Community mourns loss of former Little League President and CEO Creighton Hale
He died on Sunday at age 93.
By: Morgan Parrish
WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)- It's been a tough few days for Lycoming County as people mourn the death of former Little League President and CEO Creighton Hale.
The community is remembering Dr. Hale, before officially saying goodbye during his upcoming memorial service.
Some of those fortunate enough to know Dr. Hale on a personal and professional level shared some of their favorite memories with Eyewitness News.
"I remember sitting watching Little League games with him and his wife, Beverly, and just talking about baseball and how much we loved the game and how much he loved the kids that were playing the game,"says Vincent Matteo, president of the Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
"He was probably one of the kindest, gentlest men I've ever know," says Stephen Kenner, president of Little League International.
Dr. Hale was 93 years old when he passed away Sunday. He was with the Little League organization for 60 years before retiring. His contributions to the world of Little League to make an impact.
Those who remember him consider him a legend.
"He was really instrumental in taking Little League worldwide and making it the best youth sports program in the world," says Matteo.
By using his knowledge to make the game safer for young players.
"He is responsible for the development of the invention of the modern day protective batting helmet that is worn at every level of professional and amateur baseball today," says Keener.
What really stands out in their memories, is how much Dr. Hale made sure no kids were injured while playing their beloved sport of baseball.
"He wanted to protect the kids, he wanted them to have fun," says Matteo. "But he wanted them to be safe and he went a long way in doing that."
"I think of the millions of lives he's protected over the years," says Keener.
With his recent passing, friends and family choose to celebrate the live he lived and the difference he made in Little League baseball that will last a lifetime.
"It's always tough to see people like that pass on, but he lived a long life and he had a great time during it I think," says Matteo.
"Just a sweet, gentle soul, just a really good man who gave a lot more than he ever took. And that's how we're going to remember him," says Keener.
Dr. Hale's memorial service will be held on Thursday at 3:00 pm at the Klump Academic Center on Penn College Campus. There will be a private family funeral earlier that morning.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
He died on Sunday at age 93.
By: Morgan Parrish
WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)- It's been a tough few days for Lycoming County as people mourn the death of former Little League President and CEO Creighton Hale.
The community is remembering Dr. Hale, before officially saying goodbye during his upcoming memorial service.
Some of those fortunate enough to know Dr. Hale on a personal and professional level shared some of their favorite memories with Eyewitness News.
"I remember sitting watching Little League games with him and his wife, Beverly, and just talking about baseball and how much we loved the game and how much he loved the kids that were playing the game,"says Vincent Matteo, president of the Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
"He was probably one of the kindest, gentlest men I've ever know," says Stephen Kenner, president of Little League International.
Dr. Hale was 93 years old when he passed away Sunday. He was with the Little League organization for 60 years before retiring. His contributions to the world of Little League to make an impact.
Those who remember him consider him a legend.
"He was really instrumental in taking Little League worldwide and making it the best youth sports program in the world," says Matteo.
By using his knowledge to make the game safer for young players.
"He is responsible for the development of the invention of the modern day protective batting helmet that is worn at every level of professional and amateur baseball today," says Keener.
What really stands out in their memories, is how much Dr. Hale made sure no kids were injured while playing their beloved sport of baseball.
"He wanted to protect the kids, he wanted them to have fun," says Matteo. "But he wanted them to be safe and he went a long way in doing that."
"I think of the millions of lives he's protected over the years," says Keener.
With his recent passing, friends and family choose to celebrate the live he lived and the difference he made in Little League baseball that will last a lifetime.
"It's always tough to see people like that pass on, but he lived a long life and he had a great time during it I think," says Matteo.
"Just a sweet, gentle soul, just a really good man who gave a lot more than he ever took. And that's how we're going to remember him," says Keener.
Dr. Hale's memorial service will be held on Thursday at 3:00 pm at the Klump Academic Center on Penn College Campus. There will be a private family funeral earlier that morning.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
