LEAGUE INFORMATION

The history of the Pittsfield Babe Ruth league:

In 1951- Marius Bonacci of Hamilton Township, N.J starts a baseball league for players ages 13-15 and calls it "the little bigger league".

Mr. Colin Keegan of Pittsfield heads a group of people interested in bringing Pittsfield an organized baseball program for players ages 13- 15. Pittsfield becomes one of only 3 leagues in Mass to charter in the Little Bigger League program. North Adams and Leominster are the other two. The Pittsfield league has 6 teams- local sponsors included; St. Mary's, Bill Sable, Lions Club, Rams, Jets, Besse- Clark. All Pittsfield games were played at the "common". The first Little Bigger League state tournament was held at Wachonah Park; Pittsfield beat North Adams 6-4 and lost to Leominster in the championship game 12-0. Members of the 1st Pittsfield All Star Team were; Mr. Edward Connolly future catcher for the Boston Red Sox. (His son Edward Connolly Jr. former Pittsfield Babe Ruth player pitched for the Boston Red Sox in the mid 60's). Players; Bobby Hunt, David Cohen, Don Perry, Dick Lee, Ward Starkey, Fran Woodin, Joe SchierBin, Craig Viale, Don Terpak, Bill Barston, and Botch Leclaire.

In 1953- Little Bigger League now names "National Little Bigger League". Mr. Colin Keegan of Pittsfield is named state commissioner. American League composed of players from the North and East Little League- National League composed of players from the West and South Little Leagues. In 1954 National Little Bigger League re-named Babe Ruth Baseball League. Massachusetts now had 17 cities and towns with Babe Ruth Leagues. In 1956 Pittsfield with Mgr. George (Red) Pleau wins district, state championships and played in regional in Cranston, R.I. playing in this tournament for Pittsfield is future shortstop of the Baltimore Orioles, Mark Belanger. In 1961 Pittsfield American wins district beating Adams 3-2 and Holyoke 6-1.

In 1963 Pittsfield Americans win district Beating Lee 8-0, Adams 7-0. Lost to Westfield 3-2. Playing for the Americans in this tournament is former major league ball player Tom Grieve of the Texas Rangers. In 1964 Pittsfield Nationals goes to regional at Sanford, Maine. Lose to Puerto Rico 4-2. Managers Were Buddy Pellerin, Lou Orazio, And Ronny Kamienski. In 2008, the 14 year old team won the state championship. The team was managed by Steve White. The Pittsfield Babe Ruth League has sent 3 teams to the Babe Ruth World Series. In 1993 the 13 year old team went to Springdale, Ark. In 1995 the 15 year old team went to Millville, N.J. In 2005 the 14 year old team went to Quincy, MA. No Pittsfield team has ever one the Babe Ruth World Series.