By Glenn Rolfe

SEAFORD — Opening day for the 2024 Nanticoke Little League season is May 4.

Plans include pictures, opening festivities, a bounce house, a dunk tank, and plenty of action at Williams Pond Park on fields that are now officially part of the Henry A. Morris Little League Complex.

Fulfilling a pledge made by the Little League board 52 years ago, city council Tuesday night approved the formal naming of the complex at the city-owned Williams Pond Park property in honor of the man who served as league president and was the league’s dedicated groundskeeper.

The council’s 4-0 approval followed recent unanimous support by the Nanticoke Little League board of directors.

“It’s very emotional. It’s very nice that after all this time that dad gets the recognition that he deserved,” said Veronica Rosemary, one of Mr. Morris’ children. “He missed a lot of dinners, according to my mother. He was there a lot.”

Archive and investigative research by noted historian and former Seaford resident Jim Bowden uncovered an apparent unfilled promise made more than five decades ago.

Following the 1970 annexation of seven acres behind the Nylon Capital Shopping Center where the Little League was based for many years, the league was looking for a new home.

In 1972, Mr. Morris became very sick. He passed away in August 1972.

“On his death bed – I found this through historical information in Seaford Leaders – that the board of directors of the Little League actually went to his death bed and told Mr. Morris that they were going to name the Little League complex to come, even though they didn’t know where it was going to be, after Mr. Morris,” said Mr. Bowden. “That started me thinking, ‘I don’t remember ever that that ever happened.’”

So, Mr. Bowden called Veronica (Morris) Rosemary, a classmate in Seaford. “They remembered it,” he said.

He also contacted Ruth Sneller, who was on the Little League board at the time and was treasurer. “She had remembered doing that,” Mr. Bowden said.

Mr. Bowden’s recent presentation of his proposal to the Nanticoke Little League board drew full support to name the complex at Williams Pond Park in honor of Mr. Morris.

“We unanimously agreed to follow through with what another board had done years ago,” said Nanticoke Little League board president Steve Mullin.

“Fifty-two years. It means a lot,” said Wanda Rhodes, Mr. Morris’ other daughter. “We were all very disappointed when it didn’t happen. But I think God’s timing is everything. It wasn’t supposed to happen until now. We just appreciate so much, Jim (Bowden) having the faith and the perseverance to move it forward. And for the Little League board to be so receptive to everything, and for the mayor and the council to be so receptive of everything. It just warms my heart.”

“It’s just been a wonderful feeling for us to see that the efforts that he (dad) put forth are now being recognized,” said Ms. Rosemary. “Jim and I went to school together. He must have found an article, and he sent me a text, ‘You need to call me.’ That’s how we got started on this little journey. I am very appreciative, the whole family is, of what Jim has done.”

“Mr. Bowden, you always impress me with your passion for history, and connecting those dots,” said Seaford Mayor David Genshaw.

Mr. Bowden contacted Charlie Towers of Towers Signs about providing signage for the now named complex, hopefully to be in place by opening day.

“Charlie is well known as a gentleman that does help out all kinds of organizations,” Mr. Bowden said.

Mr. Morris’ children – daughters Veronica and Wanda and sons Doug Morris, who lives in the area, and Ricky Morris, who resides in Florida, all plan to attend opening day festivities.

“We will be here, with bells on,” said Ms. Rosemary.

“Fifty-two years later we have corrected a promise that evidently wasn’t kept, not for any reason, it just got lost,” said Mr. Bowden. “It’s great to see that the family is going to get recognized. I think this would mean a world of good for them, and I think it is a good thing for the Little League to follow through with what they had promised almost 52 years ago.”