerk.

1984-06-01

1990-05-05

1990: SOFTBALL

The league added softball for girls 9-12 years old; five teams competed in the first season.

1990-05-05

2003-05-23

2003: THE PLL TURNS 50

The PLL’s 50th anniversary celebration included opening new storage facilities, restrooms, and covered eating areas.

 

2003-05-23

2010-05-02

2010: CHALLENGER

The League added a Challenger Baseball division - an adaptive program for children with physical and mental disabilities

2010-05-02

2015-05-02

2015: HONORING JOHN ACKLEY

Field A was renovated and renamed with a gift from the Ackley Family to honor the memory of Pittsford Little League player John Ackley; some of John's happiest childhood days were spent playing baseball. The field was enlarged to allow 50/70 play for 12- and 13-year-olds; the renovation included a new backstop, infield, and fences.

2015-05-02

2017-04-29

2017: EAST ROCHESTER

The League's charter was revised to include the Village of East Rochester. Before this, ER had a long-standing Little League program, which was highlighted by winning the Seniors Division of the Little League World Series in 1965.

2017-04-29

2017-04-29

2017 PITTSFORD COMMUNITY BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

The league agreed to create an umbrella organization with the Pittsford Panthers, known as "Pittsford Community Baseball & Softball." The two organizations would coordinate their activities to benefit players, families, and the Pittsford community.

2017-04-29

2019-09-03

2019: DANNY MENDICK MLB DEBUT

Danny Medick became the second former PLL player to play in the Major Leagues after being called up by the Chicago White Sox. Danny played in 16 games to finish the season; he hit two home runs, batted .309, and had an OPS of .787.

2019-09-03

2020-08-01

2020: PETER A. CIACCIA JR. WALKWAY

A walkway leading to each dugout at Ackley Field was built thanks to a generous donation by Linda Ciaccia and their family. The walkway was dedicated to Pittsford Little League supporter and volunteer Peter Ciaccia. The walkway improved the accessibility to the facility for players and families - most notably for the league's Challenger participants. The walkway's dedication plaque carries Babe Ruth's message of courage and perseverance to inspire all players.

2020-08-01

2020-07-01

2020 SEASON: GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Given the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the League put various measures into practice that allowed the League to operate its baseball and softball programs. Among these were mask requirements, social distancing, and sanitizing baseball and softballs between innings.

2020-07-01

2023-10-28

2023: REMEMBERING DANE LECLAIR

A new flagpole and monument were built at the Ford Field complex and dedicated to the memory of Dane Leclair. Dane made contributions to the League as a player, umpire, and Eagle Scout.

2023-10-28

2024-05-04

2024: Tim Morris celebrates 50 years of umpiring

At the opening ceremony, PLL umpire Tim Morris was honored to celebrate his 50th year of umpiring Little League baseball and softball.

2024-05-04
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