The perspective of a West Hartford umpire who is also a parent, and has coached, fundraised, and volunteered many hours to make the league a success.

By Daniel Busch

I walked off the field cheering loudly inside. I could not show it on the outside as I had to maintain the stoic detached neutrality of an umpire. But West Hartford Little League (WHLL) had just made history!

Twelve years in the making. So many volunteer hours by so many – coaching, administering, fundraising, teaching, building a first class home field complex and growing a league from infancy to adolescence.

On Thursday WHLL will play in its first state championship tournament, at 6 p.m. at Elmridge Park in Rocky Hill.

This past weekend, WHLL made history and clinched the first District 7 banner since the league’s inception 12 years ago. Thanks to a great organization, a very special group of 9- and 10-year-olds, their parents and coaches.

The formation of WHLL has been interesting if not controversial. There’s as natural a rival as Hall/Conard in the long-standing league that I played in many years ago, the West Hartford Youth Baseball League (WHYBL). Both leagues have come to respect each other for their similarities and differences but WHLL had never won a title of its own, until now.

Over the years WHLL met and had beaten WHYBL teams and vice versa. WHLL has also appeared in WHYBL’s Hungerford Tournament championship game, but has never won it. Also WHYBL league won WHLL’s 10-year-old tournament in its first year.

So, it’s been an interesting ride for these two rival leagues. There is much more to come. West Hartford is lucky to have two fun baseball rivalries in Hall/Conard and in WHLL/WHYBL. The future looks fun!

For more info about WHLL. Go to: westhartfordlittleleague.com