MPTLL History Project: Aerial Photos of Randolph Park

Below are some interesting aerial photos showing how the land in and around Randolph Park has evolved over the years. It also shows how much our volunteers have accomplished since we first arrived at Randolph Road.

The photo on the left is from 1950, two years before the Myers Park Civitan league was created and began play at Myers Park Elementary School. It was all farm land back then. The road running north to south in this picture was Sardis Road, and later became Randolph Road. Sardis intersects Billingsley Road on the left side of the picture.

The middle photo is from 1961. Our one Little League field, E.C. Griffith, is seen on the northwest side of Randolph Road. To the south, the old Pony/Babe Ruth Field, Culp Field, is barely visible. Across the street, what we now call Grier Heights #1 has been built. At the bottom of the picture Billingsley Road has been rerouted further to the south in the current location. The old Billingsley Road still exists in the photo and runs through the farm on the land where our current fields sit.

The photo on the right is from 2012 and shows our current park, with two Grier Heights fields, three tee ball fields among the trees separating the upper and lower fields, and five Little League fields and other structures between the tree line and the current Billingsley Road. Interestingly, the path from behind the backstop of Randolph East Field to the concession stand follows the same route as the old Billingsley Road.

A lot has changed in 65 years. It will be interesting to see how the park continues to evolve as we grow and make more improvements over the next several decades.

Randolph Park land in 1950, 1961 and 2012. Click for a larger picture.

T-Ball: Still the Same After All These Years

Legendary Charlotte sports writer, Bob Quincy (left), was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame last night. He was a World War II veteran, five-time N.C. Sports Writer of the Year and spent a long and distinguished career in sports media.

But he was also part of the MPTLL family at one time. While he usually wrote about bigger and better things, back in 1980 he wrote about us. More specifically, T-Ball, which at the time was still being played on the Eastover Elementary School playground. There were winners and losers back then. Only two years prior, there had been an actual championship game - played on our crown jewel, E.C. Griffith Field on Randolph Road, no less. I know - I was a 5-year-old on that team and we cut our beach vacation short to come back and play in it.

Otherwise, it's amazing how little has changed about T-Ball in 33 years - the tears and tantrums, the clover picking and helicopter watching. And as Quincy said, "...unless one has the patience to deactivate a time bomb, he never should consider running a T-ball team." Still true. Enjoy, straight from the scrapbook: "No One Left Holding The Bag In T-Ball" - Bob Quincy, Charlotte Observer, 1980.

Best of MPTLL #6: Fields and Facilities

Myers Park Trinity Little League is blessed to call Randolph Park its home. The Marshall-Caudle Little League Complex is the result of a little luck and a lot of hard work. It began to take shape after three decades of play on borrowed land across Randolph Road.

Here is what the area looked like in 1961. In that satellite image, E.C. Griffith Field is at the top left section of the photo. Caudle Field would be built just to its north many years later. What we now use and call "Grier Heights #1" is top right, directly across Randolph Road. At the bottom left is the old Culp Field, our Pony League / Babe Ruth field, before it became overgrown with ivy-covered outfield fences. And at the bottom right portion of the photo is the farmland that would become Randolph Park. Wade Field now sits directly across the street from where Culp Field once was.

When Lloyd Caudle, Tom Marshall and other volunteers secured the use of the Mecklenburg County land that is now Randolph Park in the early 1980's, it was originally constructed with two Little League fields and a Babe Ruth field. The Little League fields had dirt infields, no mounds and no outfield fences. Their were no bleachers - only a long concrete slab on each side of the backstop for fans to sit on. The dugouts had no roofs. There was a two-sided wooden scoreboard between the fields along a dirt walking path, which led to a small cinder-block concession stand (now "Billy's Building"). The fields were called Randolph East and West (later Kiser-Chapman) Fields, and they are still in use today.

Best of MPTLL #4: History and Tradition

For a youth sports organization, Myers Park Trinity Little League has a very long history. The story of our early years has been well documented on this website. The Harry & Bryant team was one of the original six teams put together in 1951 as part of the city-wide American Business Club league. Our own organization was chartered in 1952, with Harry & Bryant and Al Browne's Service included. These teams are still in existence today and Myers Park is now the oldest league in Charlotte.

We also have a lot of tradition, something that doesn't always come with history. Al Browne still plays Harry & Bryant each year to start the spring season. Our coaches and other volunteers tend to stick around, many of them for several decades. Our Major League teams use the property system, so most of their players remain on the teams for multiple years. Those teams are like college athletic programs, with alumni and fans that may support them for years. Some of us come back to coach our teams. Our fields are sometimes named for our legends.

MPTLL is constantly evolving and improving. But we never lose sight of our history and tradition. Why is that important? Because it creates a sense that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. It is something that is lasting... something we can depend on. It is comforting to know that it has been here for previous generations, and if we care for it, it will be here for many more. And we will care for it, because being a part of something bigger than yourself is not only worthwhile. It is inspiring. It creates passion and energy. At the same time, it humbles us and gives us perspective, and that rubs off on the players. That's pretty special, and you can't find that for kids in many places. When you do, you hang onto it.

