From 1956 through 1970 “Red” Villa sponsored baseball clubs that competed in the strongest amateur leagues available, notably Muny League, Heine Meine, and the St. Louis Semi Pro Leagues. Villa’s teams were perennial contenders and often champions. Red also served on the St. Louis Board of Aldermen for many years. During that time, he was supportive of amateur baseball, whenever possible. However, he was always fair. For instance, in 1969 when the city faced a budget crisis the aldermen went ahead and voted themselves a $2,500 annual pay raise (which Villa voted against), he turned the money back - with the proviso that it be used to light the Carondelet Park baseball diamonds so that night Muny League baseball - one of his deepest loves - could continue. This is only one of many examples of how he supported amateur baseball.