The Greenville Little League’s history stretches back to 1951, and over the years, thousands of boys and girls have been part of America’s favorite pastime – baseball!  

If you were to pop over to Stallings Stadium at Elm Street Park in Greenville on a Friday night during baseball season, you’d see a large local crowd supporting Greenville Little League (GLL) athletes, whether their child is playing or not. You’d see friends catching up on life, enjoying a soda and popcorn together as they cheer on the teams. What you may not know is that you’re witnessing a community tradition that began almost 75 years ago. 

GLL’s history is a rich one. It began as the North State League in 1951, with the Tar Heel League beginning play in 1954. Today, they have 16 major league teams and five minor league teams. Since the beginning, the Greenville community has been very supportive of these teams. This commitment to volunteerism and support has kept this program strong for generations. It is evident that Little League Baseball is woven into the fabric of life in Greenville. 

Brian and Ann Weingartz and their family have been part of GLL for more than three decades since Brian started as an umpire 36 years ago. He became commissioner in 1998, then their daughter played from 2006 through 2009. Ann has been involved in a leadership capacity for many years and currently serves as the board vice president of auxiliary operations. Ann shares, “Our community is what makes our league so special. People are always eager to help with their time or financially, even if they don’t have kids in the program. Many of our volunteer coaches through the years have been former players, so that shows the impact that their experience in this league has had on them. Whenever we need anything, our community is there. This league is what it is because of their love and support.”

About 15 years ago, Brian and Ann had a vision that GLL could have a permanent stadium. Brian and long-time GLL volunteer Mark Phillips shared this idea in an off-the-cuff conversation with long-time supporter and community leader Clark Stallings. Within hours, Clark, his mother, and brother committed to exploring how to make this dream a reality. Stallings Stadium was completed in 2012 and has since hosted many Tournament of State Champions games, which gave the GLL and the community the experience and clout to win the opportunity to host the Little League^® Softball World Series, beginning in 2020 as part of a five-year agreement.

It was announced recently that the Little League^® Softball World Series will stay in Greenville, as Little League^® International and the City of Greenville have agreed to an extension of their contract through 2027. Brian says, “It’s been really cool to watch so many of our local athletes enjoy this stadium, and just as amazing to be a part of players from so many other parts of the country and world playing here, too, with us hosting various regional and state tournaments, and eventually the Softball World Series.”

It was announced that Little League® Softball World Series will stay in Greenville.

The generosity of the Stallings family is just one of many stories of impactful community support of the GLL. Norm Bryant of Towne Insurance is on the Board and has been part of GLL for over 20 years. He continued to coach and stay involved after his sons aged out of Little League. “It was truly a joy for me to have the privilege of mentoring these young athletes and families. I always say that baseball is life with the volume turned up, and because of that, so many who have been touched by this league carry incredible memories, lifelong friendships, and life lessons from their experiences here, including me.” Norm says that one of his fondest memories is from the 2017 season when North State had a team in the World Series in Williamsport (PA) who wore yellow jerseys. He recalls looking up at the stands during the game and seeing a sea of yellow shirts of supporters who’d driven all the way from Greenville to cheer on their team. It was so meaningful and impactful to the young players that there was so much love and support for them. 

Greenville Little League’s relationship with TowneBank is an obvious fit, according to Brian and Ann. They share common values of giving back to the community and supporting local businesses and nonprofits. TowneBank is also a sponsor and, like their other sponsors, is always ready and willing to help in every way possible. 

As of publication time, the spring season has wound down, but fall games begin in September. Come on out to the stadium – they’ll have a cold soda waiting for you! For more information, visit GLLBaseball.com.