PITTER, HUGH – Known as the ‘archive’ in the Metropolitan Cricket League
In New York there are some very dedicated individuals that are considered the main stakeholders of cricket in the region. The success that the sport has enjoyed in the state is as a result of these individuals. One of the first names that come to mind in this effort is Hugh Pitter, a former Vice President of the Brooklyn Cricket League.
Born in the parish of Clarendon, Jamaica, W.I., Pitter attended Siloah Elementary School and Kingston Technical High School. He began his cricketing career in Jamaica, where he played for his school teams, the YMCA Cricket Club and the Duncaster Scout Team. He was a Sea Scout in the troop which operated out of its headquarters at Duncaster, Kingston, Jamaica.
In 1955, along with his elder brother he migrated to New York as a teenager to join his mother and stepfather. He attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. After leaving Erasmus, he enrolled in Roberts Technical and Trade Schools in Manhattan to pursue a course in Automotive Mechanics and Engineering. Two years later, he graduated and went to work for a new car dealer in Manhattan.
While there, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in September 1961. During two years of active duty, he was assigned to the Motor Pool of the 5th Infantry Division Mechanized. After discharge from active duty, he spent four years in the army’s Inactive Reserves.
Along with others, Pitter who has held numerous executive positions with many New York cricket associations, helped to secure the first cricket field in Canarsie Park in the early sixties.
In New York, Pitter played cricket for Primrose Cricket Club in Van Cortland Park as a left-arm spinner and Chinaman bowler, which won the New York Cricket League’s championship in 1957. After leaving Primrose, he played for Jamaica Social Athletic and the Brooklyn Cricket Clubs for 13 years.
Pitter has played on many championship teams. His cricket highlight came in 1977, when he was selected on the U.S. national cricket team to play against Canada’s national team in Toronto, Canada. His 6 wickets for 23 runs vs. Casablanca C.C. in a Bustamante Cricket League game at Seaview Park in Brooklyn propelled his selection to the U.S. team.
Although he has retired as a player, he is deeply dedicated and involved in administrative duties. Currently he is treasurer of both the New York Region Women’s Committee and the U.S. Cricket Promoters Association. Known as the “Archive” for the Metropolitan Cricket League (MCL), he also held that position with the MCL for 11 years.
Pitter represented the Jamaica team in the prestigious Ed Ahmad/Caribbean Cup Competition for a number of years and still is the General Manager for Villagers Cricket Club which he has held from 1981 to present. He has received numerous awards over the years for his tireless and selfless work on and off the field.