bigtrain.org | About Big Train | CGCBL | Looking to the Future
HOME
ABOUT BIG TRAIN
SUPPORT BIG TRAIN
BIG TRAIN NEWS
BIG TRAIN KIDS
SOUVENIRS
Our History
Our Fields
Our Inspiration
Povich Field
The CGCBL
Contact Us
 
THE CLARK GRIFFITH LEAGUE: AN AREA TREASURE FOR 55 YEARS

By James R. Hartley

 

Originally known as the National Capital Junior League, the Clark C. Griffith Collegiate Baseball League currently consists of seven teams located in Maryland and Northern Virginia. The CGL was founded in 1945 and is one of the oldest and best organized amateur summer baseball leagues in the United States. The players are under 21 years old and come from across the country. Teams play a 40-game league schedule, which gives the college-age players an opportunity to showcase their talents and improve their skills with wooden bats. Thirty-four former Griffith League players have made it to the major leagues.

James R. Hartley is the author of Washington's Expansion Senators (available from the Long & Foster Home Run Sales Souvenir Shop at Povich Field).

 

 

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The goal of current league president John Depenbrock is to make the Clark Griffith League the best "under-21" amateur baseball league in the country. With four straight AAABA championships, the league is well on its way to fulfilling Depenbrock's baseball dream. As the 21st century dawns, there are plans for more teams to join the league with two four-team divisions and divisional play-offs deciding the league champion.

 

"Our long-term strategy is to do for the whole Washington metropolitan area what Bethesda did for its community," says Depenbrock. He wants the league to be "a place where entire families can afford to see a baseball game. We want to bring baseball back to the communities. Part of our overall responsibility is to give back to the community in the form of conducting clinics, adding baseball fields we have now. It's a real compliment to have former Griffith League players like Chris Burr, former manager of the Arlington Senators, and Derek Hacopian, manager of The Bethesda Big Train, giving back to the league."

 

With strong vision, leadership and commitment from other community leaders, the Clark C. Griffith Collegiate Baseball League will continue to grow, and Depenbrock's baseball and community goals are certain to be attained.

© 1999-2002 Bethesda Community Base Ball Club except where otherwise noted. All Rights Reserved. | Legal Notices