Christine Button Strumski

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Christine Strumski’s invitation to become part of the first girls Little league Softball Team formed in Wyoming County, came about as a result of the restructuring of boys and girls Little League Baseball. At the direction of one of the Tunkhannock Little League Boys Association members, she was asked to create a girls softball program Due to movement toward gender equity, girls were being allowed to play on boys teams nationwide. Driven with the idea tor equality for these fine young individuals. Christine researched all the necessary information to create the first two Girls Little League Softball teams in Tunkhannock in 1975. “The teams were sponsored by the Junior Women’s Club and the Kiwanis. The seasons ended with no actual advancement to the state tournament. Christine petitioned the Tunkhannock Little league Boys and Girls Association and was granted permission to enter post season play in the summer of 1977. State tournament play was being hampered by bad weather, and the scheduled games were postponed on a number of occasions. After a number of attempts to play their first game, a neutral site was settled upon in Pottstown. At that time, due to the newly created Girls Softball State Tournament, only six victories would need to be secured to win the Slate Champion title. Christine’s young ladies battled through inclemency, and travel conditions that would have stopped anyone from realizing this dream. But in 1977, the Tunkhannock Girls Little League Softball team captured their counties first State Champion title by defeating Minersville. Christine was backed by assistant coach Bill Sedwick, who managed to keep in touch with all the rules and regulations related to post-season participation. The state title was celebrated by fire trucks, the town streets lined with people, and a huge celebration at the ballfield. These twelve year old girls were truly humbled by the support that the community had provided them upon their return from this monumental victory. Christine states, “Tunkhannock has always been, and will always be a supportive community to whatever the local kids are in!” She remained involved with the Tunkhannock Little League Association for 27 years serving in the capacities of President – Administrator- Umpire, and concession stand worker. It was her pleasure to serve the league. The Christine Strumski Softball field, and the District 15, 9-10 year old softball Tournament are named in her honor. Christine is the widow of David Paul Strumski and she is the proud parent of Courtney Marchesani and Heather Soellner, and grandparent to Bailey. Wyatt, Luca, Jacob, and Maia.