Williamsport in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Ray Keyes

Lycoming County MVP

— City of Williamsport Sports Walk —

Ray Keyes Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2021

1. Ray Keyes Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Long-time Williamsport Sun Gazette Sports Editor, Keyes covered Little League Baseball from its inception in 1939 and the Little League World Series from 1947 until his passing in 1988. Keyes was the first winner of Little League's Howard Hartman Friendship Award and the press area of Little League's Lamade Stadium was named in his honor. A member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, he was a major force in assisting in the acquisition of minor league franchises for Williamsport through his extensive baseball contacts. Keyes was the first non-athlete elected to the West Branch Valley Chapter Sports Hall of Fame.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 41° 14.403′ N, 77° 0.402′ W. Marker is in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, in Lycoming County. Marker is on West 4th Street just west of Hepburn Street, on the left when traveling west. Marker is embedded in the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Williamsport PA 17701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hal Spooner (here, next to this marker); Blaise Alexander, Jr.

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Bill Byham (within shouting distance of this marker); Ken Sawyer (within shouting distance of this marker); Paul 'Babe' Mayer (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Creighton Hale (within shouting distance of this marker); Gary Chrisman (within shouting distance of this marker); William 'Bill' Pickelner (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsport.

Also see . . .
1. Ray Keyes. The man who dominated the sports scene in Northcentral Pennsylvania for more than 50 years was neither an athlete nor a sports executive but a sportswriter. That man was Ray Keyes. Although his name was inextricably linked with Williamsport and its environs for more than 50 years, Keyes was actually born in Canandagiua, N.Y. He moved to the Williamsport area with his parents as a youngster. After graduating from Williamsport High School, Keyes started working for Williamsport’s morning newspaper, the “Gazette and Bulletin” in 1937. He had variety of duties, including a stint on the social desk, and at

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2021

2. Ray Keyes Marker

(looking east across Hepburn Street • Williamsport City Hall in background)

one time acting as news editor, but his real love was sports. (Submitted on July 22, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. An Early Little-League Supporter. In 1939 he covered Carl Stotz’s fledgling Little League program. He remained a tireless promoter and champion of Little League Baseball for the rest of his life. He covered every Little League World Series and acted as official scorer from 1947 through 1988. (Submitted on July 22, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.