THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
THE WATERFORD NATIONALS
ABOUT US
The Waterford Nationals are an elite summer baseball program that competes in the Eastern New York Travel Baseball League and the Albany Twilight League. The Nationals were established in 1997 and have amassed over 18 state championships, 12 regional championships and 32 league championships.
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The Nationals baseball organization was started by legendary coach Bill Kelts with one mission in mind- to teach kids the correct way to play the game while still having fun. In 1998 Waterford won their first league championship followed by their first state championship. That team would go on to play together for the next 15 years and total over 25 championships for the Waterford franchise. Coach Bill Kelts would later be named “Man of the Decade” by Eastern New York Travel Baseball for all of his contributions on and off of the field. Most recently Coach Kelts received the Presidents award for all of his contributions to the Albany Twilight League.
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The Nationals organization has grown from one team into a franchise of teams, fielding six teams a season. The Nationals continue to help players enhance their baseball skills while expanding their knowledge of the game. The program has helped players pursue their varying level of dreams such as playing varsity baseball or college baseball and even producing some players that have played professional baseball. Players are continually coming back to coach teams, run clinics and offer instruction.
The Nationals play at Kelts Stadium on Middletown Road in Waterford. It is known as one of the best parks in the area for its “baseball” atmosphere and its beautifully groomed playing fields. The Friday night games under the lights are a staple for summer nights in Waterford, bringing the community together to support their Waterford Nationals Albany Twilight Team. The 2021 Nationals will field 5 teams including the Albany Twilight team, they will also have a 17u, 16u, 15u and 13u. The 15u team will be returning with high aspirations of winning at showcase tournaments around the Northeast. Waterford will welcome our newest member the 13u team. Both of these teams will compete at a high level locally as well as regionally. All of our teams look to compete to win tournaments and keep the strong Nationals tradition of success going.
COLLEGE AND PRO NATS
Below is a list of Nationals that are either currently playing college and professional baseball or have finished their playing careers. Almost all of our players come back and assist with coaching our current rosters.