BRHLL, dreamed in 1957, founded in 1958, has been, and always will be, an all-volunteer/non-profit league, chartered with Little League International out of Williamsport, PA.
The league started with a handful of parents and one diamond, behind the Moravian Church. That original diamond is now known as Diamond #3, although home plate was originally in the right-field corner of today’s diamond. Serving the Broad Ripple, Meridian-Kessler, and Butler-Tarkington neighborhoods, BRHLL is an important part of the community. It brings together children from the myriad of smaller parochial and non-parochial schools in neighborhoods and provides a common experience for long-time residents of the area.
Historical Highlights
- The fields expanded to IPS grounds, where Diamonds #1 & #2 now exist, in the mid-1960’s
- The late 1960’s brought the construction of a single-story, concrete block, concession stand and the league now stood at more than 150 players.
- Softball was chartered for the first time in 1974. The four teams of the charter year were the Crickets, Fireflies, Katydids, Ladybug. In the mid 1970’s the Honey Beez and Peacocks were added.
- The league continued to expand during the 1980’s, growing to 27 teams and nearly 300 children. Red brick dust was added to the infields. Yellow tubing was added to the outfield fences, increasing the visibility from 54thSt.
- The Rookie (Tee-Ball) league was first chartered in the 1990’s, when the league grew to 30 teams and nearly 350 players. A very large contribution allowed permanent running water, and a restroom to be installed. The late 1990’s also saw a major refurbishment of the concession stand.
- Fields were rebuilt in 2006, the largest renovation to league grounds since the 60’s.
- Concession stand refurbished in 2007, along with new bleachers and dugout roofs.
- Batting cage and electronic scoreboards added in 2009.
- In 2011 BRHLL reaches agreement with Monravian Church to purchase Diamond #3 via multi-year contract. To handle league growth, BRHLL begins playing games at the State Fairgrounds Fields off of 46thSt.
- Irrigation system and grass infields installed on Diamond #1 & #2 prior to 2014 season
- Little League celebrates its 75th Season in 2014
- 2015 – BRHLL volunteers and corporate partners make extensive improvements to the Indiana State Fairground diamonds, including the construction of four new dugouts. Practice diamonds also added to the State Fairgrounds. BRHLL all-star teams win their first district championships in league history.
- 2016 – For first time, BRHLL hosts Majors Baseball District Tournament. More than 1000 spectators watch BRHLL win championship game! BRHLL hosts inaugural Fall baseball league, focusing on player development.
- 2018 - Four batting cages added to ISFG property to serve D4, D5, and D6. 12U Softball finishes No. 2 in State. 11U Baseball wins District 8 Tournament.
- 2019 - BRHLL moves to Indiana Little League District 7 and sweeps five district championships.
The league has grown tremendously in the past 50+ years. In 1957, there were 60 players in 1 division. In 2019, there were 675 players across 54 teams in 10 divisions. This growth is just one aspect of the importance of Broad Ripple Haverford Little League to the local neighborhoods. The real importance can be seen in the smiling faces of the children and families as they gather throughout the week to play and grow together as a community