FIRST PERSON
Mr. Little League
John Choka of Wayne was president of
Wayne Little League for almost 50 years
WAYNE
A LEAGUE OF HIS OWN
I played ball with my friends in
Jersey City when I was 10. I was
PLAYING HARDBALL After being president of Wayne Little League for almost 50 years,
John Choka was recognized for his dedication to youth services by the Old Timers Athletic
Association of Greater Paterson and Wayne Trophy Corp.
always a catcher. There was no little
league. We got together a team ourselves, found a coach with a car and
played with other towns.
I moved to Wayne in 1957 with
my wife Luby and children. We’re
married 68 years now. When I asked
about Little League for my young
son, I volunteered to be a coach and
soon became manager. I worked as
an elementary school teacher and
principal until I retired.
EVERYBODY PLAYS
We were a District 2 Charter Little
League which included Pompton
Lakes, Pequannock, West Milford
and Riverdale. As director for about
40 years, I helped set up the draft
and assigned kids to teams. I made
up all schedules, maintained fields
and ordered equipment. I recruited
coaches, umpires and league officials.
My motto is “We’re a fun league and
everybody plays.”
WORLD CHAMPIONS
In 1970 when the all-stars
American League won the
World Championship in
28 WAYNE MAGAZINE MAY 2016
Williamsport, PA, I was manager of
the National League. I have a