As spring weather finds its groove, the urge to lighten things up outfitting-wise is hard to resist. Heavy boots give way to delicate flats, sweaters to breezy tops, and dark-wash denim shifts into shades of white. The truth is white jeans (in all their variations) work year-round. They feel crisp and chic in winter and
READ MOREMost likely, those who follow sports were not surprised when the recent news broke regarding the betting scandal of Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who checked himself into a treatment program to address a gambling addiction a week ago. While betting on sporting events has been around since sports themselves were established, the activity was
READ MOREThe 1926 New York-Pennsylvania League season was duly opened yesterday afternoon with appropriate ceremonies and the Williamsport Grays, holders of the 1923 and 1924 championship buntings, launched the campaign with a clean cut 5-1 victory over Glenn Killinger’s Shamokin Indians. The weather was more suited for football then baseball. Overcoats were comfortable. The sudden cold
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The United Way of North Central Pennsylvania (UWNCPA) proudly announces that its former leader, Scott N. Lowery, will be honored with the 2025 Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award — the organization’s most prestigious recognition — at its upcoming Annual Awards Celebration and 2026 Annual Dinner on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in the Grand Ballroom of
READ MOREBefore I move forward with this week’s column, I want to clarify something that I’ve heard a few times over the years and again most recently. There are no cryptic messages within my column. To the person over last week’s column that thinks I communicate with Republicans in this manner while trying to undermine Democrats,
READ MORETen special individuals who work tirelessly to improve their community through various endeavors will be honored at the annual Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance banquet, to be held at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport on Wednesday, May 6. These individuals will be honored across several categories. They are Marvin and Debbie Hurwitz, Vince Reeder, George Lepley,
READ MOREAmong my sports memorabilia is a souvenir license plate touting the words “Pittsburgh, City of Champions.” The Pirates in 1979, the Steelers in 2009, the Penguins in 2017, all black & gold glory, all ancient history. Oh yes, perhaps Dean Martin’s 1955 hit record “Memories Are Made of This” says it all for western Pennsylvania
READ MOREWhile July 4 will celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary, this year’s April 22 Webb Weekly publication date marks an historic marker of its own for local baseball fans; on that April 22, 1926, date, Bowman Field opened the gates to its first baseball game. Now, 100 years later, the venue known as Journey Bank Ballpark
READ MORETwenty-five years ago, my interactions with Rich Zalonis were common. As a football statistician at South Williamsport, our meetings occurred weekly. But despite living in the same community, our paths have seldom crossed in recent years. Thus, I was surprised when he walked into our team’s dugout prior to a recent softball game in Hazelton.
READ MOREI was on the fence. I didn’t think this would work. I wasn’t the only one. I first heard of the large baseball and softball complex coming to our area many moons back. It was a big project. MASSIVE. I was super jealous. I followed in the papers and listened to what my friends at
READ MOREReader beware! Depending on which day of the week you spend with the pages of this publication, the headline phrase may have been a part of your daily activities. While the true identity of its origin is unknown, April Fool’s Day is a lighthearted occasion encouraging humor through pranks and jokes. The pranks range from
READ MOREWhile Major League Baseball teams were going through the routine wrap-up to their annual Spring Training, many of its best players were experiencing the game via the excitement and spectacular conclusion to the World Baseball Classic in Miami. The pre-game hype and the emotional aftermath of Venezuela’s 3-2 victory over Team USA left no doubt
READ MOREFive area Challenger baseball teams (East Lycoming, Jersey Shore, Mifflinburg, Montoursville, and Original Little Leagues) recently participated in their 2nd Annual – Challengers Skills & Fun Day, at the Liberty Arena on Saturday, March 7th. The Little League Challenger Division was founded in 1989 and is an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and
READ MOREI will begin where I left off last week. My thoughts and prayers are with all who provide the freedom to write this column, the service men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Our Nation has been involved in a military conflict 90% of the time since its founding in 1776. This includes
