Letter: There’s more to playing than winning

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To the editor,

Having to contend with the decision of the local high school baseball coaches to send older players to various teams to play summer ball, the Prospect-Beacon Falls American Legion baseball program used basically a 14- and 15-year-old contingent of spirited players to compete against the other teams in Zone 5 who were comprised of mostly 17-, 18- and 19-year-old ballplayers.

Although the team did not win a game this season they certainly improved each and every time they stepped between the white lines. League officials, coaches, umpires and opposing fans all voiced their comments on the improved play of our kids. The coaching staff worked hard with each player and cannot wait for next season to begin. The staff consists of general manager Jeff Clarke, head coach Don Ensero, Sr. and part-time assistant coaches Don Ensero, Jr., Ryan Matthews and Zach Ensero.

I love the way the kids stuck it out this year with only 12 players on the roster. They gave it their all and had a great learning experience. They will indeed go on to bigger and better times in the future.

Assistant coach Don, Jr. shared with the players what an honor and privilege it is for them to be able to play at this level at such a young age and to always go out and do the very best you can because you never know who’s watching. Should a college scout be attending a game to scout an older opposing team’s player and you happen to catch his eye and he inquires about who you are and what your age is his head will turn when he learns you are only 14 or 15 years old for sure.

The team consisted of the following players: Nathan Clarke, Dylan Cummings, Matt Wysocki, Robert Stach, Matt Spofford, Steve Kazalunas, Ryan Flanagan, Kyle Soisson, Sam Merriman, Andrew Gerard, Eric Beutel and Anthony D’Agnone.

The team and coaching staff wishes to thank the following sponsors and requests that please patronize their businesses:
Platinum sponsors: Prospect Legion Ladies Auxiliary; Beacon Falls Post 25; Prospect Legion Post 194; N.J.L. Corporation; Naugatuck Valley Savings Bank.

Gold sponsors: Oliver’s Supermarket; Dr’s Rutt and Fusco; Triple Stitch Sportswear; Clermont Associates; Buckmiller Funeral Home; JHD Corporation; Prospect PC Web; Tag Sale Hot Dogs; Dr’s Delucia and Marciano; Marc Tool & Die; Naugatuck Savings Bank; Beacon Hose Co. No. 1.

Silver sponsors: Nancy Via; Trish Spofford; Parkview Properties, Joe Waters; Bianchini Physical Therapy; Murphy’s Auto; Dom’s Brickhouse Restaurant; Joe’s Refuse Removal.

Bronze sponsors: Prospect Printing; UPS Store, Prospect; Jim Augelli; Knapp Engineering; Prospect Veterinary; Bill’s Barber Shop; Gabe’s Mobil Station, Beacon Falls; Prospect Sanitation Services.

A huge thank you to the Legion Post 194 of Prospect as well as the Legion Post 25 of Beacon Falls for all of your help this year.

Don Ensero, Sr.

Prospect

Chairman, Legion Youth Activities