South Utah County will have an official Little League International team thanks to one Goshen man with a passion for all things baseball.
Ray Petrulsky recently presented his plan to create a Little League International team to the Goshen City Council and Mayor Staheli. He was given go-ahead to use (and improve upon) the two baseball diamonds in the town.
The league that will have baseball and softball teams, is named Pioneer Little League after Utah Pioneers who settled in the area in the mid-1800’s.
Petrulsky acknowledged Goshen’s rich baseball history including town native and pro baseball player Kent Peterson, a left-handed pitcher for Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies. Petrulsky said that he’d gladly adapt the name of the famed Utah Sports Hall-of-Famer if the opportunity came along. Even so, he said that he loves the “pioneer” name for what it represents, and he hopes that the pioneer spirit will stay with the league as it grows throughout the neighboring towns.
“Our goal is to build something meaningful and lasting for local families across the region,” Petrulsky wrote in a Facebook post. “We would like for Goshen to be headquarters for our league play. This league is being built to serve families from Spanish Fork to Nephi, including Spanish Fork, Salem, Payson, Santaquin, Goshen, Genola, Mona, Levan, and Nephi. We look forward to meeting with city councils, mayors, and community leaders throughout these communities to build something great together.”
Petrulsky spoke to Serve Daily and explained why having an official Little League team in the area is so important for the community of south Utah County.
“The city has t-ball and coach pitch, but not much after that to develop players between the ages of 9-12,” he said. “We’re sorely lacking in Little League International coverage out here in our state. Even though Utah has sent a Little League team the last couple of years to the World Series, it’s all out of the Alpine area. The kids out here have too far to travel to practice. Having a Little League team out here gives everybody in Utah County an opportunity to play.”
Petrulsky explained that often the term “little league” is used in general terms, but that there is only one official Little League International organization in which teams can compete at the international level. Little League International is also partnered with Major League Baseball. He went on to describe many other benefits of having a Little League International team.
“One thing that separates Little League International from city leagues is that the city cannot own Little League,” he explained. “Little League has to have its own private 501(c)(3) in order to qualify.”
Petrulsky further explained that due to Little League International being a nonprofit, that all the coaches are volunteers, and there are also many opportunities for players to receive financial assistance.
“Because we are a nonprofit, no one gets paid—every dollar raised goes back into the league and directly supports the kids, including equipment, field development, uniforms, and everything needed to run a successful program,” he said. “Little League has programs that can help kids afford uniforms and entry fees.T-Mobile right now is our big sponsor that helps with kids that need help getting into the league. … So it gives kids a great opportunity to be able to get to that next level.”
He also noted that Miller Sports is assisting the team on a local level, and that the Salt Lake Bees have also expressed interest in partnering.
Petrulsky said that as he forms the league, he is making sure that people on the board are qualified to work with kids. He also noted that all coaches and volunteers will need to obtain a background check.
“My wife is the president of the league and she’s got a master’s degree in elementary education,” he said. “My daughter is the secretary and she’s got a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. So we have folks who are good with kids and are well aware of the well-being of the children. We’re going into this with our board of directors all having backgrounds in education, specifically in the age groups that we’re looking for.”
And of course, there’s the baseball training that Petrulsky said he has completely covered. He spoke of his experience forming leagues with former scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Louis D’Angelo. He said that he knows the baseball and softball world and is excited to bring quality coaching and training to the south Utah County area.
“We’re just delighted that we’re able to bring the international league competition to Goshen, Utah and surrounding areas,” he said. “We have two diamond ball fields that we have already that they’re using for t-ball and coach pitch, and the city council mentioned that they’re, they’re looking to try to get more use out of the field.”
Petrulsky said that he looks forward to meeting with city officials throughout the area to gain approval for field use as the league grows. He said that Little League International isn’t designed to compete with city leagues, but to compliment them.
“We’re going to be headquartered in Goshen, and will be using their two fields,” he said. “As we expand, I think that’s important to note that we will build our schedules around what the cities already have. We won’t disrupt anything, but we want the kids when they get out of coach pitch in City League to get into Little League International.”
The league was only granted access to fields in Goshen and Petrulsky said he is still working on gaining approval from other cities, while also working on fundraising efforts. He said that the league will start in 2027.
“As we move forward, we will be communicating directly with local businesses and community partners to seek donations, sponsorships, and support to help us build strong league programs and provide what’s needed for league play,” he said. “Pioneer Valley Little League will officially begin play in 2027. In the meantime, 2026 will be dedicated to fundraising, field development, and preparing everything needed to make this league a success from day one.
Thank you again to Goshen for being willing to hear our vision—we are excited for what’s ahead.”
For more information on the league or to get involved, go to pioneervalleylittleleague.org.
