The Rutherford Little League expresses its deep sorrow to the families and friends of the four individuals with ties to the League who perished in the destruction of New York’s World Trade Center 11-Sep-2001:
Harry L. Usher, a Rutherford Little Leaguer during the League's first season in 1951 who became a successful lawyer and an organizer of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, died Thursday 22-Jun-2000 in Secaucus, N.J. He was 61.
Usher played for the second-place Kiwanis team in 1951, as a 12-year-old. On 9-Aug, he pitched a perfect game, one of only three recorded in the League's 50-year history. Joe Rybka (1958) and John Dolan (1983) are the two other pitchers to accomplish the feat.
Following his Little League career, Usher was a three-sport athlete at Rutherford High School, graduating in 1957 after serving as the football team's quarterback and also playing basketball and baseball for the Bulldogs. He continued his football career at Brown University (Providence, R.I.), where he earned his bachelor's degree. He then received his law degree from Stanford University (Palo Alto, Calif.), and practiced law in California for 15 years.
In 1981, Usher joined the staff of the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee as No. 2 man to Peter Ueberroth, who later became the Commissioner of Baseball. Usher's fiscal diligence helped the 1984 Summer Games turn a profit of over $200 million.
Shortly after the L.A. Games, Usher was named to succeed Chet Simmons as commissioner of the United States Football League. Usher held that post in 1985, when he was honored at the Rutherford Little League's 35th opening ceremony and was joined by Dr. Creighton J. Hale, then chief executive officer of Little League Baseball Inc.
More recently, Usher held several business posts, working as a consultant to General Electric Financial Services and heading Genesis Direct, a retailer of licensed apparel.
The League notes with sadness the passing of long-time member and supporter Bill Edwards, who died 16-Feb.
"Mr. Bill" spent 30 years as a manager and coach in the League, serving from 1966-1970 with Boiling Springs Savings (3 years as manager) and from 1971-1995 with Pasquin Motors and Naborhood Pharmacy (16 years as manager). He also managed several tournament teams during his tenure.
When he wasn't in the dugout (or pacing just outside it), he could often be found just outside the fence, either at the Little League field or at other local sports events, always cheering on the children of Rutherford.
Bill Edwards' presence will be dearly missed. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
George Prince, a long-time member of Rutherford Little League, died Monday (26-May-1997). He was 75.
Prince joined the Rutherford Little League in 1961 and served as an assistant coach for Gilio Music under Tom Mellody. Two sons, Billy and Tommy, played under him during those years. Tommy currently serves as the District 5 Administrator.
Following a short period away from the League, Prince rejoined the League in the mid-1970s and remained active through 1991, managing Tommy's Towing Service in the 1991 season.
Prince also served in several capacities on the League's board of directors, including secretary and treasurer.
The Rutherford Little League mourns the passing of George Prince, and extends its condolences to his wife, Bea; his sons, Billy and Tommy, and his daughter, Barbara.