Building Glory Days: Matt Cole and the Community of Bethlehem Little League Clearing The Bases Podcast—Spotlighting What Makes Youth Baseball Thrive

On a recent episode of Clearing The Bases, we reconnected with Matt Cole—coach, leader, and vice president of Bethlehem Little League in Virginia. Over the past four years, Bethlehem has seen a remarkable transformation, growing its registration from just 80 players in 2020 to 256 in 2025. This surge is more than a statistic; it’s the sign of a thriving, tightly knit community where baseball is the backdrop for life’s most meaningful lessons.

A League That Feels Like Home

Matt credits this growth to five pillars that shape the Bethlehem experience: environment, experience, coaching, outreach, and promotion. Stepping onto their fields, you’re welcomed by music, colorful banners, and the enticing smell of affordable ballpark food. Families joke that it’s cheaper to eat at the game than cook at home, and sponsors’ banners line the fences, proof of a community that believes in investing in its youth.

Beyond the Diamond: Leadership and Character

What sets Bethlehem apart isn’t just what happens between the bases. It’s the commitment to character. Coaches are chosen as much for their integrity and leadership as their baseball acumen. As Matt puts it, “We want leaders first—guys and women of good character who make this a place kids want to be.” That approach has bred an environment where kids return, friendships last, and coaches are always willing to lend a hand.

Investing in Success

The league’s investment in its facilities is another cornerstone. Over the winter, the board revamped an old concession stand, turning it into a workout building with batting cages, weights, and more—giving players a space to grow their skills year-round. Whether it’s working through rainouts or welcoming new faces in the offseason, Bethlehem is committed to keeping baseball accessible and exciting for all ages and abilities.

Traditions That Matter

One signature tradition is the “final lap”—a heartfelt ceremony where players aging out of the league are honored not just for their on-field feats, but for who they are as people. Coaches, families, and teammates line the field, sharing memories and offering hugs, making the transition from Little League to life’s next chapter something to be celebrated. It’s the kind of ritual that forges lifelong bonds and ensures alumni keep coming back, sometimes as coaches themselves.

Growth, Gratitude, and Looking Forward

Matt’s vision for Bethlehem’s future is ambitious yet deeply rooted in the values that brought the league this far. He hopes to see the league eventually reach 500 players, fielding competitive teams at all age levels—including a growing, inclusive softball program. “Our job isn’t to recreate our own glory days,” Matt says, “but to help create theirs.”

This spirit shines through in every story he shares—from kids lingering long after games end, to young adults returning to give back as coaches or mentors. For Matt, the greatest measure of success isn’t just wins or trophies, but the relationships, memories, and life lessons that last far beyond the final out.

Catch the full conversation with Matt Cole and discover more uplifting stories from the grassroots of the game on Clearing The Bases. Because at the heart of youth baseball, it’s always about the people, the friendships, and the glory days we create—together.