Daviess County’s T-ball League is celebrating 50 years of shaping young athletes, a milestone that began with humble beginnings in 1974 and has since impacted thousands of lives. Harold Wilson, the league’s first president, reflected on its history and looks forward to honoring its legacy during a special event at a Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball game on February 8.
Wilson credited Jerry Price, a Tennessee native, for bringing the sport to the area. Price moved to Owensboro for his role as a supervisor at AT&T and quickly introduced T-ball to the community after his children were disappointed to learn the sport wasn’t available locally.
“Jerry Price had a big vision, and I was just fortunate to be a part of it,” Wilson said.
At 26 years old, Wilson was Maceo’s playground supervisor when Price shared the idea. Together, they organized a league with eight teams from various playgrounds across Daviess County and Hancock County. Wilson was unanimously elected president of the league.
“We started with eight teams, then grew to 14 the next year and to 28 by 1976,” Wilson said. “It spread like wildfire across western Kentucky.”
The league’s inaugural season culminated in a three-day tournament at Maceo. A massive rainstorm the night before the event nearly derailed the games, but community volunteers rallied to repair the field.
“Lindy and Hawes Mercer saved the day,” Wilson said. “They hauled in sand and used graders to make the field playable. It was a miracle, really, to see everyone come together.”
The tournament drew hundreds of spectators, and local law enforcement even assisted with parking logistics along U.S. 60. The sport quickly gained popularity, prompting the Owensboro playground association to form its own T-ball league the following year.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary, Wilson has planned a halftime event during Kentucky Wesleyan College’s men’s basketball game against Hillsdale College on February 8. Former and current T-ball players and their families will be admitted for free.
The Kentucky Wesleyan women’s game begins at noon, with the men’s game following at 2:15 p.m. The T-ball celebration will take place during halftime of the men’s game. During the celebration, attendees will sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and players will be introduced by decade.
“I want everyone to feel connected to this milestone,” Wilson said. “We’re even giving out 400 practice T-balls to families as a small keepsake.”
Wilson noted that the event is entirely self-funded, with contributions from community members. He and Price will also honor the league’s history with a special presentation.
“This league has brought joy to so many kids, parents, and grandparents,” Wilson said. “It’s incredible to think that some of our first players are now in their 50s. We’ve built a legacy, and I hope it continues for generations to come.”
For more information or to contribute to the celebration, email Harold Wilson at [email protected].
