The former boundary of the Booker T. Washington YMCA Little League is also included, unifying baseball and softball citywide.
Beginning this spring, boys and girls from Hamilton’s east and west sides will play as one league under the West Side Little League name — a move leaders say reflects both the city’s history and its future.
“This was about becoming one Hamilton,” West Side Little League President Josh Davidson said. “We didn’t want kids separated by which side of the river they lived on or where they played baseball. We wanted everyone to have the same opportunity.”
Davidson said the process began with conversations between himself and Hamilton Fairfield Little League President Travis Riley, along with Ohio District 9 Administrator Tony Giodullo — discussions centered on long-term sustainability and access.
“We met and talked about what it would take, what obstacles we’d have to overcome and what it required of us,” Davidson said. “After months of working with Little League and providing additional information, they granted approval for the merger.”
The decision was mutual, Davidson emphasized, and not the result of Hamilton Fairfield folding.
“Hamilton Fairfield was still in existence,” Davidson said. “This was a dual decision made with the best interest of kids in mind — keeping baseball and softball opportunities available for everyone.”
The newly unified league will continue competing in Ohio District 9.
“Since 1954, for 72 years, Hamilton Fairfield has been the home for Little League for all on the East side of Hamilton. We couldn’t be more proud of our long history and countless lives the organization has touched,” reads a post on the Hamilton Fairfield Little League Facebook page. “Now, times have changed. For far too long this city has been divided between East and West. It’s our honor to announce that we are all finally ‘One Hamilton.’ In November, Hamilton Fairfield Little League along with West Side Little League, in partnership with the District 9 administrator, petitioned LLUSA to combine and become one League.
“On January 7th after many hours of working together, this was finally approved. I’m proud to announce that as of the 7th, there is no more inner city rivalry, we are now ‘One Hamilton, One Little League.’ Registration will be open soon and details are soon to come. We want to personally thank all the volunteers over the past 72 years who have provided joy to so many boys and girls. Sincerely and for one last time from your board at HFLL, thank you,” the post said.
The new West Side Little League participation boundaries will include Hamilton, Fairfield, Fairfield Twp., Ross and New Miami.
WSLL will continue using its evaluation draft process, and league rules will remain aligned with Little League standards.
Davidson said the merger also expands opportunities for older players.
“One thing Hamilton Fairfield offered that West Side traditionally did not was Junior and Senior League baseball,” Davidson said. “This gives kids 13 and older another option besides travel ball or quitting the game altogether.”
Field usage remains under evaluation. Hamilton Fairfield does not own its fields, but Davidson said discussions are ongoing about incorporating the Crawford Woods location based on registration numbers.
“We don’t know what we don’t know yet,” Davidson said. “That’s why it’s important for families to register early so we understand field needs and don’t have to turn anyone away.”
West Side Little League’s roots trace back to Oct. 6, 1952, when a group of Hamilton volunteers — led by founding president Tom Karch — organized a league inspired by Lindenwald Baseball’s success.
On May 24, 1953, opening day arrived as 176 boys took the field, many helping build the backstop, dugouts and concession stand themselves.
Over the decades, WSLL grew into one of Ohio’s most accomplished youth baseball programs, capturing 40 consecutive district championships and 22 state titles.
That success carried the league to the Little League World Series in 1991, 1993, 2007, 2010 and 2021. The 2021 team advanced to the championship game, the deepest run in league history.
Much of that legacy is tied to the Nichting family. Ray Nichting managed West Side teams from 1968 to 1999, while his son, Tim, remains active today. Longtime manager Ken Coomer led the 2021 squad and continues coaching alongside Tim Nichting.
For Davidson, the merger is the natural next step.
“When we play in tournaments, our jerseys say ‘Hamilton,’ not east side or west side,” he said. “We’ve been playing for our city all along. This is finally our opportunity to reflect that.”
MORE DETAILS
Registration information for the 2026 season is available on the West Side Little League Facebook page and at wslloh.com.
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