This year marks a very significant anniversary for the Levittown West Little League as it celebrates 50 years as a chartered Little League Program. This Golden Anniversary also celebrates 50 years of dedicated service to the youth in the local community. Currently led by President Glen Brannigan, the program has been put together on the fields of Red Wing Park. "We have only one mission at Levittown West: To provide a fun and safe program that will promote sportsmanship, fair play and a rewarding and memorable experience for all children," said Brannigan. "With our group of caring and dedicated volunteers we will work hard to reach our goals and complete our mission. This year will prove to be an exciting and fun season for all as we pay homage to our wonderful past and prepare our youth for the future."

If you would like to join Levittown West Little League or become one of the league's Esteemed Sponsors and celebrate this wonderful tradition with them, you can do so by contacting them by phone at 796-9443, or e-mail at Levittownwest@aol.com or visit their website: WWW.ETEAMZ.COM/LEVITTOWNWEST.

The following is a brief history on the Field of Dreams Beginning for Levittown West Little League researched the league's very own historian and sponsor Rep Deborah Herrmann:

Plans for Levittown's first baseball "Little League" for boys between the ages of 8 and 12 were initiated the week of May 31, 1951. This was the biggest event to happen to Levittown since the community was formed. The Open House meeting drew almost 600 parents and youngsters who wanted to be the first players in this brand new league. It was said that upon completion of the Little League diamond on Ballpark Lane, this community would become the center of juvenile baseball on Long Island.

William J. Levitt, president of Levitt and Sons, Inc. pledged $1,000 to provide uniforms, equipment and insurance for the players. An additional $1,000 was needed to properly equip the team. Commissioner A. Hugh Jack urged interested organizations to donate funds or to sponsor a team. At that time it cost $250 to maintain each team.

Eight teams would be represented in the league composed of boys from all over the community, according to then baseball Commissioner Jack. The first tryouts were held on June 23, 1951, which drew 446 boys. By the end of several tryout sessions, the eight teams were formed with 18 players on each team.

The group had been divided into two leagues, the American and the National. The Western League, as Levittown West was to be known as at a later date, was in the National League sponsored by the Kiwanis Organization. The National Little League located in Williamsport. Pa. sanctioned both leagues.

Levittown Little League was to officially open on July 28, 1951 with a parade and exhibition game at the Loring Road Diamond. The community was encouraged to come out and support the boys. But as nature would have it, the festivities were rained out and re-scheduled for August 11. The exhibition game could now be held at Levittown's first Little League diamond, Abraham Levitt Field on Hempstead Avenue and Ballpark Lane with Abraham Levitt cutting the ribbon across home plate, and throwing out the first ball. The National Leaguers (Western League) won, 9-3.

By March of 1952, baseball season was again in the air with tryouts scheduled for April. Les Grolnick stated in his column, In the Bullpen that, "This year had promised to establish Levittown as one of the nation's foremost Little League towns." With all the excitement of Little League being established in Levittown, the request for coaches and qualified umpires continued until the teams were chosen. It was at this time that the American and National leagues began being referred to as Western, Eastern, Northern and Southern. A Northwestern league was later added.

Sixteen teams made up of 15 boys tried out for league play. If the boy attended Northside School, he was in the Western League and reported for tryouts at Northside School. Over 500 hopeful Little Leaguers tried out at their designated fields, but only 240 played ball that season.

At that time the teams were named by their sponsor. The Western League was known as the Kiwanis Club, and what a club they were. They were champions of the Western League. Pitchers Joe Trioano and Joe Landry were the shining stars of the team. Joe Landry received the "most valuable player" award from then Kiwanis president, Hy Maniker, at a dinner sponsored by the Kiwanis. The players were guests of honor at a luncheon sponsored by the service organization club.

To end the season, two teams faced each other in the championship game. "The Kiwanis Club nine pounded its way into the Little League championship finals last weekend (Aug. 30, 1952), defeating the Sheffield Sealtests, 10-1 and 11-4, at the Sand Hill Road field," wrote the Tribune. The Kiwanians met the winner of the J.C.Penney and Franklin National Bankers battle in the "World Series" held on Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Loring Road Diamond. The game was a fund raiser for the league in which tickets were sold to attend. Fifteen hundred fans were in attendance to cheer on the Kiwanis Club and J.C. Penney, Southern League. The winning run was scored by Bill Curtin for J.C. Penney, defeating the Kiwanis Club for the title, 2-1.

All was not lost to the Kiwanis Club as three very special guests were in attendance at that championship game - Mickey Mantle, Hank Bauer, and Billy Martin of the New York Yankees. Enjoying refreshments, posing for pictures, signing autographs, and entertaining everyone with an impromptu infield drill, this first "World Series" game would certainly be the best. Baseball just doesn't get any better than that.