I don’t know Walter Lamplough, Edward Boyle, Ness Corey, Garret Speirs Jr, and Raymond Degestrom.
But, I’m thinking anyone who plays baseball in Bangor owes them a tip of the cap.
Sixty years ago, 1952, these men were the officers of the first-ever Bangor Little League.
I now know this because Wayne Lawton showed me his 1952 LL program booklet that was printed in ’52 welcoming this new thing called Little League to the Queen City. He was a player in that first year league. We talked while watching his great grandson play a Little League game the other day at Taylor Field, home of the Bangor East Little League, where I am league president.
I admit I am a sucker for sports history and this booklet is a treasure trove of how we viewed youth sports 60 years ago. For instance, printed in this program is a Fresno, Calif., report “Parental Reaction and Effect On Boys Participating In LL”.
Yes No
1. Did he eat less during LL season? 6 144
2. Did LL play cause him to lose sleep? 3 147
3. Did LL play tire him out too much? 0 150
4. Did LL play cause his school grades to drop? 0 148
5. Did playing in LL make him nervous? 9 140
6. Did playing in LL make him grouchy? 3 145
7. Did playing in LL make him get along better with other children? 138 9
8. Did playing in LL cause him to neglect work about home? 7 142
And then there’s a passage in the booklet that today we would call a code of conduct…
THE PLAYER:
He lives clean and plays hard. He plays for the love of the game.
He wins without boasting, he loses without excuses and he never quits.
He respects officials and accepts their decisions without question.
He never forgets that he represents his family, league, community and country.
THE COACH:
He inspires in his boys a love for the game and the desire to win.
He teaches them that it is better to lose fairly than to win unfairly.
He leads players and spectators to respect officials by setting them a good example.
He is the type of man he wants his boys to be.
THE SPECTATOR:
He never boos a player or official.
He appreciates a good play no matter who makes it.
He knows that the team, league and community gets the blame or praise for his conduct.
He recognizes the need for more sportsmen, and strives to set an example for fair play in every thought and action.
MEN IN BLUE:
Umpires contribute more time, receive more criticism and less personal commendation that any group of men connected with Little League activities. Perhaps a Golden Rule for treatment of umpires should be kept in mind by everyone connected with the program: Do unto umpires as you would have them do unto you.
My favorite golden nugget from Bangor Little League circa 1952…
CONDITION COUNTS!
Don’t drink much water during practices and games. Otherwise, drink at least six glasses every day.
After practice or a game, go home and rest. Wait about an hour before eating.
Every time you take the field, warm up thoroughly. If you’re a pitcher, make sure to carry a jacket or sweater. Put it on between innings and after every workout.
Don’t throw too hard too soon. Make sure your arm is loose and limber before attempting any hard throws. One over-ambitious throw may ruin your arm for the entire season.
Don’t stand up or move around when your team is at bat. Conserve your energy; sit on the bench until it’s your turn to bat. This particularly applies to pitchers and catchers.
…Oh, by the way, when it was time for all-star play in 1952, Bangor LL went 3-0 before losing to Wilton 7-3!
Happy 60th Birthday, Bangor Little League!
ITEMS FROM THE DUFFEL BAG:
–I say shame on the Oakland A’s or any team that wants Manny Ramirez around.
– Are Stony Brook baseball and its 43 wins headed to the CAA?
– With about a week to go before Memorial Day, I’m going to ignore that old MLB adage, the team in first place on Memorial Day finishes in first place.
– Sea Dogs fans, get ready to see pitcher Matt Barnes at Hadlock before the end of the summer. This kid is on the Sox minor league fast track.
– Is it just me or are the Patriots messin’ with Wes Welker?
– What a great list of folks entering the Maine Sports Hall of Fame. Well done!
– If NY Rangers coach John Tortorella, a former UMaine Black Bear, wins the Stanley Cup for a second time, with two different teams…can’t we get the Cup at Alfond Arena for a day?
– I know little about Indy cars. I care little about the Indy series. But I always find himself trying to catch some of the Indy 500 race.
– Call me crazy…but I love hearing that song “My Old Kentucky Home”before the Derby race. What’s your favorite song played before a big sporting event?
