THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 11, 1994 TAG: 9409090245
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines
THE OLIVE BRANCH Little League will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 1995 and plans are under way to hold an elaborate opening day celebration.
One of the oldest Little Leagues in Virginia, the Olive Branch league was chartered in 1955.
The Buck Childs Little League, now known as the Wilson Little League, was the city's first. In 1952 the Buck Childs league was among four across the state getting the initial Little League charters in Virginia.
Westhaven, Cradock and Olive Branch soon were added in Tidewater District 2. As additional leagues were formed, the district was then designated as District 6. District 6 still embraces all of the Portsmouth leagues.
``We want to have as many people as possible in attendance who have been affiliated with the league through the years as officers, coaches, players and parents of participants,'' said Olive Branch Little League president Brant Honeycutt.
``This will be a reunion opportunity for many who haven't seen each other in years and years,'' added Honeycutt, whose two sons played in the league. Honeycutt himself played in the John Tyler Little League.
``Some of those who were involved at the start will see how the Olive Branch league has grown and now has a very important place in the community,'' added Honeycutt.
Olive Branch officials expect about 700 youngsters to participate in the league this year. The budget for the league exceeds $100,000.
Honeycutt is working with a committee of longtime league volunteers in setting up the program. Jim Short, Jack Lofton and John Charlton are heading up the project. All three had children who went through the Olive Branch league.
Olive Branch has won district titles at every Little League level, including the softball divisions.
``We hope to follow up the reunion program with a dinner-dance the next evening,'' Charlton said at a Tuesday night meeting of workers involved in the April program.
Short, still active in the league although his son finished playing there more than 20 years ago, said a Tuesday, Jan. 17 meeting has been scheduled to finalize plans. The meeting will be held at the Simonsdale complex.
Those interested in helping arrange the reunion program are invited to attend this meeting.
For information, call Short at 488-8438, Charlton at 488-3479 or Lofton at 488-2301. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
One of the oldest Little Leagues in Virginia, Olive Branch will have
about 700 youngsters participating on its field this year.
by CNB