09/01/2026
A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to document the installation of Octorara Little League’s new scoreboard—an exciting project that was a long time coming. We are incredibly grateful for every volunteer who sacrificed their time, stepped away from their families and responsibilities, and worked together to make this possible. Craig Fackler brought together an amazing group of volunteers, and while we appreciate every single person who helped, there are a few individuals we would especially like to recognize.
A very special thank-you goes to Jason Houghton, owner of Houghton Enterprises, who graciously donated the funds needed to make the new scoreboard a reality. Jason, his wife Sara, his parents, and their children were able to watch it go up and witness its first lighting together. Jason even joked that his son plans to be the first player to dent it with a home run this spring!
We would also like to give a huge shoutout to Russell Ference, who works for Summer Zims, for generously donating his time and completing the electrical work needed to bring the scoreboard to life. We are equally grateful to Jonas Smucker, owner of his own contracting company, who went above and beyond for this project. Jonas brought the machinery needed to safely dismantle and remove the old scoreboard, helped install the new one, and used his own materials to completely rebuild the stand supporting it. We would also like to thank Walter Jackson for generously donating lumber toward the project.
The fields of Christiana hold a history that cannot be measured by a scoreboard alone. Long before there were bright lights, updated equipment, carefully maintained diamonds, or electronic scoreboards, children gathered on these fields with sticks, a ball, and a shared love for the game. Generation after generation has stood in the same dirt, rounded the same bases, cheered from the same sidelines, and learned lessons that reached far beyond baseball. These fields have witnessed first hits, first home runs, hard-fought victories, difficult losses, lifelong friendships, proud parents, dedicated coaches, and countless childhood memories. Players who once wore a Little League uniform on these fields have grown up and returned as parents, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and community leaders, continuing a tradition that has been passed down through the years.
There is something incredibly meaningful about watching a brand-new scoreboard rise over fields with so much history behind them. It is a reminder of where our league began, how far it has come, and what can be accomplished when a community believes in its children. From the earliest games played with simple equipment to today’s young athletes looking toward a beautiful, fully functioning scoreboard, the heart of Octorara Little League has always remained the same: children playing the game they love while a community stands proudly behind them.
This scoreboard represents far more than runs, innings, and wins. It represents the history of our league, the generosity of our sponsors, the dedication of our volunteers, and the strength of a community willing to come together for its children. Projects like this do not happen because of one person alone. They happen because people answer phone calls, make connections, donate money and materials, bring tools and equipment, lend their professional skills, perform physical labor, rearrange their schedules, encourage one another, and show up ready to help.
To every person who played a part—whether you donated funds, supplied materials, brought machinery, completed electrical or construction work, helped dismantle the old scoreboard, assisted with the installation, cleaned up the grounds, offered advice, coordinated volunteers, took photographs, supported the project behind the scenes, or simply came out to witness and celebrate this special moment—please know that your contribution mattered. Every set of hands, every hour sacrificed, every donated item, and every act of support helped turn this dream into a reality.
We cannot possibly thank everyone enough. Our league continues to grow because of people who give without expecting recognition and who understand that investing in these fields means investing in our children and the future of our community. We are deeply thankful for every sponsor, business owner, volunteer, family member, coach, board member, supporter, and community member who helped make this possible. This scoreboard belongs to all of you, and it will stand as a lasting reminder of what can happen when a community comes together.
With the fall season here, we cannot wait to see the new scoreboard in action, hear families cheering from the sidelines, and watch another generation of players create memories on these historic Christiana fields. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, to EVERYONE who helped make this incredible project possible. We truly could not have done it without you!