In case you missed it.....

Best of MPTLL #1: Community Atmosphere.

Best of MPTLL #2: Dedicated Coaches.

Best of MPTLL #3: Versatility.

60th Anniversary Ceremonies on Saturday

MPTLL's opening ceremonies, which were postponed due to rain back in March, will take place this Saturday, April 21st at 11:30 am on Wade Field. All teams are asked to assemble in uniform by 11:15. Click here for the revised game schedule.

This year's ceremony is a special one because it marks our league's 60th anniversary. We have come a long way since the early summer days of 1952 when four teams joined together as the Myers Park Civitan League to compete on the Myers Park Grammar School playground. Our original charter shows how the league was organized and approved by Williamsport. Various Charlotte Observer articles provide accounts of how the action played out on the diamond.

1952 was a different time. Average annual wages were $3,800. A gallon of gas cost 20 cents and a new house cost $9,000. Kentucky Fried Chicken, the Today Show, Queen Elizabeth II, Holiday Inn and the passenger jet all made their debuts. Harry S. Truman was our President and the nation was at war in Korea.

After 60 years, Myers Park Trinity is thriving. We have grown from four teams to over 50, from one field to 11. We have a large group of dedicated volunteer coaches, grounds crew, concessions staff, Board of Directors and most importantly, devoted parents and players. We have much to celebrate.

So come on out to Randolph Park on Saturday and join us for opening ceremonies at 11:30 and try to catch a game or two. There's nothing quite like a Saturday at the fields. For more information on the story of our league, click on the History tab below.

MPTLL History Project: 1954-1956

The Myers Park Civitan League's third year saw more changes as the "kid loop" continued to evolve. In 1954 the Blythe Motors team changed sponsor names and became known as Auto Finance. But star pitcher Greg Schachner and others remained, and the team started strong.

During this early period, the league constructed a new playing field near the Mint Museum on Randolph Road that would remain in use for over 40 years. Later named E.C. Griffith Field in honor of the new park's generous land owner, Ranson Field was built by league volunteers while teams continued to play at the Myers Park Elementary School playground. Phil Howser and his Charlotte Hornets' grounds crew would later help construct a grass infield at the new ballpark, which was originally named for the first Myers Park Civitan Club president, John Ranson. By 1954, the league's teams were making news consistently at the new field. And it would soon play host to District 3 All-Star games.

The four Major League teams - Auto Finance, Farmer's Dairy, Harry & Bryant and Hotpoint - would continue their sponsorship unchanged in 1955 and 1956. Throughout the summer, they would pack a full schedule of games into each week. This was a period when many of our league's future coaches were enjoying their own Little League days - men like Zan Copeland, who would coach the Trinity team from the mid-1970's until his death in 2010; Buddy and Teddy Dubose, who coached several teams, including the original Carolina Pad / Kitchens Unlimited team in the early 1980's; and Pete and Wayne Ayers, who starred at Dilworth, later coached Proposition XLV / T.R. Lawing in the '80's and '90's, and enjoy watching a third generation of their family play today.

MPTLL History Project: 1953



1953 Champion Hotpoint Team

 After chartering with Little League and starting play in 1952, the Myers Park Civitan League went through some changes in its second season. With the popularity of youth baseball spreading in Charlotte in 1953, the Dilworth League was created, and the existing leagues introduced farm teams. This was the birth of our Minor League division, and the predecessor of what we now call at Myers Park the National League.

There was also a change of Major League sponsors. Al Browne's Service, which had been one of the original teams the year before, became one of the first farm teams in 1953. The returning major league players from Al Browne's became the original Hotpoint team. Al would continue to sponsor a farm team until returning to the Major League Division in 1961 and taking over the returning Farmers Dairy team.

1953 was a hard fought season. As usual there were several newspaper clippings to report on all the action. You might see some familiar names. I did.

And best of all, as you can see in this first-hand account from former Al Browne and Hotpoint player, Barrow Mullis, Hotpoint won the league championship after some wild games and a little controversy over at Farmers Dairy. Hotpoint was the champ in its first year as a sponsor, and by temporarily changing its sponsorship to a farm team, Al Browne would wait 53 years before capturing its first league title.

The History of Metal

With all the talk going on this year about the safety issues surrounding composite metal bats, I found this article on the history of aluminum bats interesting. The quality of these bats has come a long way since they were first introduced in 1970 - from the hunk-o-metal I used while playing on our fields, to the lightweight alloys and composites of today with a nearly can't-miss sweet spot. Enjoy...

MPTLL History Project: 1952

As previously mentioned, Little League first came to Charlotte in 1951. Our own Myers Park Civitan League was chartered with Little League Baseball in March of 1952. Play began in June of that year.

