Little League icon steps down, Hudson named president
The Lower Sussex Little League (LSLL) at Roxana’s Pyle Center has become a staple throughout the region, playing host to young athletes and rising stars. And recently Bruce Layton stepped down from his position as president of the league for health reasons, after dedicating 22 years to the organization – 20 of those as president. Doug Hudson, who’s worked with the LSLL for eight years and served on its board for six, has stepped in as president – a position that comes with additional responsibility but plenty of assistance.
Coastal Point • File Photo
Bruce Layton, above, left, has been a centerpiece for the Lower Sussex Little League for more than 20 years.
“I’ve been with the Little League for some time now,” noted Hudson, a Bethany Beach native who has acted as equipment manager for the league in the past and has been a state trooper for more than two decades. “I’ve got a pretty good handle on the position, but Bruce has been here for a long time, and they will definitely be some tough shoes to fill.”
Layton oversaw the growth and expansion of the Pyle Center complex in the 22 years he worked with the board.
“He accomplished a lot,” noted District III Administrator Martin Donovan. “Bruce has done a lot for Lower Sussex Little League, and he’s done a great job. Over the years, he’s worked with three different boards. His people skills enable him to do that.”
Layton, who still plans to participate on the board, stepped down mid-season, only months prior to September’s board election, when board positions will be reassigned.
“I’ve known Doug all my life,” Layton said, “and he’s one of best people to take over this organization. He’s got a good head on shoulders, and I’m confident I’m leaving this position in good hands.”
Although Layton has dedicated thousands of hours to the organization, it’s the board supplying a strong backbone to LSLL that has really helped its advancement over the years, he said.
“We have a great board of directors,” said Layton, “and it means an awful lot. That’s half the battle, when you have great people that will step up and do their jobs.”
Donovan said he is pleased to see someone as qualified as Hudson stepping into as president.
“Doug’s a great guy,” he said. “It’s not like a new guy stepping into this. He’s carried responsibilities that will make this transition easy, and there’s a great board behind him. It’s just a matter of him learning the things that have to be done. He’ll learn to interact more with the district, but he’s not doing it alone.”
After the Lower Sussex Little League season winds down in another week, the league will present the all-star playoffs, first for the 9- and 10-year-olds, with the 11- and 12-year-olds playing their all-star games by July.
“Then we go from there,” said Hudson.
By August, the teams from around the globe will again be flocking to Roxana for the Little League Senior Softball World Series.
“That’s a great event for us,” Hudson added. “It brings a lot of people into the area. We get thousands out there, and it helps the whole economy. It’s definitely a great place for family, and admission is always free.”
The board responsible for organizing the World Series shares many members with the LSLL board.
“Everybody with Lower Sussex and the district comes together quickly by the time of the series,” said Hudson. “Each year, it happens to go off without a hitch, and we just get better and better each year. The addition of coverage on ESPN has really helped us out a lot.”
The Little League World Series board of directors is responsible for getting contracts to accommodate all the participating teams, from housing and food to transportation.
“We’ve been getting everything together,” said Donovan. “Once they hit the Philadelphia airport, they’re our responsibility. The World Series is a lot more than playing ball.”
Donovan added that his time is quickly coming to an end with the district, after serving as the District III administrator for 15 years.
“You have to do what is best for you,” he said. Negotiations are in the works, and the search for a new DA has already begun.
For more information about the Lower Sussex Little League and the upcoming Little League Senior Softball World Series, including exclusive coverage in the Coastal Point’s annual Homeplate publication, pick up the Coastal Point on Fridays or go online at www.coastalpoint.com.
