SAYRE LITTLE LEAGUE HONORS TWO UMPIRES, COMEMMORATES ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST NIGHT GAME DURING OPENING DAY CEREMONIES (21 PHOTOS) (2021-04-24)
Valley Sports ReportSAYRE "” The Sayre Little League paid tribute to longtime Little League umpires George Stires and Kevin Rubert, and marked the 50th anniversary of the first night game in Sayre Little League history by having two players from that game - Bill Knowles and Jack Repasky - throw out the ceremonial first pitch to mark the beginning of the 2021 season.
Sayre Little League president Todd Green was the master of ceremonies for the morning's events.
He lamented the loss of the 2020 Little League season to the Covid-19 pandemic, and said the Little League would do everything it could to get the 2021 season in.
Green turned the microphone over to Sayre High School baseball coach Jamie VanDuzer, who spoke on his team's success and its ties to the Sayre Little League. He also offered up a bit of encouragement to the current Little League players.
"One of our players is among the leaders in Pennsylvania "” not the NTL, but the entire state of Pennsylvania - in home runs and RBI.
"I will tell you this, when he was 11 years old here at Sayre Little League, he did not make the all-star team," said VanDuzer. "But. he kept working, and that hard work is paying off."
Sayre High School softball coach Rich Decatur also spoke, and was pleased to see three softball teams back in the ranks of the Sayre Little League.
With the microphone back in his hands, Green expressed appreciation for the commitment Stires and Rubert had for Little League.
"A major component to baseball, one that at times takes grief, and is not often appreciated is umpiring.
"Sayre Little League would like to recognize two umpires today," said Green. "George Stires has been an active umpire for a few decades, and Little League has been a source of enjoyment for George.
"Due to health concerns, George had to hang up his gear," noted Green. "George had to leave the game, but the game has not left George.
"One of George's biggest concerns during his umpiring days was the kids wearing necklaces," added Green. "It is only fitting, George receives the umpire's necklace for his dedication to Sayre Little League. Thank you, George."
Rubert was not just an umpire, but a coach at the Little League and high school level - both baseball and softball - for more than 40 years.
"Kevin has been instrumental for the Towanda, Sayre, and Athens Little Leagues over the years," said Green. "He has coached people like Todd Green, Sean Flynn, and World Series champion Nate Bump. Actually, all three players played together.
"Kevin has enjoyed umpiring Little League, and has been available for Sayre Little League anytime he has been asked," noted Green. "Unfortunately, Kevin could not be here today because he has two games to umpire.
"Kevin also received an umpire's necklace, and was presented with it (Friday) evening at Riverfront Park," added Greene. "Thank you Kevin for your 40 years of dedication to Little League."
Green also spoke briefly on the first Sayre Little League game to be played under the lights.
"The Sayre Little League would like to take a moment to commemorate 50 years since the first game was played following the dedication of lights at Shedden Memorial Stadium, which sat where Bimbo Bakeries currently sits.
"The first game saw the Haggerty team, coached by Dave "Dusty" Shaw take on the Stroehman's team ... two team members from the Haggerty team - Bill Knowles and Jack Repasky - are here with us today.
"Both Mr. Knowles and Mr. Repsasky remained active in Little League through adulthood by coaching and volunteering.
"Thank you both for sharing your memories," added Green. "We can agree Little League can be the foundation for making great friends, building character, and making great memories."
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IN PHOTO 1: Bill Knowles (left) and Jack Repasky. ... PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.
