Optimist Youth Baseball of Kenosha

HISTORY OF OPTIMIST YOUTH BASEBALL OF KENOSHA, INC

The program began in 1952. Robert Bundies was the first Commissioner. The league consisted of four teams with players ranging in age from 9 to 12 years old. The program continued to grow and develop until it reached its maximum of 24 teams in 1964. It consisted of 12 American League and 12 National League teams.

Up until the Optimist Club purchased and developed the property at its current location games were played at Lincoln Park. In 1966 the park was officially opened and became the home of Little League baseball in Kenosha.

In 1971 a playoff system was established and the American League and National League were divided into two divisions, a Red Division and a Blue Division. Each division consisted of six teams. The division winners would play each other with the winner representing their respective league. The American League champion would play the National League champion in one game, to determine the league champion.

In 1983, Commissioner Richard Oechler, instituted a nine year old program, consisting of eight teams. Since it was difficult for nine year olds to compete with 11 & 12 year olds, this would allow the children an opportunity to learn and develop baseball skills in a competitive atmosphere.

The ‘Just Say No To Drugs’ tournament was instituted in 1985 by Commissioner, Dr. Jim Santarelli. The format was teams would be divided into four pools. The pool winners would play each other and the winners advance to the championship game.

In 1987 the program was split into two leagues. A 9-10 year old league consisting of sixteen teams and a twenty team 11-12 year old league. Each league was divided into an American League and National League. This was done to allow the children to compete with each other on more of an equal basis and also allow each child to develop their baseball skills and more playing time.

Currently, the season has several segments. The 9-10 year old league starts with the ‘Just Say No To Drugs’ tournament, with a minimum of three games and a maximum of five. This is followed by a fifteen game regular season. The season concludes with a single game elimination playoff. Teams are seeded according to their regular season record The winner of the American League and National League play one game for the 9-10 year old champion.

The 11-12 year old program also begins with the ‘Just Say No To Drugs’ tournament. Each team plays a minimum of three games and a maximum of five. Then the eighteen game regular season begins. This is followed by the playoffs, single elimination format. Teams are seeded according to their regular season record. The respective American League and national League winners advance to the best of three championship series. The winner is declared the overall 11-12 year old champion.

The board of directors decided in 2008 to re affiliate with International Little League. In doing so we had to abide by the rules of International and had to divide the leagues into three divisions (to compete in tournament play). The divisions were named after men who devoted much time, effort, and financial assistance to keep the program ongoing and functional . They are: Roger Vincent, Jr., Frank Hartnell, & Steve Jacobs.

Midway through the 2008 season we relocated to a new complex, Kenosha Sports Complex. It is has four little league size diamonds with a building in the center. The building has a concession stand, rest rooms, and storage.

The complex also has two intermediate size diamonds adjacent to the little league fields. The City of Kenosha Parks Department named each of the diamonds after individuals who had an impact on little league and baseball in Kenosha. The little league diamonds are named after; Roger Vincent, Jr. Bob Lee, Sr., John Wavro, Sr., and Dr. Jim Santarelli. The intermediate fields are named after Bernie Baurer and Andy Smith.

In the fall of 2008 Little Leaguers of Kenosha started a fall baseball league. The league would consist of an 8 & 9 year old division which would abide by all local and Little league rules.

The league would also consist of a 10 & 11 year old wood bat division. This division would also abide by all local and Little League rules.