Ryan Tokar, Thurmont Little League
As busy as things have been at Thurmont Little League (TLL), it’s hard to believe that the fall season is only a few short weeks away. Registration opened on July 1 for ages 4-13. TLL will once again be offering five different levels of play: T-ball, instructional (coach pitch), minors, majors, and intermediate. Fall Ball is a great time to start a new player or move up to a higher level of play. It’s a shorter and less rigid schedule that focuses on player development and, most importantly, FUN! The league is also looking for volunteers for all age groups. Managers, assistant coaches, umpires, and team parents are always in demand. Visit the TLL website at www.TLLBaseball.com, and click the registration tab to sign up today!
Despite the fast-approaching fall season, baseball has been ongoing, as tournament teams from the spring season have continued playing throughout the blazing 90-degree days of July. The 9-11 year-old team finished in second place in the 2021 MD District 2 Tournament. After playing six days in a row, oftentimes in intense heat, they came up just short in Game 2 of the Championship to Brunswick. This team showed an amazing amount of heart, and many of these players still have one or two more years of Little League left to make another run at the championship. Meanwhile, the 11-12 year-old team represented TLL well with their showing in the District Tournament. They started out with a decisive win over Mountain Valley, before losing back-to-back games against impressive Brunswick and Montgomery County teams. For many of these players, it was their last time putting on a uniform representing TLL. We are proud of their many accomplishments and wish them the best of luck as they move on to the next level. The tournament season will wrap up in August, as the Minors all-star team competes in two different tournaments in Brunswick and Pen Mar.
There were plenty of other activities to keep our players and volunteers busy this summer. On Saturday, July 26, players, coaches, and board members participated in the Emmitsburg Heritage Parade. Two floats representing TLL tossed candy to the crowd and advertised the upcoming registration for Fall Ball. Everyone had a great time, and afterwards, all the players got a chance for a photo with the State Champion Catoctin Cougars baseball team. It was an amazing opportunity for these young players to see what they might achieve in the future through continued practice and hard work. On June 30, TLL was the host location for the attempt at breaking the record for the World’s Largest Game of Catch. Despite poor weather, and an all-star game that drew many of the expected attendees out of town, there were still 90 participants from Thurmont, with a total of $665 raised for CureSearch. In total, there were 862 participants in 48 locations around the United States. Unfortunately, they came up just shy of the record, but plans are already in place for another attempt next year (hopefully, with better weather this time around). All participants will still receive a pin commemorating the event.
Finally, in mid-July, Thurmont played host to the 2021 Intermediate State Championship. The games were held at East End Park on the newly renovated field behind the police station. Special thanks to the Town of Thurmont Public Works staff who worked hard on improvements to the field, dugouts, and surrounding areas. Also, to Guardian Lawn Care and PJ’s Roofing, who completed work on the installation of a new pitcher’s mound and setting new bases. The Thurmont Senior Center was also gracious enough to allow volunteers to cool off inside and also to use their kitchen for concessions. Teams from all over the state came to Thurmont to be a part of the event. An opening ceremony was held honoring all guests; featuring the Mayor of Thurmont, color guard from the Thurmont Cub Scouts, and representatives from D2, as well as TLL. Food from The Sauced Savage, JT’s Catering, TLL Concessions, and Kona Ice kept the crowd fed and hydrated throughout the week. The team from Maugansville, Maryland, ended up as the 2021 State Champion. All in all, it was a great event for the town of Thurmont.
Thurmont and Brunswick all-star teams pose after the Championship Game.
Thurmont Little League players pose on their float during the Emmitsburg Heritage Parade.
