The members of the 1973 Bitburg, Germany Little League team were not yet born when Dean Martin’s 1956 hit song “Memories Are Made of This” spent six weeks atop the pop charts. But fifty years after their appearance in the Little League World Series, the title of that song will serve as the central theme as that Little League team again gathers in Williamsport for a 50th-anniversary celebration.
Word of the gathering came my way via a telephone call from Dallas, Texas, placed by former Bitburg Little Leaguer Dan Tompkins. He had contacted me seeking information on how to contact friend and former broadcast colleague Mike Fogarty. He explained Fogarty had been behind the mic 50 years ago calling Bitburg’s World Series games, and he was hoping to meet him when he comes to town.
Helping make those arrangements, Tompkins enthusiastically provided information about the team’s eagerly anticipated visit, which will have the former European champions in town from Friday through August 23.
“As a 12-year-old, it was one of those experiences I will never forget,” Tomkins explained. Over the years, I’ve probably forgotten a lot, but as I reminisce with my teammates that I have not seen or, in some cases, not heard from in 50 years, it’s all coming back to me.
“That 1973 team was comprised of military kids from a five-team league we had on base with 65 players to choose from. We won the District 1 Germany Tournament and then captured the overall German championship, beating Stuttgart to qualify for the European Tournament that was played in Soesterberg, Holland. Back then, the teams were all made up of military dependents and ex-patriots. We played Holland, Greece, and Belgium, but I don’t recall any foreign members on the teams we played.”
Bitburg’s World Series experience began with an 18-0 loss to powerful Taiwan (a team that threw three consecutive perfect games in 1973), followed by a 9-0 shutout loss to Canada.
In those days, the LLBWS was played as a single-elimination tournament. Once a team suffered a loss, they played in a consolation bracket, which ultimately determined a team’s standing 1 through 8. After losing their first two games, Bitburg rallied to defeat Colonie, New York, 3-2 to finish in 7th place. Fogarty was behind the mic, and a tape recording of the game served as a focal point for the memories the team will share during their visit to Williamsport.
The year-long planning for the event has been spearheaded by Jeff Ralston, who, as a twelve-year-old, was the only Pennsylvanian on the Bitburg team. A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel now living in Texas, the Freeport, PA native was both excited and melancholy about the team’s reunion.
“Of the 14 team members and two coaches, 12 players and one coach are still living. I contacted every player and family members of the deceased. Eleven of those 12 players are coming, and we will hold a memorial service for those we lost. Most of these players I haven’t seen since our Little League days, so it will be fun and emotional at the same time.
“We plan on making the most of our time here, and I really appreciate the help of Little League staffers Chris Downs and Adam Thompson, who have helped with some of the planning.”
The group will hold an informal social on Friday evening, a remembrance service for teammates and coach on Saturday morning, followed by a tour of the Little League Museum and World Series games in the afternoon and evening. Sunday, the team will visit Memorial Park and the Original Field and gather for a team banquet at the Genetti Hotel — appropriately with a German food buffet.
Monday will feature a golf outing at White Deer, a reminiscent visit with Fogarty, and additional World Series games. During their stay, they will also be the guests of the Williamsport Crosscutters and enjoy a side trip to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“It’s been 50 years, but what a great experience it was for me to play in the Little League World Series,” Tompkins added. “I thought our experience in Williamsport was one of the most organized events I’d ever been a part of. We had our own cabin and had areas to practice and play in; it was all top-notch.
“In 1973, it was a different time in Germany. We didn’t really have much television. We had taped TV that went off early in the evening. We listened to football and baseball games on the radio. We had friends and sports, but the Bitburg base was where we lived, went to school, and played. But, the Williamsport experience taught me how to spend time away from home without my parents, how to be part of a team, how to pick a role and be happy about it. It was a great experience.
“I am really looking forward to this reunion. During my career, I’ve traveled all over the world, but other than that World Series trip to Williamsport, I’ve never been north of Virginia,” the Dallas, Texas resident confessed.
Beginning Wednesday, 20 Little League teams will begin their quest for a World Series championship. Having gone that route 50 years ago, Bitburg, Germany, will be reliving those long-ago memories!
