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Morganton welcomes Little League

City hopes for home run

Credit: Jennifer Frew | The News Herald

Little League CEO Stephen Keener addresses guests at Catawba Meadows Park Wednesday evening as Little League officials make a special visit to Morganton this week during their selection process for the organization's new headquarters.

By Sharon Mcbrayer
Published: October 02, 2008

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The city rolled out the red carpet Wednesday, hoping to persuade Little League to move its southeast regional headquarters to Morganton.
Little League representatives from Pennsylvania, Florida and West Virginia arrived here Wednesday and will spend Thursday touring the community and its baseball fields and talking to city and county officials.
On Wednesday night, the city welcomed the Little League delegation with a casual dinner attended by more than 85 area residents at Catawba Meadows Park.
After Morganton Mayor Mel Cohen introduced key players in the city and county governments as well as state representatives from the area.
Little League CEO Stephen Keener spoke briefly to the crowd.
On behalf of Little League and the five officials accompanying him, Keener said, "We're delighted to be here."
Based at Little League headquarters in Williamsport, Pa., Keener said Morganton reminds him of home.
"I like small towns," he said. "It makes me feel comfortable, so you're off to a good start."
After Little League announced it would relocate its southeast headquarters, it got inquiries from about 40 cities. When Little League put out its requests for proposals, 18 cities submitted applications. Little League narrowed its choices down to three: Morganton; Greenville, S.C.; and Warner Robins, Ga.
Keener said Little League wants to feel really welcomed in the area it selects and is looking for the development of facilities. Its requirements include a 5,000-seat stadium, four additional fields and an administrative headquarters.
Mayor Cohen, who called the Little League prospect the highlight of his 23 years as mayor, said he feels good about Little League choosing Morganton as a finalist.
"And I feel extremely confident the (Little League) people will like what they see," Cohen said.
Keener said his team will head back to Williamsport today and will visit Warner Robins, Ga. on Monday. They previously visited Greenville.