Lewes Little League parade is annual tradition

The streets of downtown Lewes were filled with members of the Lewes Little League April 13 during the traditional opening-day parade. 

President Jerry Windish said the league has its highest numbers ever with 535 players on 46 teams, including T-ball, machine pitch, and boys’ and girls’ major and minor leagues. In addition, 51 Lewes juniors and seniors play in the Cape junior and senior leagues. “We are the No. 1 league in District 3,” he said.

He said 187 volunteers make the league a success, including seven volunteer umpires. “We are fortunate because some leagues have to pay to get umpires,” he said. 

For the 2024 season, there are two new dugouts, and all three of the fields have been redone. “Our fields have never looked so nice,” Windish said.

Windish was honored by umpire Bob Kaden as Volunteer of the Year; he’s been president for six years. Jim Murphy, who managed the dugout project, was also honored for his work to get the project completed.

A ceremony to honor Louis Wingate, who died last January, took place during opening day. Wingate was a dedicated umpire. His family was presented with a plaque to be placed on the dugout that the family donated to the league. Bailey Wingate threw out the first pitch to catcher Colton Pusey from the Major League Pirates.