Sanibel Little League enjoys another stellar spring season
The 2009 Sanibel Little League finished in May and, once again, it was a huge success. I know that may come as a surprise to many of you Dick Muench groupies, but with the help of a lot of parents coaches and sponsors, 170 kids were able to play ball at the fields this past spring.
The future of our little league system was looking good, with 35 boys and girls playing Tee Ball this past year. It was a long season, so not everyone made it to the group photo. Thanks again to Coach Marty Harrity for volunteering his free time to turn kids into ball players.
The Minor League Girls had only two teams playing this year, but the teams were so close, they had to play a championship game on Saturday, May 16 to determine the winner. In the end, Eric Maw’s Dodgers barely edged out the Cardinals.
The Minor League Boys also had a great season with four teams participating. The Red Sox, Twins and the Orioles all tried to knock off the Mets who were the preseason favorites. When it got close, Coach Shannon Tumminello added a fourth practice night to his weekly schedule, and his players went undefeated for the season. Rumor has it that this feat has only happened twice in the 35 years of Sanibel Little League history!
The Major League Boys had a lot of fun with three teams. The preseason favorite Astros stayed in first place all year but not without a battle, losing to the Giants and Yankees once each. Coach Damico finished his Sanibel coaching career on top this year.
The closest race for the pennant was in the Major League Girls division. The final standings came down to the last game of the season, and a makeup game had to be played to determine the winner.
In the end, Kevin Greten and Diane Silhavy’s Dodgers edged out the other teams. All four teams finished within one game of each other. Trish Phillips claims she has officially retired from coaching softball, but someone did catch her making her lineup for next year during a free moment.
Keeping the kids on the field – and off the PlayStations – wouldn’t be possible without a lot of hard work from parents and volunteer coaches. So to everyone who helped this year, thank you!
Financially, the league would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. In no particular order, we would like to thank the following sponsors: Doc Fords, San-Cap Community Bank, Bank of The Islands, Bailey’s, Nick Adams Photography, Huxters, Lifeline Designs, Sabal Signs, YOLO Watersports, Tracy Walters, Jerrys, Lazy Flamingo, Billy’s Bikes, Zurbriggen Financial, Island Styles, Blue Shell Realty, Pfeifer Realty Group, Congress Jewelers, Dairy Queen, Biddles Bucket, Tarpon Bay Explorers, John Grey Painting, Barrier Island Title, Kiwanis, the Paul Family, Lighthouse Caf, Aztec Plumbing, Rosebud Mining Company, Captiva Design, Sanibel Surveys, Under Armour, Sanibel Deli & Coffee Factory, Cheeburger Cheeburger and Barefoot Charley.
We would also like to thank the umpires who volunteered their time to call balls and strikes… even though we didn’t agree with all of the calls: Ray Goas, Dick Muench, Don VanAlstyne and Scott Marcelais.
Last, but not least, we would like to thank Lisa Williams and all the other moms and kids who worked at the snack shack (previously known as McMuenches). What would a night at the ballpark be without a burger from the grill?
To all of the kids, have great summer. And don’t forget to sign up for soccer in August.