History
When it Started
The Pony League World Series started in 1951. It was designed for 13-14 year olds to take steps from little league baseball to a regulation size baseball field. The original 6 teams in Washington were joined by 505 others and 106 leagues around the country.
A national tournament was the first step, then the first Pony League World Series was held in 1952. The first World Series was held at the Washington High School Stadium. San Antonio was the first team ever to win the World Series.
The pony field was not ready for an inaugural World Series. The first inaugural World Series held at the pony field was in 1953. Jim Woods played in the 1953 World Series, and became the first pony grad to reach the major leagues.
Lew Hays, one of the founders for Pony League, was named commissioner in early 1953. Lew Hays was commissioner until 1964, then he was named president. When Lew Hays died in 1998, the Pony League Field in Washington, PA, was named Lew Hays Pony Field.
Links:
Pony World Series Official Web site
Listen to the Games on WJPA Radio
Need A Place to Sleep for the Games? Washington Hotels