DuBOIS, Pa. (EYT) — Monday, DuBois began its 66th season season of Little League baseball at Way Memorial Field in the City Park.
Few traditions have endured in the city and Opening Day was greeted by perfect, summer-like conditions.
First Commonwealth Bank and Shankel’s Pharmacy had the honor of playing in the first game Monday.
Things started back on Sept. 20, 1948 when A.P. Way, a local assemblyman and theater magnate, founded DuBois Junior League Baseball.
At the first board meeting, the league officially changed its name to DuBois Little League Baseball. April 8, 1949, DuBois became the first community in northwestern Pennsylvania to become affiliated with Little League Baseball.
Tryouts, which lasted two weeks, were held in May as more than 300 boys competed for 72 spots on four teams.
Opening day was June 13, 1949 with more than 1,500 attending and the fire departments leading a parade to the park. The founder of Little League, Carl Stoltz of Williamsport, threw out the first pitch to Way.
In the opener, a game won by B.F. Goodrich, 9-4 over DuBois Rehabilitation, Gene Mikelonis hit two home runs.
Fifteen DuBois Little League baseball teams have won Pennsylvania championships.
By Scott Shindledecker
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