Howard J Lamade Biography

Howard J Lamade was a prominent figure in the publishing and baseball industries, who left a lasting legacy in his hometown of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the founder of Grit, a popular newspaper for rural America, and a board member of Little League Baseball, Inc. He also donated the land for the Howard J. Lamade Stadium, the site of the annual Little League World Series.

Early Life and Education

Howard J. Lamade was born on January 15, 1891, in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. His parents were Dietrick Lamade and Clara Anne Rhen, who were both immigrants from Germany. Dietrick Lamade was the founder and publisher of Grit, a weekly newspaper that focused on positive news and stories for rural readers. Grit was launched in 1882 and became one of the most successful publications in the country, reaching a circulation of over 500,000 by 1936.

Howard J. Lamade followed in his father’s footsteps and joined Grit Publishing as a vice president. He also attended Williamsport High School and graduated in 1908. He then went to Cornell University, where he studied mechanical engineering and played baseball. He graduated from Cornell in 1912 and returned to Williamsport to work for Grit.

Career and Business Ventures

Howard J. Lamade had a long and successful career in the publishing industry, working for Grit for over 40 years. He was responsible for overseeing the production, distribution, and advertising of the newspaper. He also helped expand Grit’s reach and influence by launching new editions, such as Grit Story Section, Grit Junior, and Grit Farm Journal. He also diversified Grit’s business by investing in radio stations, printing plants, and real estate.

Howard J Lamade was also an avid baseball fan and supporter. He was one of the original board members of Little League Baseball, Inc., which was founded in Williamsport in 1939 by Carl Stotz. Little League Baseball is a youth baseball organization that aims to promote character, courage, and loyalty among children through sportsmanship and teamwork. Little League Baseball has grown to become the largest organized youth sports program in the world, with millions of players in more than 80 countries.

Howard J Lamade’s most notable contribution to Little League Baseball was his donation of land for the construction of a stadium that would host the Little League World Series (LLWS), an annual tournament that features teams from different regions and countries competing for the championship title. The stadium was named after him as a tribute to his generosity and dedication to the sport. The Howard J Lamade Stadium was built in 1959 and has a capacity of 40,000 spectators. It is located in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, near the original site of the first Little League field. The stadium has hosted the LLWS every year since its inception, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stadium is also known for its distinctive features, such as its hillside seating area called “The Hill”, its 225-foot outfield fence, and its proximity to the Susquehanna River.

Personal Life and Legacy

Howard J Lamade married Muriel R Bird in 1920 and had two children: Howard J Lamade Jr. and Clara Ann Lamade. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children at their home in Williamsport. He was also a generous philanthropist who supported various causes related to education, health, and community development. He donated funds to Cornell University, Lycoming College, Williamsport Hospital, Williamsport YMCA, and other local organizations.

Howard J Lamade passed away on May 14, 1958, at the age of 67. He was buried at Wildwood Cemetery in Williamsport. He left behind a legacy of innovation, leadership, and generosity that continues to inspire and influence the publishing and baseball industries. He was widely respected and admired by his peers, his employees, his customers, and his community.

He received numerous awards and honours for his achievements and contributions, such as the Distinguished Service Award from Cornell University in 1951, the Silver Beaver Award from Boy Scouts of America in 1953, and the Distinguished Citizen Award from Williamsport Chamber of Commerce in 1957. He was also inducted into the Lycoming County Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.

People Also Asked

What is Howard J Lamade’s connection to Grit?
Howard J Lamade was the son of Dietrick Lamade, the founder and publisher of Grit, a weekly newspaper for rural America. Howard J Lamade worked for Grit for over 40 years as a vice president and helped grow and diversify the publication.

How did Howard J Lamade Stadium get its name?

Howard J Lamade Stadium got its name from Howard J Lamade, who donated the land for the construction of the stadium in 1959. The stadium was named after him as a tribute to his generosity and dedication to Little League Baseball.

What is the significance of Howard J Lamade Stadium?
Howard J Lamade Stadium is the site of the annual Little League World Series, an international youth baseball tournament that features teams from different regions and countries competing for the championship title. The stadium has hosted the LLWS every year since its inception, except for 2020 when it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stadium is also a symbol of the values and spirit of Little League Baseball, which aims to promote character, courage, and loyalty among children through sportsmanship and teamwork.