Northern
Utah Baseball League a tradition spanning generations,
miles
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By Kristin Bishop
Augsut 3, 2005 | Hot dogs and crackerjacks, the
roar of excited fans singing "Take me out
to the ball game," and the smell of freshly
cut grass.
All of these traditions shout that summer has
arrived and America's favorite pastime is about
to begin. The Northern Utah Baseball League is
in mid-season but it's not too late to enjoy a
summer baseball game and cheer on the local teams.
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Photo by Kristin Bishop |
In 1955 Ernie Harwell stated, "Baseball? It's
just a game -- as simple as a ball and a bat. Yet, as
complex as the American spirit it symbolizes. It's a
sport, business -- and sometimes even a religion."
The Northern Utah baseball league values this quote,
making participation in the league an annual tradition.
The eldest member of the Northern Utah League has been
playing for more than 20 years and is now in his mid-50s.
His son, 23-year-old Gillian Hollingsworth, is also
on the team. Many of the members, although they have
moved away, continue to travel back to their hometown
of Logan or Brigham City to participate in every game.
"Although I live in Provo, I travel to Brigham
City each week of the summer to play baseball with all
of my friends and my two brothers," Zenoch Bishop
said. "It is something I hope to do for many summers
to come."
Residents of Smithfield, Logan, Providence, Brigham
City, Hyrum, and Tremonton join every Tuesday and Thursday
evening to participate in a little friendly competition
at nearby city fields. The baseball games are free and
open to the public and provide the perfect atmosphere
for an evening date or family outing. Each city field
offers refreshment stands with soda, hot dogs, popcorn,
treats, and cotton candy, all of the traditional baseball
game favorites. The average Northern Utah League team
is comprised of 15 to 20 members but are always welcoming
new players to join the fun. Each regular season begins
in May and runs through the end of September.
Each team is sponsored by businesses and small donations
from cache valley residents and families. Various contractors
such as JBP and Felt construction are annual donators,
as is Maddox Steakhouse and the Bishop for Congress
campaign. Donations cover the costs of traveling, umpires,
field upkeep, and new equipment.
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