Windham Little League’s 2023 closing ceremony and 12-year-old aging out ceremony is a way to close out the season and congratulate those 12-year-old players who have aged out of the program, while also thanking them for their time and dedication with the presentation of a medal and a gift. This year’s ceremony took place at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Farm in Windham on Monday, Aug. 7 and was followed by a Home Run Derby and an informal game.
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| Windham eighth grader Evelyn Robinson slides safely into home during an informal softball/baseball game as part of Windham Little League's closing and aging out ceremonies at Ciccarone Field at Lowell Farm in Windham on Monday, Aug. 7. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
“It’s important to recognize these kids through their years of Little League so that they feel important and want to stay involved in baseball and softball,” said Windham Little League president Tim Gaudet. “All the way from T-Ball to Majors Division each kid develops in a certain way, they get different coaches and different perspectives on teaching fundamentals.”
Gaudet said he will miss this particular group of Little League players because he has coached a lot of these kids since they played T-Ball. The talent of this group is what stands out to him as well as the fact that they really love playing with and for each other. Gaudet said he likes that they all love being part of a team.
The Home Run Derby ended in a three-way tie with Gallagher, Nappi and Robinson all hitting two home runs. They each received a gift card for their participation.
“It’s been a good, program, good teammates; I loved it,” said Windham seventh grader Gallagher. “All the kids are nice; the coaches are good. I’ve learned a lot about hitting and definitely catching.”
Gallagher had never caught until the AAA Division. Once he started, he has caught ever since. He said that he wants to play in high school, college, and middle school and is sad to age out of Windham Little League.
Windham eighth grader Robinson said that Windham Little League has been a fun time and she’s learned you don’t have to win every single game. She’s enjoyed playing and wants to work on her hitting, with plans to play in high school and college.
Rave X Motorsports coach Ralph Gallagher said it’s bittersweet to have his son age out. They had a great All-Star season and seeing the kids with all the different ability levels all the way up through, his focus as coach was to keep it fun – he wanted the kids to walk away at the end of the season and remember that about Little League.
Ralph Gallagher said Little League teaches the ability to strikeout and get back up the next time. You can’t change what happened in the past, but what you can change is how you react moving forward. You can make up for it in the field or at the plate or make a play. That’s what life is about – if something gets you down you can’t let it hold you down.
Baseball and softball teach kids about growth in areas that are both physical and mental. Ralph Gallagher stressed the important role volunteering plays for Windham Little League. He’s been a coach since T-Ball and said it’s very satisfying, you only get these years once with your child.
Windham Little League is always looking for volunteers and coaches for both softball and baseball. If you are interested, please reach out to Tim Gaudet at 207-939-6235 or at president@wll.com. <
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