Batter Up!

It’s Baseball Season in Marple

Our Community Written by Holly Stupak

Spring is here, and it’s not just for cleaning, vacationing and relaxing. It’s also for baseball! Home to two little league organizations, Marple Township Little League (MTLL) and South Marple Little League (SMLL), Marple offers children ages 4-12 the opportunity to learn life lessons, make new friends and develop a love of the game.

Run by dedicated volunteers and chartered members of Little League Baseball, these two leagues provide a healthy environment to play ball and to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Each league requires residency or attendance at a school within the league borders.

Umpire Tom Kauffman with Mike Noonan and his sons ( L-R ) Owen, Mikey and Finn Noonan

Photo courtesy of Mike Noonan

MTLL was founded in 1951 and serves boys and girls of the Marple Newtown area. Its goal is to encourage participation, develop character and discipline and promote teamwork. “We provide quality instruction in developing baseball skills while also fostering a love of the game,” said longtime board member Mike Noonan.

MTLL sponsors divisions from tee-ball to the more competitive majors and minors divisions as well as tournament teams. The 2022 season kicked off on April 2 with its annual opening day parade.

It was really special this year because for the past two years we were unable to have the parade due to the pandemic,” explained MTLL President Brian McCollum. “It was so great to see all of our players and families get to celebrate this year. It really gets everyone excited for the upcoming season.

Players take the field at South Marple Little League

Photo courtesy of Steve Murray

The 2021 season brought some new changes to MTLL. They added a 4-year-old tee-ball division, which was very well received by families in the community. “Many parents are looking to start their children in organized sports at a younger age,” said Brian. “We were so glad we could welcome kids as young as four and see them already making lifelong friends.”

Last season the MTLL also installed brand new turf batting cages at the Marple complex, allowing players more opportunities to improve their swing and technique. Their snack bar got an upgrade too. After a fire damaged the facility, Brian said local businesses and community members stepped in and remodeled the snack bar at no cost to the league.

This community is incredible,” said Brian, who is serving his third year as president. “It’s such a tight-knit Little League and we all support each other. Everyone involved puts a lot of dedication and time into making it a great season. The reward is getting to see all the players out on the field having fun.

South Marple Little League

Photo courtesy of Steve Murray

Looking ahead, MTLL is looking to add a Challenger division next year, which will allow players of all abilities to play baseball, regardless of any limitations.

We’re looking forward to adding a Challenger baseball team for the 2023 Spring season,” said Mike, who is spearheading this initiative. “It will allow the players to enjoy athletic and social activity, strengthen their self-esteem and give them an opportunity to develop a sense of teamwork!

South Marple Little League is just down the road from MTLL, which serves children who attend St. Pius X, Loomis Elementary, Paxon Hollow Middle School, and St. Francis of Assisi. Offering tee-ball, minor and major competitive baseball and softball teams, as well as tournament teams, SMLL is an ideal environment for players to excel and for families to enjoy their time at the fields.

Our families often say how much they enjoy playing here because of the neighborhood feel. It's easy for them to walk or ride their bikes to the complex,” said SMLL President Steve Murray. “It's a place that families and former players keep coming back to visit long after their days of playing at South Marple.

Marple Township Little League teammates

Photo courtesy of Mike Noonan

SMLL also kicked off their season on April 2nd with their annual parade from Lawrence Park Shopping Center to the baseball fields located behind Loomis Elementary School.

Opening day is always really special,” said Steve. “It’s wonderful to see everyone come out and cheer for the players as they walk through the neighborhood.

Aside from the sheer excitement of returning to baseball, the 2022 season marks the 65th year of the league, and plans to celebrate are in the works. At the end of each season, the league recognizes the players who are graduating from Little League and moving up to the Broomall-Newtown Baseball League. This year they’ll be combining the two milestones into one big celebration.

Like MTLL, SMLL also relies heavily on volunteers, from coaching to running the snack bar.

We are so lucky to have a dedicated group of parents who take pride in maintaining the fields and running the snack bar,” Steve said. “Many of the generous Marple residents who volunteer and financially contribute to ensure that the league is so special are the ones who have fond memories of their own time as players.

Every season brings new possibilities, and the goal of these leagues is to ensure a safe and happy environment for families to enjoy the great game of baseball! More than just a game, youth baseball and softball teach life lessons that build stronger communities and individuals. For more information, visit the league websites at www.MTLL.org and www.SMLL.org.