History

It all began in 1962 when the league was known as East Brainerd Dixie Youth Baseball and was sanctioned under Little Boys Baseball, Inc. The original application for sanction, dated July 10, 1962, is still on file at EBYAA. In this inaugural season, 4 teams were created using the 60 boys who registered to play. Initially organized by Mr. Bob Rayburn, many of the boys came from a Cub Scout pack from Westview Elementary School. In the beginning, “Mutt” Carmichael allowed his property on Jenkins Rd. to be used for the first field. The property was approximately located across the street from where Brainerd Presbyterian Church EPC is today. Mr. Rayburn constructed home plate from plywood, while his wife, Virginia, sewed burlap and filled them with sawdust for bases. Howard Electric Co. furnished the labor and materials to construct a dugout which was shared by both teams.

1963

League participation increased to more than 150 boys. This expansion brings about a move to property donated by Bob Pitner to be used for the fields. Pitner Field was approximately located on East Brainerd Rd. in the area where Mulch Plus is today. Opening ceremonies were held on May 24, 1963 with the featured speaker being Joe Engel. At the time, Mr. Engel was the general manager of the Chattanooga Lookouts.

1964

Another field is constructed, a 13 & 14 year old league is added, and membership grows by 60% to 240 boys playing baseball at East Brainerd.

1965

T-Ball is added; a concession stand, press box, and bleachers are constructed. This year, 420 boys aged 6 thru 17 participate in the recreational program. East Brainerd hosts its first tournament this year.

1966

The organization incorporates into what is today known as the East Brainerd Youth Athletic Association and 450 boys are registered to play.

1967

A third field is constructed and EBYAA hosts its first Dixie Youth District Tournament.

1968

Pitner Field, which now has 3 lighted baseball fields, hosts a dedication on June 29, 1968. Popular Chattanooga Lookouts announcer Gus Chamberlain is the Master of ceremonies for the event. The original script used by Mr. Chamberlain can still be found at EBYAA. This year softball is added and there are now over 700 boys and girls participating in baseball and softball.

1973

Due to the continued increase in the amount of children participating at East Brainerd, the association makes another move to its current location.

1975

EBYAA adopts Dizzy Dean Baseball, Inc. as its sanctioning body.

By 1991, over 1700 children were participating in our recreational programs. In the late 1990’s, the number of participating children grew to nearly 2000. Over the years many other communities have created associations for children to play baseball and softball. This phenomenon, coupled with the advent of Select & Travel ball, has caused a slight decrease in our overall participation. Today, as one of the largest youth athletic associations in the greater Chattanooga area, we still maintain yearly involvement of nearly 1500 boys and girls.