HISTORY OF THE EAST TAYLOR-JACKSON BASEBALL LEAGUE
The history of the ETJ Baseball League can be traced back to the year 1964. In 1964, a league was formed in
East Taylor Township so that children from the township had a place to play organized baseball. The first field
was located in Woodvale Heights with six teams participating, ages 9 to 12 years old. Founding members of the
league were George Aurandt- President, Mick Yingling, Ken Dawson, Gretchen Gelles, and Ed Killian.
In 1965, a new field was constructed at the East Taylor Elementary School with the assistance of Jim Vickroy
and Mick Yingling. At the same time, Jackson Township children were playing at a field along Simmons Lane.
The two leagues combined in 1969 and games were played at the East Taylor Field. The league moved to the
newly constructed Mitchell field, located on Shepard Street in Jackson Township in 1982. The field was built by
the 876th Engineering Battalion out of Johnstown. The field was named after one of the men, named Mitchell, from
the 876th who was killed during the construction of the field. Mr. Mitchell was loading a Bulldozer onto a
lowboy when it rolled over. The Jackson Township Recreation Committee voted unanimously to name the field in his
honor.
A second field was constructed at the facility in 1991.
In 1988, the first annual ETJ Baseball Tournament was held. Ed Porada directed this Tournament from 1988
through 2006. The first year, 16 teams participated in a 9/10 year old tournament. St. Therese won first place
and Arbutus placed second.
Over the years, the league has continued to grow with the help of hundreds of volunteers, parents and
grandparents. In addition, a Concession stand, tool shed, batting cage, and scorer’s booths have also been
constructed.
The league now consists of teams in three age groups. Instructional (ages 5 and 6), Minor (ages 7 through 9),
and Major (ages 10 through 12).
* This is our first attempt at compiling history on the ETJ League. With so many years involved it is
possible to forget things, so we ask input from any of the former league boosters to lend their knowledge to
this effort by contacting one of the officers listed on the Booster page.
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