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10

Jun, 2023

2023 Season Awards

SCLL has lots of exceptional players and coaches, but each year it acknowledges some who have gone the extra mile and put their hearts and souls into playing and coaching baseball for SCLL. The following players and coaches were honored during our closing ceremony on June 10th.

McCormick Good Sport Awards

Little League baseball is about a lot more than playing baseball. It is about character, commitment, and being a good teammate who understands that not every player plays the same role on their team. It’s about loving the game and loving the camaraderie that comes with being on a team. It is about finding joy in the mundane aspects of practice or games. It is about caring for your teammates, coaches and all Little League players. These players were voted by their coaches and teammates for exceptional sportsmanship. This year’s Good Sport Awards go to:

Lucas Laine from the AA Reds
Jack Joanides from the AAA Mets
Merrick Smith from the Majors Athletics

Spirit of the Game Award

SCLL has a special “Spirit of the Game” award that started in 2013 in honor of Theo Sheltz, a young player who was a friend and role model to all and showed exceptional courage, perseverance and character on and off the field. This year, Santa Cruz Little League is happy to present this award to Levi Costello, from the Majors Cardinals. Levi loves the game, but even more so loves being part of team and fills the dugout with his positive energy. His smile is infectious and win or lose he stays upbeat and supportive. He is honest, works hard all the time and is encouraging to his teammates when they are down. His overall positive attitude and spirit are what baseball is all about.

Positive Coaching Awards

SCLL would not be what it is without the support and dedication of the managers and coaches. It takes time and commitment and heart to run a team. SCLL deeply thanks everyone who stepped up to coach and manage teams this year.

This year we are happy to present Positive Coaching Awards to a number of coaches who were nominated by the players and their families. Many of our coaches received votes from our community and will be recognized with certificates for positive coaching, but the following topped the charts with kudos and recognition from across the League.

Jocelyn Haynes, Manager of the Single A Nationals and AA Athletics
Marco Gonzales, Manager of the AAA Athletics
Jake Fusari, Manager of the Tball A’s team #5, coach of AA Twins, and coach of Majors Yankees
Paul Rogers, Manager of the Majors Cardinals

Coach of the Year award

This year's Coach of the Year award goes to Gary Miller, Manager of the AAA Giants.

Gary has been with SCLL for a very long time as an assistant coach. This year, Gary stepped into the Manager role for the first time. Exceptionally dedicated, hardworking, and supportive, Gary is a positive force for the kids. He encourages stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things and most importantly, he makes sure the kids know that they can fail and it will be OK. He focuses on developing the kids skills and giving them agency to make their own choices on the diamond, all while fostering a spirit of working together as a team and caring for one another. He is a role model, and a friend who is always there to help out. SCLL is lucky to have Coach Gary and it is our pleasure to name him Coach of the Year!