It’s hard to say goodbye.

It’s an adage that was true to the core for District 18 Little League commissioner Jim Burns.

A man of true substance, Burns is someone who surely commanded respect across the district for the last two decades. Like the classic E.F. Hutton commercial — when Burns spoke, everyone listened.

Burns doffed his cap for the last time as head of Little League in this part of Pennsylvania a few weeks ago.

Burns has been the heart of District 18 since taking over the position of commissioner in 2005. Long before the first pitch was tossed every June in the multiple baseball and softball age groups, Burns was putting things in order. No drips, no runs and no errors.

To hear long-time Tamaqua Little League president and volunteer Bill Angst describe the now-retired chief, it’s evident Burns was a man who commanded respect — in the right way.

“Jim Burns was so well organized he made District 18 go smoothly every single season. We truly are going to miss him,” Angst said recently at Valley West Little Leage field where the 10-year-old Section 6 Tournament was being staged — and Burns was once again in attendance. “He probably was one of the best administrators that came down the road. Between his experience with all the age levels, his insight and his knowledge, he was unbelievable.”

No matter where Burns went, his sidekick, Roy Bevans, was right there traveling with him throughout the tournament.

“He was so good for our district, and he had everyone’s respect,” Bevans said lauding his mentor who has been active in Little League baseball for nearly a half century.

Burns — who just finished his 20th season as the commissioner — got started coaching in the Hazle Township Little League back in the 1980s. He quickly became immersed in the sport and started to go to the district meetings. He then became an assistant to the District 18 Commissioner and eventually when the spot opened, he was voted in as commissioner.

Burns became “the man” when it came to Little League baseball and softball throughout the area. Not only was he an expert on Little League rules, but his face was familiar at fields from Towamensing Township to Hazleton and everywhere in between.

He received not only respect, but admiration from all the participants.

“I enjoyed it. I really did,’ Burns said with that Irish smile and chuckle about his time in charge.

While he has shown dedication to every age group in both the baseball and softball division, Burns does have a soft spot for one division in particular — the Challenger Division — which allows handicapped children to enjoy the game of baseball as well.

Burns worked his tail off to get players from a District 18 Challenger League a chance to compete at Lemady Stadium in South Williamsport — the famed site of the Little League World Series.

“My most memorable moment was taking the Hazleton Little League Challenger team to Williamsport,” Burns said. “For those kids, that weekend was so very special. They were so happy. I think that was the last time I had a tear in my eye. That was a big thing that I wanted for those kids.”

Burns said that it took nine years to make it happen, and that he received a great deal of help during the process from Hazleton Little League’s Ed Shoepe.

“Once we got those kids there I didn’t care if anything else happened. It was a goal of mine,” said Burns. “I wanted to get those kids to Williamsport. It was so great to see those young players out on that field and having a ball. It was total enjoyment for everyone that is associated with Little League baseball and District 18.”

Although retirement is never easy — especially when you’re doing something you love — Burns said he knew it was time.

“It’s time to step aside,” he said, mentioning that the last year has been a little tougher after his wife Rita passed during the 2023 tournament.

But even though he’ll be turning over the reigns of District 18 to Bob Quinn and a new generation of volunteers, be rest assured that Jim Burns will still be close by if needed.

“He’s a great guy who has my backing and that of the entire district,” Burns said about Quinn. “And if he needs some advice or has a question or two, he can pick up the phone and reach me any time.”

District 18 would be wise to keep Burns on speed-dial, because he is the ultimate “phone a friend” expert when it comes to Little League baseball.