Peanuts? Check. Cracker Jack? Check. The only thing missing is America’s pastime, and the Tabernacle Athletic Association baseball program will provide that with its annual opening day ceremony on Saturday, April 12.
“When the baseball season starts, I think it is a big sigh of relief for people because they know spring is here. Especially after the winter we’ve had,” 15-year TAA volunteer Pete Damiri said.
This season, approximately 150 children are registered across 12 teams ranging in age groups from tee-ball to Babe Ruth leagues. Though the number of participants fluctuates a bit each year, typically many of the faces stay the same.
“I’ve been involved with the program since 1999, had the opportunity to coach both of my sons, and typically kids stay involved from tee-ball through high school. Some of them play travel baseball as well,” Damiri said. “It’s what makes opening day a lot of fun for the kids. Volunteers and families are all a part of it. The TAA softball program is involved as well. It’s a festive atmosphere.”
Adding to the festivities will be the presentation of TAA baseball’s fourth annual Sean Clegg Memorial College Scholarship.
Supported by a $500 matching gift from Foley Mechanical, TAA baseball provides an annual $1,000 college scholarship award to a participant who meets all eligibility criteria and best exemplifies and reflects the memory of former TAA baseball player Sean Clegg.
“Sean exemplified everything you want in youth sports. He was always respectful of his teammates, coaches and opponents. He played the game with tremendous heart, dedication and sportsmanship,” Damiri said. “He represented the community of
Tabernacle and all that is good from participating in youth sports. His dedication was obvious and evident.”
Following his 2008 Babe Ruth season and nine days shy of his 15th birthday, Sean was struck and killed by a car while riding his bike. His parents, Andy and Gail, then decided to donate Sean’s organs to help others in need. All six donor recipients received successful organ transplants, including a young woman who became the first person to give birth to twins after a heart transplant.
This year’s recipient is Seneca High School senior Liam McGeehan.
“Liam wrote a very touching essay describing the tremendous impact playing baseball for TAA had in his life and the valuable life lessons he discovered along the way, including the importance of hard work, believing in one’s self and being a positive and supportive teammate,” Damiri said. “Liam will be attending Burlington County College in the fall.”
Members of the Clegg family will join program officials in presenting McGeehan and his family with the scholarship award during ceremonies at Patty Bowker Field beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 12.
