A Brief History of Shelton Little League
Shelton Little League began as three separate leagues: North (Riverview Park), South (Sunnyside Field), and Central (Huntington School Field). In 1984, a reorganization was implemented to reduce the number of leagues from three to two. The city was divided in half, with the North and South leagues merging to form Shelton National Little League, while the Central league became Shelton American Little League.
Prior to the merger of the North and South divisions, the Sunnyside complex consisted of one Little League field and two adult softball fields. The Little League field, known as Ted Cowey Field, measured 170 feet down the foul lines and had no paved areas surrounding it. The snack bar was very basic, containing only a stove, refrigerator, and soda dispenser, while the upstairs area remained unfinished.
Shelton National Little League has since been blessed with dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and supportive sponsors. Through their commitment and hard work, numerous improvements were made. Fill was added to expand the parking area behind the buildings, and the acquisition of adjoining fields from the Parks and Recreation Department allowed for program growth and facility expansion. New buildings were constructed, and paving was added between and around the fields.
Additional upgrades included the installation of heating and air conditioning in all buildings, the construction of two lighted fields, new bleachers, and fully equipped snack bars and restroom facilities. Field enhancements such as scoreboards, snack bar equipment, and irrigation on Field One further improved the complex, creating a strong foundation for Shelton National Little League’s continued success
The 1980's
In 1984, in an effort to keep baseball alive throughout the summer months, Shelton National Little League introduced a program for 9- and 10-year-olds that would become known as the Little Fellows Baseball Classic. What began with just three teams has grown to nearly 20 teams today. From its inception, the goal has been to make this the premier 9–10-year-old tournament in the state. Teams now travel from as far away as Hartford to participate.
The tournament was founded by longtime volunteers Stan Kudej and George Burr. George passed away in 2020, followed by Stan in 2021. Their dedication and impact on Shelton Little League are still felt today and will never be forgotten.
During this decade, several field improvements were made. North Field benefited from the installation of a new fence, renovation of the existing building, and repairs to the dugouts. South 1 saw the addition of a new batting cage and the construction of a brand-new building.
The 1990's
In the 1990s, Shelton National acquired exclusive use of South 2. The field was developed to support both a softball program and a Challenger Program. Softball experienced slow but steady growth and remains available to all girls residing in Shelton.
The Challenger Program was designed for children with disabilities and welcomed participants from Shelton and surrounding towns. Games were held on Saturday evenings from July through September. Unfortunately, due to declining participation, the Challenger Program is not currently active.
The 1990s also brought District 3 its only State Champion—Shelton National Little League’s 1995 All-Star Team, a remarkable achievement in league history.
2000 and Beyond
In the early 2000s, North Field was completely rebuilt and renamed Tony Mingrone Field. In 2008, Tony Mingrone celebrated his 50th year with the league. He passed away in 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy that anyone he coached can attest to. Tony was also instrumental in the construction of many of the buildings at our facilities.
During this period, lights were installed at Tony Mingrone Field as well as South 2, giving Shelton National Little League three lighted fields—an achievement few leagues can claim. South 1 (Ted Cowey Field) was rebuilt, and exclusive use of South 3 was acquired. An addition to the South 2 building was completed, including a new garage, expanded storage, and additional office space. Irrigation systems were installed at South 2 and Tony Mingrone Field in 2007.
On the field, Shelton Little League teams excelled in district competition. From 2004 to 2008, Shelton won five consecutive District 3 Little League Baseball Championships. Additional District 3 titles were earned in 10–11 Baseball, 9–10 Baseball, and 11–12 Softball.
In 2008, the 11–12 All-Star Team delivered an unforgettable season by becoming New England Champions and advancing to the Little League World Series in Williamsport—a summer that will always be remembered.
Facility improvements continued throughout this time as Shelton Little League consistently invested in upgrading and maintaining its complexes.
Recent Years
In 2019, both Shelton National and Shelton American Little Leagues experienced a significant decline in registration numbers. After petitioning Little League International, approval was granted to merge the two leagues. In the fall of 2019, the organization officially became Shelton Little League, and plans were made for a new beginning in 2020.
As everyone knows, 2020 brought the challenges of COVID-19. The season was delayed until June, and mitigation strategies remained in place through Fall Ball and into the Spring of 2021. Despite these obstacles, the dedication of volunteers ensured that players still enjoyed a positive and memorable experience.
Since returning to normal operations, Shelton Little League has continued to grow its baseball and softball programs each year. Significant improvements have been made across all complexes through fundraisers and generous donations, including field upgrades, new fencing, new scoreboards, and more. The future of Shelton Little League is bright.
Our Commitment
Shelton Little League takes great pride in its programs and facilities. The league is responsible for the maintenance of all fields and buildings, including utilities. Fundraisers, snack bar revenue, sponsorships, and community contributions play a vital role in supporting the operation and upkeep of our facilities. Your continued support helps ensure a safe, enjoyable, and high-quality experience for all of our players