Latrobe Derry Old Timers Division "Another Chapter"

Life begins at 40" and "Drive at 55" is nowhere more evident than  in the Latrobe Derry Old Timers League.  As a matter of fact the "40 something's" are the youngsters of the organization. Since it's inception in 2000, the league has doubled in size. We now have 12 teams and approximately 180 players in the over 40 group. Last year, (under the guidance of original league founder Gib Stemmler) we also started an over 55 league or Senior Division which allows players to be competitive against their peers. This site is designed to keep you all informed of the schedule, scores, standings, personnel and contacts of the league. 

We also would like to encourage you to send any questions, comments or suggestions that you have to any of the officers listed. Or Email the website  with the Website Comments buttons throughout the site. We are trying constantly to improve the league and any input from our players would be appreciated. Registration is easy with  several options available. 
We are looking forward to making our 12th season an exciting, fun-filled time and encourage you be a part of it. We hope to see you all at the field.

LDOTL can only achieve its goals with the assistance of generous donations from members and friends of our community.
Without these donations,  serving those in our area would not be possible.  Since our organization relies on the generosity of individuals like you, we ask you to consider a donation to our cause.
If you have a business or are interested in contributing to the growth of this league please contact us here. This website can provide great expose  for local and national businesses. Or if you would like to contribute in any other way we would like to THANK YOU in advance for your efforts. 

HISTORY OF THE  LATROBE DERRY OLD-TIMERS  LEAGUE
The Latrobe-Derry Old Timer’s League was formed as a brain child of Gib Stemmler in the late spring of 2000. Gib had watched an “over  50” softball game that his brother played in Florida and that along with some local events spawned the idea of our current over 40 baseball league.
After talking with several area friends and playing some “Old Timers” games between the old Hostetter and New Derry teams from the Derry Unity league, Gib brought up the feasibility of the league and an informational meeting was scheduled for New Derry field. Approximately 40 men attended the first meeting and the thought of playing ”one more time” took hold. Ideas were discussed and in early July of 2000, the Latrobe Derry Teener League was asked if the old timers could use their facility, Rosa-Oglietti Field, to play for 8 weeks that fall. The Teener League graciously accepted and within a month the league was formed. 

Prior to the season, a meeting with election of officers was held at Libby’s in West Derry. Gib Stemmler was elected President. Dan Polinsky vice President, Terry Giannini Secretary and Bob Davoli Treasurer. On July 21st the Latrobe Bulletin, through Steve Kittey’s column, announced the formation of the league and the upcoming season and invited local men to register. The first practice was held at John’s field in New Derry on July 23rd with about 50 players showing up. Within two weeks the first draft was held at Dr Bob Davoli’s office. Some interesting points from that draft were each team was assigned a Teener League coach to allow access to the field areas and as a safety measure, all the doctors who had signed up were assigned to different teams. All of the other applicants, approximately 65 men, were placed in a “blind draft”. These 24 men were key to getting the league off the ground  through their hard work the first year.

The league’s “opening game” was advertised in the Latrobe Bulletin as well as the Tribune Review. About 400 spectators showed up for the contest between Heat Siphon and Libby’s on August 11th, 2000. Opening remarks were made by Gib Stemmler. Terry Giannini then introduced former Pirate great, shortstop Dick Groat, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The National Anthem was sung by local legend, Red Polo. 
After some exciting offensive and defensive plays by both teams, the game was called after 9 innings and ended in a tie due to a curfew at Rosa-Oglietti Field. Harshall’s Karate claimed the first league championship in 2000 with an 8-0 record including a win over Palombo’s in the playoffs.

Every year since the leagues creation it has grown in size. In fact,  in 2009 the  first year of the Over - 55 (Senior League) had  2 teams and approximately 30 men.  It currently contains 6 teams for the 2014 season and approximately 90 additional men playing baseball from June to September.  While our Over-40 League In 2014 has 14 teams and approximately 200 men playing baseball from August to October each year. 
The oldest man to play in our senior league in the 2013 season was age 82, and we have several men in the mid to late 70's who play each year.

You must be age 40 by Dec. 31st of the year you sign up for our "Old Timers League", or age 55 if you wish to play in the Over-55 (Senior League.  We allow men over age 50 to play in the senior league, if they are able to play catcher.  There are no boundaries for participants. The ONLY requirement to be eligible to play is you must be at least 40 by Dec 31, 2010 and you MUST pay your entrance fee before the annual draft.

LDOT 40-55 Registration:
We are working to make registration as  easy as possible also.
You can download a registration form, fill it out and mail it, along with your entrance fee to:

Latrobe-Derry Old Timers 
PO Box 21
Derry,Pa. 15627