In 1973, eight teams came to Williamsport to compete in the Little League World Series. Two of these teams are coming back this year to celebrate their 50th reunion. That year’s European Champions from Bitburg Air Force Base, West Germany and the Eastern Champions from Colonie, New York had a long journey coming to the Little League World Series, but gained memories that have lasted them a lifetime.

The team from Germany was an all-American team of kids from United States Air Force families who were assigned to the Bitburg Air Force Base in what was West Germany.

Dan Tompkins of Midlothian, Texas, remembers going to tryouts for the all-star team unsure if he would make the cut. That night he sat in his bed waiting for an answer to whether he had made the team. His father came into his room that night to tell him he had been chosen to play on the All-Star team. This would be the first team Tompkins would play on without his dad as a coach, but his dad was always there to support him.

The team participated in a weekend tournament to determine who would be the season’s European Champions, according to Tompkins. The team went undefeated in all three games and shortly made their way to the Little League World Series.

For many on the team, this would be their first time coming back to the states in over a year.

The players flew into JFK international airport in New York City. While in New York City the team attended a New York Mets game. They also got to watch as the Little League team from Colonie, New York, won the East championship and advanced to the Little League World Series.

David Jackson of Albany, New York who played for the Eastern Champions, vividly remembers the dress code that Little League had in place for the players. The players were given new uniforms, jackets, and cleats.

“It was everything you needed to be a Major League player,” said Jackson.

In the ’70’s long hair was very stylish, but to take part in the Little League World Series, many on the team needed to cut their hair, Jackson recalled.

Once the teams made it to Williamsport they were placed in barrack-like buildings. On the grounds teams had access to practice fields, a dining hall, and a recreational center with ping pong, added Jackson.

Jeff Ralston of Weatherford, Texas, remembers the piles of Pop-Tarts in the dining hall at the series. The treats were not available on the base in Germany, he recalled.

Ralston and Roger May of Nashville, North Carolina, both remember playing ping-pong with players of the Taiwan team in the recreational center.

Both teams lost their first game in the Little League World Series and were moved to the consolation bracket. In their second game against Canada, May who played for the Germany team remembers having a bad game. May played the position of short stop and really struggled in the game. His coach Bob Noris of Greenwood South Carolina gave him encouragement that he still remembers to this day. Noris told May “Don’t be upset. Go get yourself a record.”

The teams from New York and Germany got to play each other in their third and final game of the series. Germany won 3-2. Germany finished in 7th place and New York in 8th.

The media coverage of the games was very new to the players. Ralston remembers being interviewed by area newspapers because he was the only player who had made it to the World Series with roots in Pennsylvania. Ralston was originally from Pennsylvania, but moved to the Bitburg Air Force base after his family was assigned there.

It was surprising to be on TV, shared Tom Karika of Merritt Island, Florida On the base in Germany there was only a four hour broadcast that aired twice a day with a news broadcast in between, added Karika. Live TV coverage was a new concept to many of the players.

After the games both teams were taken on a tour of Washington D.C. While in D.C they had the opportunity to tour the White House and were special guests of the president. They were able to meet both Vice President Gerald Ford and Juile Nixon Eisenhower. The players also attended a Baltimore Orioles vs. the New York Mets game.

When the team from New York returned home they were met by around 2000 people according to Jackson.The team then got to parade through the town and ride on a McDonald’s tour bus. Each member of the team was also given a 10-speed bike from K-Mart.

Events for both teams will be held at the Genetti, Lamade Stadium and Volunteer Stadium, as well as Original Field.

The teams are excited to reconnect with their old teammates and form new memories together.