MIDDLEBURGH - The Middleburgh Little League is entering its 75th year without one of its most important members.

The Little League is planning a celebration for August 15 in Timothy Murphy Park to mark the anniversary and the life and legacy of Bill Ansel-McCabe, former league president.

The Middleburgh village board gave permission for the use of the park Monday evening.

Mr. Ansel-McCabe, who passed away last week at the age of 75, was a vital cog in the operation of the league for many years, league board member Stephanie Proctor told village board members.

She asked that August 15 be named Bill Ansel-McCabe Day in his honor. Mayor Tim Knight said the board would take action later in the year.

There will be vendors at the celebration and the Little League asked that alcohol be allowed on the grounds.

Ms. Proctor detailed some of the many roles Mr. McCabe volunteered for during his tenure with the league. He was a long-time coach, league president, field volunteer, and announcer at many opening days as the fields moved from Sandora Field on the land currently occupied by the Valley Supermarket and plaza, to the fields behind the elementary school, to fields by the cliffs. 

"He loved baseball," Ms. Proctor said. "We want to make this celebration memorable. He was an icon."

Little League baseball is still very important, she added.

"It's something we should all appreciate, especially with Bill's passing."

The celebration would be in the middle of the two league seasons, she noted.

"We want to make it as fun and laid back as possible."

In addition to dedicating his time and energy to the Little League, Mr. Ansel-McCabe also served as village trustee, mayor, and a member of the Youth Commission.

"He didn't need a title to do all the good work he did in Middleburgh," Mayor Tim Knight said.

A moment of silence was observed at the beginning of the meeting in Mr. Ansel-McCabe's memory.