READ MOREThere may be no known connection between fictional farmer Ray Kinsella in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams. What is soon to be unveiled in Williamsport, but that baseball field in an Iowa cornfield, and the one constructed atop an old city dump have one thing in common: they were both built hoping people would
READ MOREJustin Flannery Hilton demonstrated remarkable determination in his battle with cancer. Although he ultimately lost his fight, his resilience and sense of purpose inspired the creation of “K’s for Cancer” in 2013 as a tribute to his legacy. The organization’s name reflects Justin’s love of baseball, where “K” signifies a strikeout. The hope is that
READ MOREThe warm weather and the excitement of the World Baseball Classic have me in a baseball mood. I figured this week would be a good time to tip my Oilers hat to the Olean Oilers. They are gearing up for their first season in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. I was lucky enough to
READ MOREIn a well-known metaphor dating back to 1879, the phrase ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’ is often used to describe the end of disappointing times. Unashamedly, repeating its usage today, the same can be said as March’s arrival has brought with it increasing daylight, signs of approaching spring, the beginning of the
READ MOREI have been thinking and praying, and praying and thinking, a lot lately about a tough decision. I was torn and really searching for a sign. I gave myself a timeline and kept asking God for clarity. Pastor Tim has always said that God hears all prayers. Sometimes it is a yes, sometimes it is
READ MOREThe Montoursville Hoops team is rolling. The Warriors have punched their ticket to the PIAA State playoffs. Coach Mike Mussina and his guys will face Lewisburg in the District 4 AAA Finals. I plan to go to shake some hands and kiss some babies. They are playing extremely well. Making the extra pass, hitting shots,
READ MOREIt was a typical Sunday morning as the pastor stood before the parishioners making the weekly church announcements. As he departed to join the choir for the formal entrance to begin the service, he suddenly reappeared, stating, “One more announcement, the hockey game is 1-1 after two periods.” The congregation nodded and smiled approvingly. The
READ MOREThe baseball world was saddened two weeks ago with the news of the death of Hall of Fame Pirate second baseman Bill Mazeroski at the age of 89. Mazeroski, of course, is noted for hitting the most famous home run in World Series history when he hit the game-winning homer against the New York Yankees
READ MOREThe objective began with simple intentions, searching the closet for an item I thought was readily at hand. Instead, it led to premature ‘spring cleaning’ with unused items finding their way into bags to be donated or discarded. While unintended, the exercise provided a refreshing cleansing experience. Accordingly, a similar approach provides the opportunity to
READ MOREDuring the 1880s, for a short time, the door to organized baseball was slightly ajar, allowing some African Americans to play and excel in our National Game. One of these Black baseball pioneers was former Williamsporter Javan Emory, who played both locally and for teams out of the area from about 1877 until about 1897.
READ MOREThe Super Bowl is history. Punxsutawney Phil has graced us with six more weeks of winter. Income tax preparations have us all grumbling a bit. Hopefully, Valentine’s Day will put a bit of levity into the February proceedings. Ah, but look at the bright side. Major League Baseball players are reporting to Spring Training camps
READ MOREMy good friend Nick Tagliaferri and I were somewhat celebrities. OK. That was many moons back. We simply took advantage of our impressive basketball coaching resumes and candid personalities. SPENCE TAG RADIO was well before its time. This weekly gig had many listeners. But no major sponsors. Our successes were very short-lived. I truly believe
READ MOREI have a hard time believing that I’ve been doing this for 12 years! I picked up the torch from Mike Rafferty on a whim, and this column has gotten way more traction than I could have predicted (pun fully intended). Y’all know the drill by now. But in case you need a recap. Every
READ MOREJournalism students learn the lesson early in their studies; there is a distinct difference between a reporter and a columnist. The main differences are their focus and style of writing. Reporters provide objective news, while columnists offer personal opinions and analysis. Reporters aim to present factual information without bias, whereas columnists use their space to
READ MOREA harbinger of warmer times and weather ahead was held two weeks ago when the Williamsport Crosscutters held their annual Hot Stove League Dinner at the Genetti Hotel. The event featured speakers reflective of our National Pastime, baseball, including former Phillies pitcher and present-day commentator Rickey Bottalico, former Williamsport Crosscutters and Phillies player and 2013
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