PA National House League Teams
PORT ARTHUR NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE:
In 1952 several local individuals with the financial support of four city service clubs applied for and were granted a Little League Baseball charter in 1952. The Board of Directors consisted of the following positions and directors:
- President: Gord Wilson
- Vice President: George Arnot
- Secretary : Walter Tilson...also League Contact
- Treasurer: Harry Hurtig
The Port Arthur national Little League was the first little league in the twin cities of Port Arthur and Fort William. Our league boundaries consisted of the entire city of Port Arthur, which at the time had an estimated population of 31,000 residents (according to our charter submission of the time).
In those early days we had a four team league of 9 to 12 year olds and they played a twenty (20) game schedule. The teams were all proudly supported by four city of Port Arthur Service Clubs. The newly minted Executive selected Red, White, and Black as our league colours.
We believe our first field was located on the corners of what is now the corner of High St and Beverley St. behind the Port Arthur Stadium. Our field dimensions were 195 feet down the 1st and 3rd base sides and 250 feet at straight away centre field. With the financial support of our city’s service clubs, the league purchased 72 uniforms that year.
Our charter application cost the league $10.00 and it was filed with Little League-Baseball Incorporated at 34B William St., Williamsport, Pennsylvania, USA, on April 24th, 1952.
In 1953, the Fort William Americans located in Fort William’s east end applied for and received their charter and since that time the two leagues have often competed for the district 3 championships.
The Executive of the Port Arthur National Little League invites anyone with any Port Arthur National Little League information of historical significance to share their stories, recollections, pictures, articles, tournaments won/lost, and memories of championship teams with us and we will make every effort to get your pictures, stories on our web site.