A HISTORY OF THE ALLENTOWN PATRIOTS
The Allentown Patriots Athletic Association (APAA) has
risen from humble beginnings to become the “Mecca” of
fastpitch in the Lehigh Valley. No one anticipated such
a bright history and future when the first team that was
formed (then called POSA or Patriotic Order of Sons of
America) made its debut in 1940.
The overall group was officially chartered on April 26,
1948. The park was officially dedicated on August 30,
1953. The community building saw its beginnings on May
12, 1957. The Patriots were also primarily responsible
for the construction of Earl F. Hunsicker Bicentennial
Park which opened for business on August 25, 1976 and
was renamed on June 5, 1988. The organization’s motto:
“building a better tomorrow through sports today” has
blossomed into a primarily softball organization that
offered 450 athletic contests in the 2005 season.
The sponsored teams for 2006 will include Patriots Petro
Kings (men’s fastpitch); Patriot Gators and Patriot Lazers
(women’s fastpitch), two Patriot Old Timers teams; 18,
16, 14 and 12 and under plus the Patriot Lehigh Valley
Blaze 16-under as youth teams and two T-ball, alternate
biddy and biddy teams in children’s hardball for a total
of 14 sponsored teams..
The Patriots fund raise approximately $180,000 each year
to keep programs going and continue the improvement of
the park facilities. Our major fundraisers include our
refreshment stand and our annual Christmas Barn at the
City of Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway. We also secure
revenues from tournaments, field and equipment rentals,
a pro shop, and memberships and donations. Beginning in
2004-2005, we are actively seeking state and foundation
grants with our new IRS 501 (c) (3) tax status through
the newly created Allentown Patriots Youth Association
(APYA).
Down through the years, the Patriots have been home to
over 20,000 games featuring the very best in men’s and
women’s fastpitch softball. Three national tournaments
have been hosted here in 1976, 1978, and 1984.
Many special events from King and His Court to Queen and
Her Court, from the California Cuties to the Kids ‘n’
Kubs have been held throughout the years. This year the
Harlem Diamonds will be the newest addition to that all-star
roster.
Especially during the past decade; the Patriots has become
home to world-class women’s softball featuring Team USA,
National Pro Fastpitch, and the Greek Olympic Team.
The Lehigh Valley Softball Hall of Fame pays tribute to
many of the most important personalities that have graced
the softball landscape throughout the Lehigh Valley as
well as at Patriots Park. Their stories are part of the
rich treasure trove of history that surrounds the Patriots;
and please check other parts of this web site for even
more information on the history of the individuals and
teams that have made Patriots Park famous.
