Typically, in this column, the Tri-City Record highlights one individual athlete each week that exemplifies top qualities of the words, student and athlete. However, this week, we will be honoring a team, as the Hartford Minor (10U) baseball all-star team is the Tri-City Record Press Box Players of the Week for July 22, 2021.
At the recent Hartford All-Star Baseball Tournament of Champions, the team did not win their bracket; in fact, they did not make the championship game despite two victories on Saturday, July 10. However, in true Hartford fashion, the young men on this team showed outstanding sportsmanship towards tournament staff, umpires, and their opponents. Each year, the umpires that are on the specific fields are asked for their input on awarding a team with sportsmanship honors, voting for the group that best displays the highest level of sportsmanship, and this year, this Hartford team was the recipient of those medals.
Team members during the tournament included Levi Anchor, Jon Jon Covington, Parker Johnson, JT Littlefield, Byron Rosses, Collyn Simpson, Aiden Sleeuwenhoek, Grady Smith, Gabriel Thatcher, Calvin Wimbley, and Joshua Zehner.
The all-star team was under the direction of head coach, Monroe Littlefield, and assisted by Phil Lucas, Mike Thatcher and Roy Wimbley.
Congratulations on this great honor, team! And thank you for reminding us that good character, class and sportsmanship still does go a long way in youth sports!