Our league history

A Legacy built on "more Baseball for more boys"

The George B. Kelley Amateur Baseball Federation, then named, Altoona Junior Baseball Federation was founded in 1948 with a simple but powerful mission: to provide more opportunities for young athletes to play the game of baseball. Under the leadership of its founder, George B. Kelley, that vision quickly became known throughout Altoona by its enduring slogan:

"More Baseball for More Boys."

What began as a small local league grew into one of Pennsylvania's most respected amateur baseball organizations. George B. Kelley dedicated countless hours to organizing teams, developing leagues, and creating opportunities for young players to compete, learn, and grow through the game. By the early 1950s, the Federation had become a model for youth baseball, earning recognition for its organization, sportsmanship, and commitment to player development. 

The Man Behind the Mission

George B. Kelley was far more than a league founder—he was a passionate advocate for the youth of Altoona. Baseball wasn't simply a pastime to him; it was a way to build character, teach responsibility, and bring a community together.

When George passed in 1954 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his concern was never for himself. According to those at his bedside, after regaining consciousness his first words were:

"Did we get the tournament?"

Less than a week before his passing, Altoona had been awarded the National Amateur Baseball Federation Junior Tournament for the second consecutive year. Even in his final hours, George's thoughts remained focused on the players, the league, and the future of baseball in Altoona.

An Altoona Mirror tribute captured his lifelong dedication by writing that "George's life was wrapped in baseball for the city's youth." The article concluded with a sentiment that still rings true today:

"It'll always be George B. Kelley's tournament."

Carrying the Tradition Forward

More than 75 years after its founding, the George B. Kelley Amateur Baseball Federation continues to honor the vision of its founder. While the game has evolved, our purpose has remained the same:

• Provide quality amateur baseball opportunities for young athletes.
• Teach teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, and respect.
• Develop players both on and off the field.
• Preserve the rich baseball tradition of Altoona and the surrounding communities.

Generations of players, coaches, volunteers, and families have helped carry George B. Kelley's dream forward. His belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to play baseball continues to guide our league today.

Every season, every game, and every player who wears a Federation uniform is part of a legacy that began in 1948—a legacy built on community, character, and a love for America's pastime.

George B. Kelley's vision lives on, reminding us that the true measure of success isn't championships won, but lives impacted through the game of baseball.

Tom Stout: A Legacy of Dedication and Service

For more than four decades, Tom Stout was a cornerstone of the George B. Kelley Amateur Baseball Federation. Serving as federation president from 1973 until 2018, Tom dedicated his life to supporting youth baseball and ensuring that generations of players had the opportunity to learn, compete, and grow through the game he loved.

Tom’s commitment to the federation was unmatched. Even during the final years of his life, while facing declining health, his passion for baseball and the players of the federation never diminished. He could often be found at Geesey Park preparing the field for upcoming games — raking the baselines, dragging the infield, and making sure everything was ready when players took the field.

“It would be 90 degrees, and he would be out there by himself, raking the baselines, dragging the field. You knew he wasn't feeling well — but there was a game to be played that night.”
— Mike Hofer, Executive Director, Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission

Tom’s dedication went far beyond maintaining a baseball field. Through his leadership, commitment, and countless hours of service, he helped guide the George B. Kelley Amateur Baseball Federation through decades of success while continuing the organization’s mission of providing competitive baseball opportunities for area youth.

Following his passing on December 27, 2018, at the age of 82, the baseball community recognized the tremendous impact Tom had made on the federation and the countless players, coaches, and families whose lives he touched.

Because of his lifelong dedication, the Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission recommended that the baseball field at Geesey Park be named in his honor. The field dedication serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose efforts helped preserve and strengthen the tradition of George B. Kelley Baseball.

The field is now recognized as Tom Stout Field at Geesey Park, ensuring that future generations of players will know the name of the man who gave so much of himself to the game.

Tom Stout’s legacy is not only found on a sign at the ballfield — it lives on in every player who steps onto the diamond, every coach who teaches the game, and every family who creates memories through George B. Kelley Baseball.

Thank you, Tom, for a lifetime of leadership, dedication, and service to the game of baseball.