From Virginia to volunteer — Lock Haven native keeps coming back
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One concession stand volunteer began helping at the Little League World Series back in 2010, and didn't stop, even when he moved to Virginia. He just had a longer commute.
William H. "Bill" Dole, Jr., was born and raised in Lock Haven. He played with the Citizens Hose Little League team in the late 70s as a center fielder and catcher. He didn't start coming to the Little League World Series until 2010, but he watched it on TV.
"I can remember when I was on active duty, sitting in Texas, watching the Little League World Series and eating Middleswarth chips," Dole said. "It was almost like being home."
Before he returns home to Virginia, he already has his orders from his family members to buy those Middleswarth chips to bring back with him.
Dole was encouraged to volunteer at the series by his fellow Masons, who already volunteered. Multiple lodges in the area participate by covering three windows and six registers, he said. He enjoyed helping out so much that he continued volunteering even after his move in 2015.
Since his drive takes about six hours, with bathroom breaks, and he only volunteers for three days, he said he wants to make the most of his time there, so Dole is there from open to close, whenever that might be. On Friday and Saturday, he usually arrives at 7:30 a.m. and leaves around 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, everything is earlier because of the Classic game.
This year, he drove with his mom who now lives with him in Virginia. While he's working, she visits family and friends.
His wife, Leah Dole, encourages him to go each year, even though she has to stay home to work.
"My wife knows how important this is to me," Dole said. "She told me to go."
Dole, who has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), said he met his wife at the lowest part in his life and she recognized that he needed help. He credits the Veteran's Administration for getting him the help he needed. Otherwise, he said he would have continued as he was with his anger issues.
Volunteering at the Little League World Series "helps me with my PTSD," Dole said. "When I'm focusing on the tasks, I'm 100 percent happy."
What keeps him coming back year after years is the atmosphere and the energy.
"World politics don't have any play here," Dole said. "We all come together as one."
Every year, he tries to interact with the Australian teams, which he said is one of his favorite teams. This year, they gave him a toy koala that he can use as a keychain or put on his hat.
While there are language barriers with some teams, like the Japanese and Mexican teams, they can always make it work. He usually can pick up a few words they're saying and the customers also point to what they want. He said he tells new people working the concession stand that the job can certainly get hectic, especially right before and after games, but work at your own speed, don't get frustrated and stay hydrated.
Typically, Dole volunteers with the local Masons who are also there.
"They're still my brothers, even though I don't live here," he said.