West Side Little League launches $1M campaign to improve facility

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a hall of fame-level Little League organization, and there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” said Moeller. “You really lit up not just Hamilton but the state and the nation because I believe the entire nation was rooting for you guys, and not that team from up north.”

West Side Little League lost to Michigan’s Taylor North (the Hank Aaron Division champion) in the 2021 championship game.

Moeller said this organization is not only loved by the city of Hamilton, but “I knew Joe Nuxhall loved this West Side Little League.”

West Side Little League was founded in 1953, and the last significant project was installing a field in 1993, said Board President Josh Davidson.

“Since then, we’ve maintained our facilities, and we’re to the point in our organization that we need to start continuing the growth for future generations for our baseball and softball program,” he said. “This is kind of what the night is about. Not only is it to recognize the boys and their success, but it’s also to think about the future and what we can do to make sure baseball and softball are at West Side Little League for futures to come.”

West Side Little League unveiled its 2021 Tom Seaver Division championship wall in right field, but not before head coach Ken Coomer shared a little bit of the unknown adversity the team went through on their way to the best finish of any Ohio team in Little League World Series history.

“People don’t realize everything we went through,” he said. “We had a lot of adversity, we had a lot of injuries, COVID. We battled a lot. Not just injuries, but on a personal level. Early on, we lost two of our top five pitchers and we just kept on trucking. And a lot of kids stepped up, which we asked a lot of. Different positions, just doing everything. All I can say is that I’m very proud and it’s something I will never forget.”

The project has the backing of the Reds Community Fund, and Executive Director Charley Frank said the complex is “an incredible way to enjoy this great game.” He was invited to the complex in October to learn more about the organization’s vision.

“From my first visit out here ― I had heard so much about this complex ― I could tell this is what youth baseball and softball is about,” he said.

Frank added that the Reds are about getting involved in the right project, “and this is the right project” and hopes the community will help “continue to make this the best-in-class facility.”

“When you are out here, you remember what is so great and so special about baseball,” he said. “We’re excited to be a part of this, we are grateful for the leadership of West Side Little League and the city of Hamilton.”

HOW TO HELP

West Side Little League is accepting donations for the campaign through the Hamilton Community Foundation at tinyurl.com/WSLLCapCampaign.