Sharon
Amid the clanging sound of horseshoes against the stakes, there are hugs, smiles and inside jokes between members. On Sunday, as one of the earliest members, Bob Dean, reflected on the league’s 40th anniversary, he proudly gave credit to this dynamic as a key to the league’s longevity.
“After 40 years, they’re all friends of ours,” Dean said. “You can call them all friends.”
The league consists of 10 teams of four from Sharon, Bethel, Royalton and other towns. It’s a number that the earliest and founding members are proud hasn’t dropped since the league’s inception in 1976.
“I’ve been president of the Vermont Pitchers Association 10 different times probably for two years each and I know the leagues going, and there ain’t a league that would compare with ours for longevity,” Dean said. “Forty people for 40 years is super.”
While the league is a handicap league to help the older players continue playing, each member has a substitute if they can’t play a certain date. There is also a packed wait list for players looking to join.
The league, which normally meets from April to August every Wednesday, has a president in Dustin Potter, a third generation pitcher who said the league gives everyone the excuse to get together during the summer months.
“It’s camaraderie. It’s a chance to see each other throughout the summer — visit and play ‘shoes (and) at the same time be competitive,” Potter said.
Every year, each league member has an equal vote for president. While Potter has served as president for the past three years, he is quick to acknowledge those who came before him, and the responsibility he has to keep their philosophy progressing.
“I’m just the young guy on it. All the older gentlemen that have been here 25-30 years — they’re the ones that I feel should get the recognition for being here so long and carrying it on,” Potter said. “I’m the next generation to keep pulling it along.”
By doing that, Potter said, the sky’s the limit for how long the league can last.
“Forty years running strong. There’s no reason we can’t go another 40,” Potter said.
One of the older members Potter mentioned is his grandfather, Roland Potter. One of the founding members, Roland Potter was responsible for procuring the land the league still plays on today.
Originally belonging to Harold Donahue, Roland went and asked permission to set up a few horseshoe pits to play. After that, Roland said it took off from there.
“I have my son David, Bud Leavitt and Elmer Moore. It was the four of us that started to play here,” Roland said. “We played here for one year before we had other players wanting to come in.”
Years ago, Donahue and Roland’s agreement was going to be official with Donahue deeding the land to the league in his will, but Donahue passed away before it could be completed, according to Roland. With the league having no real funds to purchase the land themselves as Donahue’s daughter prepared to sell it, Roland approached the Selectboard with the idea that the town buy the land for the league.
“That’s how come we’re able to have a horseshoe league here — because it belongs to the town,” Roland said.
The pitches, next to the Sharon Church and behind the park-and- ride lot, have received support from the town twice in the past 25 years. The town wouldn’t allow the state to expand the park-and-ride lot, which would have eliminated part of the pits.
After each team played on Sunday, scores were tallied and trophies were given out. Accolades such as 2016 rookie, most improved and highest game were awarded, along with commemorative hats for the 40th anniversary for the teams placing first, second and third. The day culminated in a banquet barbecue, honoring everyone who has taken part in the league and it’s traditions.
Roland, who for the first time was unable to participate in horseshoes this year, watched much of the festivities on Sunday from his pick-up truck on the small hill with some other observers. He still had advice for anyone looking to pitch the perfect horseshoe.
“It all depends on how they go on the stake for you. If you’re throwing a flip ‘shoe and they go on the stake good, stick with that. Don’t keep changing — stay with the one that works best for you,” Roland said.