KIROVOHRAD, Ukraine – The fighting in the eastern parts of Ukraine has left lives disrupted, thousands dead and an uncertain future. Two orphanages, one in Lutehene and one in Donetsk, lost their Little League programs.
Thus, the annual Ukraine Little League Championships in Nove Selo, outside of Kirovohrad, remained uncertain. This writer, a Ukrainian American from Bayside, N.Y., has been aiding teams from Ukraine to compete, and with the ongoing war in Ukraine, it was unclear if parents would allow their children to travel far from home for the competition.
Not knowing how many teams would show up, it remained difficult to estimate food, housing and transportation needs. This was the first time these concerns became an issue in the 15 consecutive years since I have been involved with the championships.
Despite these challenges, seven all-star teams arrived on May 25, including Illichivsk, Chernivtsi, Rivne, Ivano Puste and Kirovohrad, as well as newcomers Diamond LL (Kyiv) and the Kyiv Baseball School LL. The 80 players (including two girls) were divided into two groups. Group A included Kirovohrad, Diamond, Rivne and Chernivtsi; Group B included Ivano Puste, Kyiv LL and Illchivsk.
After nine matches played, the top two teams of each group were to play in the final on May 28. However, the final was never played – for the first time ever – due to rain. Finalist teams included Kirovohrad LL and Ivano Puste LL, with Kirovohrad winning the title according to LL rules. Kirovohrad LL advanced to the Europe-Africa LL Regional tournament in Kutno, Poland, on July 16-23. (See results at the end of this article.)
Closing ceremonies were held indoors. Trophies for first, second and third place were distributed, and medals were presented to the winners. Following a lunch for the participants, the players departed for home.
Breakfasts and lunches were served at the local Youth Center in Nove Selo. Meals were organized by Victor Savistsky, president of the Nove Selo LL, and prepared by the local women. The cost of food and transportation for players and coaches was donated by the Self Reliance (New York) Federal Credit Union, which has helped make these children’s dream a reality.
Ukraine Little League 2015 champions Kirovohrad LL celebrates its win.
A pitching contest was held in conjunction with the tournament. Each child had four chances to pitch at a target strike zone. Kirovohrad LL had the highest score. During the lottery drawing, local vocal and dance ensembles entertained the players and coaches.
Children also took part in a lottery for souvenirs donated by the Eastern Region LL Center in Bristol, Conn., led by Emily Rivers.
In spite of the difficulties facing Ukraine, three new LL teams joined the Ukraine LL program in 2015. The Diamond LL from Kyiv, the Kyiv Baseball School LL and the Mykolayiv LL – in addition to the 15 chartered LL teams in Ukraine for 2015. Roman Leskiw, a retired U.S. Marine, has coordinated supplying these teams with equipment, with coordinated efforts by the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee. Another organization that assists Ukraine’s LL program is the California Association to Aid Ukraine (CAAU).
On September 19-23 the eighth Ukraine LL Championship for Orphanages and Newly Developing Programs will be held in Kremenets, Ternopil Oblast. Teams include the Kyiv LL, Ivano Puste LL, Mizoch Internat (Rivne Oblast) and the host, Kremenets. The tournament – for kids age 10-12 – will be held at the internat (orphanage) in Kremenets with the CAAU as the lead sponsor.
Readers who would like to help can contact Basil Tarasko, district administrator of the Little Leagues in Ukraine, by e-mailing at [email protected] or by writing to him at 36-46 212th Street, Bayside, NY 11361. Readers can also telephone 718-415-7821, or visit www.ukrainebaseball.org.
* * *
At the Little League Europe-Africa Regional tournament in Kutno, Poland, on July 16-23, Kirovohrad Center LL lost to Germany 3-4 in its opener, lost 2-7 against the United Kingdom on day two, and were eliminated from the tournament. Uganda advanced to the 2015 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa. , that is to be played on August 20-30.