A Hometown Diamond That Built Champions (Portland, Pennsylvania)
Created and Designed by Mayor Heather Fischer (2021–2025)
Part of the Face in Hole Memory Lane art exhibit for Portland Founder’s Day, funded through Northampton County DCED’s Hotel Tax Grant Program. This piece honors the workers who built the Portland Ball Field, the athletes who played their hearts out for The Apollos, and the community that continues to celebrate its legacy.
Introduction
Carved out during the Great Depression as a local relief project, Portland’s baseball field became both a symbol of resilience and the birthplace of one of the most dominant teams in early semi-pro baseball: The Apollos. Their legacy still echoes through the Blue Mountain Baseball League (BML), one of the oldest amateur leagues in the nation.
Built by Neighbors, for Neighbors (1933–1934)
The Civil Works Administration (CWA) — one of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s early New Deal programs — funded the creation of Portland’s baseball field during the harsh winter of 1933-34. The CWA’s mission was to provide immediate work for unemployed Americans, and Portland residents took pride in turning shovels of earth into a community centerpiece.
- Purpose: Offer local jobs and boost morale during the Depression.
- Project Type: Recreation-focused infrastructure.
- Legacy: The field became a gathering spot for residents, a hub for community events, and later, home to The Apollos’ baseball dynasty.
The Rise of The Apollos
After World War II, the newly formed Blue Mountain Baseball League united top talent from the Slate Belt and Lehigh Valley region. Portland’s CWA-built field was chosen as the home ground for The Apollos, a semi-pro team composed of local standouts, returning servicemen, and passionate ballplayers.
A Dynasty in the Making
The Apollos quickly became the league’s first powerhouse, setting standards for talent and teamwork:
| Year | Record | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | 27–5 | Champions |
| 1947 | 28–9 | Champions |
| 1948 | 18–10 | Champions |
| 1949 | 24–12 | Champions |
| 1952 | 22–5 | Champions |
Their back-to-back titles from 1946–1948 established The Apollos as the Blue Mountain League’s inaugural dynasty, showcasing grit, community pride, and small-town excellence.
The Blue Mountain Baseball League (BML)
Founded in 1946, the BML is a cornerstone of Pennsylvania baseball history. The league is known for blending amateur and semi-professional athletes, often featuring former college and minor league players.
League Highlights:
- Among the longest continuously operating amateur leagues in the United States.
- Includes teams from Nazareth, Martins Creek, Stroudsburg, East Bangor, and Bethlehem.
- Focused on community identity, competitive spirit, and the preservation of grassroots baseball.
Hall of Fame Legacy
Over the decades, multiple Apollos players have been inducted into the Blue Mountain League Hall of Fame. Their contributions helped shape not only the success of The Apollos but the evolution of the league itself.
The Hall of Fame preserves their legacy by recognizing achievements, sportsmanship, and the enduring community spirit that defines the league.
Game Day in the Late 1940s
An Apollos game was more than just a baseball match — it was an event. Families filled the stands, children chased foul balls, and rival towns sent spectators by the dozens.
Typical Features:
- Wooden bleachers and hand-painted scoreboards.
- Concession stands serving homemade pies and sodas.
- Rivalries with nearby towns like Nazareth, Stroudsburg, and Martins Creek.
Style of Play: The Apollos relied on strong pitching rotations, solid defense, and disciplined contact hitting — hallmarks of 1940s-era baseball.
Beyond the Diamond
Though The Apollos eventually disbanded, their field remains a living monument. Generations of Portland residents grew up playing and watching games on the same ground their grandparents once cheered from.
Today, the Portland Ball Field still serves as a community gathering space — a reminder of what can be built when neighbors come together during difficult times.
Legacy Timeline
- 1933–1934: Civil Works Administration builds the Portland Baseball Field.
- 1946: The Apollos join the Blue Mountain Baseball League and win their first championship.
- 1946–1948: Three consecutive championships cement their dynasty.
- 1949 & 1952: Additional titles reaffirm their dominance.
- Post-1950s: Players honored in the Blue Mountain League Hall of Fame.
- Present Day: The field continues to serve as a local sports and community hub.
For Further Research
- Blue Mountain League Official Records: Historical standings, Hall of Fame listings, and league archives.
- Local Historical Societies: Northampton County and Slate Belt archives often contain photographs and match programs.
- New Deal Public Works Records: National Archives for CWA project documentation in Northampton County.
“Baseball is not just a game in Portland — it’s part of our story.
Additional artifacts and memorabilia pertaining to the history of the Portland Apollos can be found visiting the Slate Belt Museum. Located 2 miles down the road from Portland in Mt Bethel.
2214 N Delaware Dr, Mount Bethel, PA 18343
(570) 897-6181
Mayor Fischer developed and pitched the concept for Portland Founder’s Day to Northampton County DCED, successfully securing grant funding that helped establish the event as an annual celebration during her term. The Portland Events Community worked tirelessly to make this event a success.
The “Face in Hole Memory Lane” series — transformed local history into an interactive experience. By designing seven original 6 ft x 4 ft photo panels, residents and visitors alike were invited to step directly into Portland’s past, celebrating everything from the borough’s early industry to its sports legacy.
Blue Mountain League archived career hitting statistics for Portland Apollos players.
