The Beginning

A common bond of all the members of the Middleton Ye Old Timers was their love and dedication to community and the youth of that community. As fathers and leaders within the black community, they decided to form a baseball league, which would cater to the children of that community. The first meeting was held in the basement of the St. John Progressive Church and during that meeting the following officers were elected: 

Mr. George Sullivan              President
Mr. Ben Rouse                       Vice-President
Mr. James Hargrett, Sr.       Secretary
Mr. Billy Felder                      Treasurer

Also, involved in the League’s inception was The Women’s Auxiliary of the Middleton Ye Old Timers. The Women’s Auxiliary was vitally important as a support organization and was comprised of Helen Larry, Voulderdean Rouse, Audrey Dawson, Agnes Judge and Jackie James.

Beginning in 1968, the newly formed all Black League played its first baseball games on a grass field at the corner of 26th avenue and 21st street (Next to Ponce De Leon Court projects). Dedicated League parents and volunteers operated concession stands out of the trunk of their automobiles.

In 1971, a major change to the status of the League occurred with the involvement of Mr. Tappy Rodriquez, who had recently become District VI Little League Administrator. With his support, the League was brought under the jurisdiction and auspices of District XIII as the Belmont Heights Little League. Additionally, it was through the efforts of Mr. Rodriquez that the League acquired its present- day location in East Tampa. In the heart of Tampa’s Black community at Cyrus Greene Park at 2101 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. (Next to College Hill Homes projects). Cyrus Greene Park is owned and operated by the City of Tampa and the City of Tampa annually leases the property to the League.

Originally, the property had a house on the lot which was used for spectator and concession stand. The popularity of the League and the crowds it attracted to the games grew to the point that the house could not accommodate the ever- growing attendees to watch the games. The house literally began to fall apart under the weight of the enthusiastic fans cheering on their favorite teams. The popularity of the League and extremely high-level of competition drew Black youth from all over Tampa. And the League teams immediately began to dominate Little League competitions, play-offs and championships through-out Tampa and the State of Florida. 

In 1973, the Belmont Heights Little League went to its first Little League World Series (27th Little League World Series). The Little League World Series is held annually in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and is the world’s premiere youth baseball championship.

The League had an outstanding team lead by power throwing right hander Darryl Mitchell. And the teamed was coached by Ezekiel “Zeke” Thomas and Robert Allen. The 1973 Belmont Heights Little League ALL-STARS faced-off against an extremely dominant Tainan City, Taiwan Little League team in the Semi-finals and succumbed to Tainan City, Taiwan 27-0. Tainan City played Tucson, Arizona in the Little League World Series Championship and Tainan City defeated Tucson, Arizona 12-0. Tainan City, Taiwan placed 1st in the world (The Tainan City, Taiwan team did not allow a run or hit in the entire tournament. The historic performance by Tainan City has not been equaled to this day), Tucson, Arizona placed 2nd in the world and the Belmont Heights Little League beat Birmingham, Michigan 2-1 to place 3rd in the world.

In 1975, under the coaching staff of the Monte Edmonds and Vernon Felder, the League returned to the 29th Little League World Series: this time placing 2nd in the world, losing to Lakewood, New Jersey 4-3. Upon returning home from the Little League World Series as heroes. The City of Tampa erected the current building at the same location as the former house. Also, three baseball fields were built, followed with the formation of four leagues: Minors (ages 6-10), Majors (ages 10-12), Senior-Juniors (13 years old) and Senior Nationals (ages 14-15).

In 1979, at the Senior League World Series hosted in Gary, Indiana. Under the coaching of Artis Gambrell, Sr.and Milton Conley,the Belmont Heights Seniors faced-off against a powerful Taichung,Taiwan Senior League team. Belmont Heights Seniors, beat Taichung, Taiwan 7-3 in the second round of the Senior  League World Series Tournament. However, the League succumbed to Taichung, Taiwan 5-0 in the Senior League World Series Championship game (The victory gave Taiwan its eighth consecutive Senior League World Series Championship) and the League became runner-up, 2nd in the world.