West Tampa Little League has an extensive history, as rich as the inhabitants of the neighborhood surrounding the diamonds. While it was established as a place for boys to play baseball, it has grown into a multigenerational safe-haven for boys AND girls to develop skills and friendships that stretch well beyond the fields. When sitting on the bleachers you can hear the “old-timers” reminisce about their 1970’s Little League World Series memories while they watch their grandchildren awkwardly fumble with the bat, and their own children now adults coaching the little ones. It’s not surprising that they would reminisce so fondly on those times since 1970 was the year West Tampa Little League became the first team from Florida to win a Little League World Series. More than that, greats like Lou Piniella, Tony La Russa, Luis Gonzalez, Tino Martinez, Fred McGriff, and Dave Magadan have walked these very fields and called WTLL their home as well.
We are proud of West Tampa and can't wait to continue to build on an already amazing history!
Pre- West Tampa Little League
The first mention of youth baseball in West Tampa dates back to July 9th, 1955 when a West Tampa Boys Club Little League first began, at this time we don't know how long the league operated but most likely only lasted this one season in what was an attempt to bring baseball from its cigar and social society roots to what is now known as Youth Sports. A July 9th start is extremely unorthodox in today's schedule, the world series in Williamsport was held between August 23rd & 26th, 1955 leaving only 4-5 weeks to play this inaugural season. Today West Tampa starts its spring season in January.
The Formation of West Tampa Little League
On Monday October 16th, 1961, a meeting was set to form The West Tampa Little League, District 6 at the time was much larger and fragmented in regard to boundaries, making WTLL it's 19th member. One week later on October 24th, 1961, the league met to elect officers. On November 5th, 1961, West Tampa Little League announced that they were opening registration with an informational meeting at Macfarlane Park Elementary school on November 8th by announcing boundaries that are still in effect as of today. Grand Central to the south (now known as Kennedy Blvd, South of Tampa Bay Blvd, and east of Dale Mabry. To cap it off, the league met one more time on Tuesday November 7th, 1961, to name positions within the league, making Lorenzo "Tapi" Rodriguez the first president in its history.
