Sportswoman of the Year Christine Zhu and Sportsman of the Year Nathan Follett for Watertown Youth Baseball and Girl’s Softball with League President Greg Salvucci.
Players from Watertown Youth Baseball and Girl’s Softball packed the Sons of Italy hall for the year-end celebration.
Guest speaker for the night was former Watertown Little Leaguer Doug Rogers. Doug, who is still in the prime of his young career, has an impressive resume, including being a four-year starter for the Harvard University Varsity Hockey team, member of the Boston Little Bruins, player for the US National U17 and U18 teams. Doug was also drafted by the New York Islanders in 2006.
Championship winners, the Cardinals, pose with their trophies at the Watertown Youth Baseball banquet.
Coaches Brian Demore and Tom Gately received awards for their many years of service as coaches.
Awards also went to all of the youth players. First on tap were long sleeve jerseys that were given to all of the players. The boys shirts sported the Watertown Baseball Logo and the girls with Softball. Next up was the presentation of jackets for players who were 12 years of age in the spring. Seven girls and 11 boys were awarded with the coveted jackets.
The AAA Cardinals and the Majors Astros received their trophies for their stellar year and league championships. Also being recognized were eight Watertown Softball All-Stars. The girls were selected to play with some of the States finest players in an All-Star match up played in Dracut earlier in the summer. The girls chosen were Iona Fleming, Alyssa Carroll, Stella Papadopoulous, Dana Hammerle, Francesca Egea, Katie Haley, Delanie Lombard and Christine Zhu.
Watertown Youth Softball players at the awards banquet.
The final awards were the Sportsperson of the year, which is awarded to a player who exhibits respect for rules, teammates, coaches, officials, the other team and self both as a player and a fan. Qualities for someone who earns this award include playing fair, honesty and integrity. The player is always encouraging to others and brings a positive attitude to the game. The person is enthusiastic, energetic and exhibits leadership skills. These are characteristics that Doug Rogers also addressed as he spoke to the boys and girls. This years Sportsman and Sportswoman winners are, Nathan Follett for baseball, and Christine Zhu for softball.
Those at the banquet enjoyed pasta and meatballs prepared by Maria’s Catering.