The 1952 season included four original major league teams: Harry & Bryant Co., Al Browne's Service, Blythe Motors and Farmers Dairy. Although Philip Der Yuen was listed on the charter as President of the league, with Robert Brooks as Vice President and Harold Richardson as Secretary/Treasurer, it has been said that Jack Starnes was considered "head of the Little League group" for the Civitans and therefore our first league President. Jack was closely involved throughout the 1950's in a variety of ways: umpiring games, travelling to all-star tournaments, helping build Ranson Field (later named EC Griffith) on Randolph Road, etc.

During that first season, games were played on the Myers Park Elementary School playground among the four teams. Legend has it that Clayton Bundy of Farmers Dairy hit the first homerun in league history on Opening Day 1952. His team would go on to win the championship that year, thanks in part to Bundy's bat and the pitching of guys like Ray Farris.

As was usual throughout the '50's and '60's, there were several newspaper clippings about the games. This first set includes a picture of what is possibly the first game ever played between now old rivals Al Browne's and Harry & Bryant. It was a part of this Observer spread about the rise of Little League in Charlotte. Hope you enjoy.

Girls Can Play Baseball Too

Found a website for an organization called Baseball For All, which promotes the idea of girls playing baseball, not only in youth leagues, but beyond.

Baseball For All (BFA) is managed by Justine Siegal, who played competitive women's baseball and later served as a coach for a professional men's team, the Brockton (MA) Rox. The organization provides opportunities and instruction for girls wanting to continue with baseball beyond the young age that most are encouraged to make the switch to softball. The website includes some good information, including an informative education page.

Myers Park Trinity's history includes several standout female players. Katie Boyer was the first, playing for Al Browne in 1978. Some of her teammates actually thought she was a boy, until one of them asked the coach one day, "Why do you always call him Katie?"  Krissy Culler may have been the best, earning a spot on the league's Major League All-Star team. One of my own favorite players, Betsy Barnhardt, was an outstanding catcher and pitcher for AB.

So while the league does have a quality softball program, there are options for those girls wanting to stick with hardball. And they can excel at it. Don't believe me? Check out the story of Chelsea Baker on ESPN E:60.

MPTLL History Project: The Original Charter

This is pretty interesting to look at: our league's original charter application, approved by Little League, Inc. on March 12, 1952.

After the initial 1951 season with the American Business Club League at Independence Park, Don Bryant and his Harry & Bryant team joined fellow Myers Park Civitan Club members like Al Browne, Jack Starnes and others in forming a new league under the Civitan Club's sponsorship. As you can see in this Charlotte Observer article from early June 1952, a third league sponsored by the North Charlotte YMCA was also formed.

Some interesting things stand out on our league charter. Each of the four original teams - Harry & Bryant, Al Browne's Service, Blythe Motors and Farmers Dairy - had nicknames: Cardinals, Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers respectively. Our territory boundary was rather large, bounded only by Trade and Tryon Streets, but the estimated population was just 20,000. And the league's first field at Myers Park Elementary is described in pretty good detail: 180 down the lines, 200 to center, and rated as "average." The league would play there the first couple of seasons before moving over to Ranson Field (later known as EC Griffith) on Randolph Road.

MPTLL History Project: 1951



Charlotte Observer 7-10-51

1952 is pretty well known as the year our league began. But before there was a Myers Park Trinity Little League, or even a Myers Park Civitan League, there was the American Business Club League. And our own Harry & Bryant team was a part of it.

That's Don Bryant on the left getting the HB boys ready for Opening Day in 1951. His new squad was one of eight entries in the unofficial and unchartered city-wide league that began play in July of that year. At the time, Little League Baseball had over 2,000 teams around the nation, mostly in its home state of Pennsylvania. Men like Vic Westmoreland and Ken McCollough helped bring it to Charlotte. As you can see in these articles from the Charlotte Observer, the idea gained popularity and came together quickly - from the initial planning, to organizing the details, to scheduling opening day.

Play began on July 10, 1951, and Harry & Bryant won its first and second games.

The following year there would be three separate leagues in our community, one being our own Myers Park Civitan League. And the year after that there would be farm teams introduced. But those are stories for another day. For now, let's appreciate Harry & Bryant as it prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

MPTLL History Project

The history of Myers Park Trinity is a large part of what we are today. As the oldest existing Little League organization in Charlotte, we have a tradition and a respect for our history like none other.

But much of that history has been passed down by word of mouth and is at the risk of being lost or accidentally rewritten. So I have set out to document our history using pictures, first hand accounts, draft records, scorebooks and newspaper clippings. Much of the work was done by a few of us prior to the league's 50th anniversary in 2002. But many holes remained and inaccurate legends persisted.

The MPTLL History Project will attempt to document as many facts as possible that make up our real history. The main part of this endeavor is to track the history of our oldest and most prominent division of play - the Major League division. It all began is 1951 with Harry & Bryant, and we became a chartered league - the Myers Park Civitan League - in 1952 with HB, Al Browne's Service, Farmers Dairy and Blythe Motors. But what happened the next year?