The West Denison Baseball League began in 1955 when a few men organized a team of 28 boys who played alternately in whatever pickup games they could schedule. A group of fathers realized that they had hit upon something and voted in 1956 to organize a league structure with four teams. West Denison Baseball was underway.
The league continued to expand during the late 50's, indicating the need for just such a program. In 1960 a major commitment was made by the volunteers of the league to provide recreation for as many youngsters as possible. An executive board of 15 members was elected to run the league. West Denison was chartered in 1960.
The early 60's saw phenomenal growth and in 1961 a girls' softball program was added. In three years, the league more than tripled in size, finishing with over 700 players in 1963. The league stabilized during the middle 60's allowing the board to improve the quality of play, as diamonds were upgraded and pants were phased into the uniforms.
In 1969 and through the early 70's the league experienced further expansion. Three new diamonds were constructed at Navy Park and by 1975 the league fielded 900 youngsters.
During the late 70's growth in the league became rapid. In 1978 the Frank Fox League was organized in cooperation with the West Park Friends of the Retarded to provide recreation for special children. By 1979 the league was operating with 1200 children.
In 1983 a Tee Ball League for 5 and 6 year olds was organized. The league was able to further expand in the early 80's.
Today, the West Denison Baseball League provides a summer recreation program for more than 500 players with the help of some 150 adult volunteer managers, coaches and workers.
West Denison Baseball League forms with 28 players.
Fifteen member Executive Board is formed.
West Denison becomes chartered.
Girls Softball League is established.
League finishes season with 700 players.
League grows to 900 players.
Frank Fox League for Special Children is formed.
League continues to expand finishing the season with
1280 players.
West Denison East League is established.
West Denison forms T-Ball League for 5-6 year olds.
League sets a record high with 1520 players (105 teams).
Mickey Mantle team finishes 3rd in the country.
West Denison celebrates 30th Anniversary.
Cleveland-West Traveling League is established.
Girls Fast Pitch is established within West Denison.
Dedication of Dunphy Park
Girls Fast Pitch program expands
West Denison celebrates 50 Years.
A special thanks to the many players, managers, coaches, umpires, parents
and friends, both
past and present, who have dedicated countless time and effort towards the success of this program.
It is through these volunteers that the West Denison Baseball League, Inc. continues to provide
sound recreational baseball for the boys and girls of our community.
Thanks again to all!
West Denison Baseball is a non-profit, non-political community organization run solely by volunteers. We offer a full summer of athletic activity, including Tee Ball for ages 4 to 6 year olds, baseball for boys and fast pitch softball for girls ages 7 to 18, and specially designed adult programs for the mentally and physically challenged.
Our season runs on weeknights during the months of May, June, July, and early August, with all games generally beginning at 6:00 p.m. The month of May is reserved for practices and practice games, with regular season play scheduled to begin Tuesday after Memorial Day through July. League play-offs are scheduled during the last week of July, first week of August. The majority of our youth leagues schedule two games per week, with the Tee Ball and adult program playing a lesser schedule.
Time Line
1955
1960
1961
1963
1975
1978
1979
1982
1983
1984
1988
2000
2002
2004
