1954... it was a very good year!
Eisenhower was president, Elvis was still a year away from stardom, and Willie Mays and the New York Giants swept the World Series. 1954 was also the year organized baseball, the national pastime, made its debut near the banks of the Thornapple River. On property willed by Raymond & Bertha Brach, Lions Park was donated for the strict purpose of youth recreation. Thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Brach’s love for kids and baseball, thousands of adults can cherish fond memories of warm evenings with late sunsets playing Thornapple ball with their friends.
52 years later the Thornapple Valley baseball tradition is stronger than ever. With over 650 kids in 5 age divisions, the TVBL is one of the largest youth baseball leagues in the state. Thornapple Valley Baseball stands for the spirit of good sportsmanship, great athletic competition, and wholesome family fun.
Come cheer for the latest generation of players proudly wearing the “T” on their caps! Join us for the 2005 season of TVBL, the Thornapple Valley Baseball League!
