Major League Baseball’s opening day is Tuesday, March 18 — in Tokyo. (Don’t ask.)
Westport Little Leaguers have already started practicing. Their season starts March 31 (weather permitting).
Jeff Mitchell has been a Westport resident for over 30 years, and a Westport Baseball and Softball volunteer for more than 20. Today, he shares his thoughts on what makes Westport Little League special.
In an era when “travel ball” dominates youth sports, Little League Baseball remains a cherished tradition. It is a rite of passage for young athletes experiencing their first team sport.
Despite the allure of high-level competition, town-based Little League continues to thrive, offering an experience that is as much about community as it is about competition.
Playing baseball, having fun with friends.
Unlike many other team sports, baseball ensures every player gets their moment in the spotlight at the plate, making for great photo opportunities and proud family memories. The game’s pace also creates natural pauses, allowing parents to connect, share advice, and organize playdates.
Baseball has a role for every child, whether they have speed, power, strong hand-eye coordination, or even just the advantage of being left-handed. Additionally the sport is highly adaptable for children with disabilities, which is why Westport’s Challenger Program continues to thrive.
Challenger baseball is a hit! (Photo collage/Beth Cody)
Many families trace their longest-lasting friendships back to their child’s first pre-K/kindergarten team, reinforcing the sense of community that makes Little League special. To help maintain these connections, we encourage parents to send us their friend requests to help keep existing playgroups intact.
For players, dugout time is bonding time. With half the game spent on offense, teammates have plenty of time to talk, cheer each other on, and build friendships that last beyond the field.
Westport Little League is organized by grade level: pre-K/K, Grade 1, Grade 2, A (Grade 3), AA (Grade 4), AAA (Grade 5), and Majors (Grades 6/7).
This allows kids to play with their peers, rather than being placed strictly on skill, as is often the case in travel ball.
Since the top Little League players frequently also play travel, aspiring athletes — especially developing pitchers — get ample opportunities to take the mound and gain valuable experience. Additionally, every player is included in the batting order, unlike travel ball, where lineups can be selective.
Westport takes pride in having one of the most unique umpiring programs in the country. Most of our officials are middle and high school students.
The discipline and understanding required to officiate the game often translate to a deeper baseball IQ, giving these Westport players an edge when competing at higher levels.
Our umpires are trained by certified professionals, ensuring they develop skills that benefit them both on and off the field.
Our Little League teams have won many district and state championships, even reaching the Little League World Series final game in 2013.
Staples Baseball has won multiple FCIAC and state championships, and produced 3 Connecticut Gatorade Players of the Year. All went on to be drafted by the pros. One now wears a World Series championship ring.
Westport Little League players learned from Staples athletes, at a recent clinic in the fieldhouse.
Westport Little League isn’t just about baseball. It’s about building friendships, developing skills, and fostering a love for the game that lasts a lifetime. Whether a child dreams of making it to the big leagues or simply wants to be part of a team, Little League is where it all begins.
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Loved attending and occasionally being dragged out of the stands to umpire and get yelled at 😂🇺🇸
Gault Park on the river was like Fenway‼️🏟️
In 1976 as a newly minted 9 year old, the NRG (owners of three mile island, still three years out) sponsored Rams beat the Arcudi’s Pizza sponsored team for the CAPs Title. We celebrated at Arcudi’s Pizza in what I’d appreciate way later in life as a baller move by our coach, my Dad.
I pitched two innings, finished in left field. Toby from the Office (we called him Paul back then) was on the team. I remember the final out like it was yesterday and it’s now 49 years ago.
Moved away, grew up, moved back, and for more than a decade was both a softball coach and commissioner for our three daughters. Still kept “commissioning” long after they moved on to other activities because of the amazing community that built and continues to sustain Westport Little League.
My best contribution with significant leadership from Steve Ax and others was to resurrect Luciano Field. It was Saugatuck’s version of Wrigley and I hope with the new Hamlet it retains some Little Leaguer relevance.
And getting to spend so much time with Bill Meyer is something I will forever treasure.
For all the volunteers who keep this amazing program going, keep at it! And for so many post pandemic newbies, have your kids participate in the local programs with their school friends, they’ll never forget it, I sure haven’t!
Great article, Jeff. Thanks for the Challenger shoutout—the Westport Winners team is the BEST!!!!
I’ve been involved with the organization the past 25 years because my kids playing in Little League was one of their best childhood memories. Watching them from the stands, trusty scorebook in hand, was a highlight for me. If you have a kid who is eligible, sign him or her up—I’m so jealous of your experiences to come!