There were lots of baseball stories batted around the Jerseytown Community Hall on Saturday, September 23, as the “Old Timers” from the North Branch League gathered for a reunion. Teammates from nine different teams swapped memories and laughs about games played over several years. Those teams included: Millville, Picture Rocks, Jerseytown, Hughesville, Benton/Stillwater, Exchange, Unityville, Danville and Buckhorn.

Of those gathered, John Babb, age 94, became involved with the North Branch League in the 1940’s, served as president for a period of time and umpired for many years. Former player, Harold Yaple, 92, was also on hand. Unityville, Jerseytown and Millville former player, Dale Beagle, ably served as Master of Ceremonies, and offered a few important questions, like “Did any of you put on those protective hand mitts once you got on base?” and “Did you have your own water or share a bucket and ladle with the rest of the team?” He also led the crowd in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Many smiles were observed as the group joined in. The blessing for the fine meal was offered by Ned Holdren.

Mark Ludwig spoke of his father, Millard Ludwig, former North Branch League president and baseball devotee. “He loved amateur sports,” Ludwig said. “He felt that athletes should be able to keep playing after their high school careers were over. He devoted a lot of time to lots of kids. I sometimes wished I had him more to myself, but I came to realize how much those other guys needed him, too,” Ludwig told the crowd.

Terry Rider, former Jerseytown, Millville and Unityville player, praised his own father and also Millard Ludwig for their dedication to baseball and for helping young players. “They’d haul us around for the sport, and we’d help out as needed; we really learned the value of teamwork,” Rider said. Rider and Ludwig also noted some of the history of the North Branch League. Dick Bower, who played for those same three teams, entertained the crowd with several anecdotes and “observations” about the game. “Remember Stillwater’s field?” he asked. “You’d drive up the dirt road to the field and see that line drawn on a tree–and soon realize that the tree AND the dirt road were actually part of the field!” Bower also spoke of the rock pile at Bendertown. “If anyone got a long left-center field hit, it was an automatic home run because there were snakes in that rock pile and no one was gonna dig around there for the ball!” There was also a session of “Pass the mike” when several former players shared memories. Additionally, appreciation and recognition was given to all the umpires who faithfully served the North Branch League over the years.

Ed Ott was the guest speaker for the event. Ott grew up in Muncy and played Little League, Intermediate, American Legion, and for the Picture Rocks Rockets and Hughesville Travelers. He also played for White Haven in a Wilkes-Barre League. Ott was officially scouted while playing for the P.R. Rockets at age 19, then signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1970. “I signed for $500 a month and a $1,000 bonus, and I thought I was Bill Gates, with all that money!” he said. He played the outfield for the Pirates minor leagues for six years, earning MVP status and was called up to the majors in 1977. “My first season, I ‘played’ in 162 games, with only 38 at-bats.” Ott’s position was switched to catcher and he had a very successful career for his 16 years in the majors, averaging a BA of 260, and playing in 1979 World Series with the victorious Pirates. When he became a free agent, he signed a 3-year contract with the California Angels. “But I tore my rotator cuff, twice, and ended up coaching a AAA team in Alberta, Canada.” When asked about the best hitters he ever saw from behind the plate, he said, “Dave Parker, Rod Carew, and Tony Gwynn!” Reflecting, Ott said he wanted to be a major league baseball player from the time he was in third grade. “I worked hard to get there and had the drive because I really wanted it. I’d like people, especially the young, to remember that when they’re going after something, keep hard at it and don’t give up.” He also said, “And you can learn a lot from the bench!”

The old uniforms from the nine teams were on display, as was lots of memorabilia, photos and newspaper clippings. Committee members that were responsible for bringing the North Branch Old Timers together were: Dick and Ginny Bower; Dan and Joann Deihl; Gary and Patti Gorner; Dick Holdren; Terry and Cindy Rider; Nancy Welliver; Ron and Lenora Wellier. Though some teams are from different areas, the North Branch League continues to be active today.