News

 Clayton Little League   North Carolina, District 6  

 "Road to Willamsport, A Clayton tradition starts here!" 

   
September 28, 2007  

Dear Members of the Clayton Little League Family,

I am proud to inform you that the state of Clayton Little League is strong. We have had a tremendous spring, All-Star and fall season thus far. The league has grown to 450 players on 37 teams ranging in age from 6 to 15. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the volunteers, coaches and staff giving of their time so that every child and young adult enjoyed his or her experience. This unending dedication to the children in our league will continue to grow as our families feel ownership in this chapter and want to get involved. We depend on these individuals to coach, setup fields, order supplies, schedule games, develop websites, attend local district meetings, sell concessions, secure practice fields, pay bills, order uniforms, unlock gates, serve snacks, pick up litter, and the list goes on. Because of the monumental efforts of our volunteers, the CLL mission was accomplished. Thanks to all of you.            

 Some highlights from this past spring / summer season include the successful implementation of the new pitch count rule initiated by Little League International. CLL was considered by the News and Observer as one of the best in this category and was the headliner on the front page article July 6^th sports section for their efforts. All of our teams represented well at the end of the season tournaments with the following winners per division below:  

Coach pitch – Red Sox Managed by Jeff Cyr

Minor- A's managed by Rob Keele

Major- Devil Rays managed by Tim Rowe Junior-

Yellow Jackets managed by Troy Harris (best record in CLL division) 

  The All-Star teams also represented CLL as never before. We had five teams in 2007 (8 and under, Minor, 10&11, Major, Junior). Each All-Star team competed well in their respective tournament with the Majors coming closest to advancing to the State level. Unfortunately, they were stopped by the eventual winner of the State tournament North Durham.  It is an exciting time to be apart of CLL and I would like to invite you and your family to participate in this program in any way you feel comfortable.

Please join me at our Annual meeting to be held at Riverwood Elementary School Cafeteria on the evening of October 2^nd at 7 PM. This year, our Annual meeting will also serve as the Champions Gala where the regular season end of the year tournament winners will be acknowledged and presented with the "Rose Trophy". The Rose Trophy is also new to CLL this year. This award was created by the Board of Directors to acknowledge the league champions in a way that would showcase their accomplishment. Each year, the winners in each division will be invited to the Champions Gala where their team's name will be placed on the trophy. At this event, the CLL Board will also present the Rose Trophy to a member (or members) of the CLL family that most embody (ies) the spirit and character of CLL. This year's winner will be the award's namesake. It is only appropriate to acknowledge Randy Rose who was lost in a car accident in 2006 and the Rose family as the inaugural winner. Randy gave 10 plus years of dedicated service to CLL as a coach, manager, volunteer, Board member and mentor before this tragedy. He was a believer in the Little League vision and a torch bearer for its values. He touched many lives through CLL and in doing so has created a legacy that should never be forgotten.

Thus, this trophy will stand for all that is Clayton Little League: Character, Loyalty, Courage.  Once again, I encourage the CLL family to join me on Oct. 2 for a night of celebration. If you plan on attending, please bring a plate of snacks (cookies, celery, etc.) for all to enjoy. Drinks, plates and utensils will be provided by CLL.  

Hope to see you there,   Jake Austin President - Clayton Little League