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HJB was
the brainchild of longtime Harrison resident Pooch Bachelor,
sometime in the mid-1950s Bachelor took notice of several boys
playing on his street and asked them why they weren't playing
baseball. They responded that they hadn't made the cut for
the area knothole teams. Believing that more kids should
be able to play organized baseball, Bachelor worked together
with others who were involved in Harrison sports to create a
local baseball league.
Support by early sponsors Lake Jewelry and Merchant's Bank,
they equipped and put together five teams of different age
groups. This organization, which eventually became
Harrison Junior Baseball, played its inaugural season in 1959.
The league played its games on community fields for many years,
until it finally acquired its own property in 1985. Using
money generated from fees and from the sales of the original
property purchased by HJB, Melvin Lake, Randy Grubbs and Andy
Motor acquired a lot at a Sheriff's auction. Melvin Lake
Baseball Complex was born. The facility is located off of
Campbell Road and now servers as the league's home. It has
10 fields, soon to be 13, a concession stand, a pavilion, a
large barn for equipment, and a set of batting cages.
HJB gets strong support from community businesses, which has
ensured the longevity and growth of the league. Harrison
LaRosa's and JTM both make many contribution, beyond just
sponsorship of teams. They league has been dealing with
Lake's Sports for over 38 years which provides the league's
uniforms and trophies every year. The start of the 2009
season will mark our 50th year! Wow, hard to believe that
50 years ago with one man seeing kids playing in the street
would turn in to Harrison Junior Baseball. Come celebrate
our 50th year with us. We look forward to having you and
your
kids playing America's passtime with us at HJB.
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