By Cary Shuman
Greater Lynn Babe Ruth (GLBR) President Jim Beliveau has announced that the annual awards banquet will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Nahant Country Club.
The GLBR organization had an historic season in which the 15-year-old All-Star team, led by manager Leon Elwell and coaches Sean Leydon and Ryan Boisselle, won the district, state, and New England regional championships and advanced to the Babe Ruth World Series in North Dakota.
Beliveau said there will be special awards presented to the players and coaches on that team.
“There will be a special group of awards for the World Series team,” said Beliveau, adding that the 13-and-14-year-old All-Star teams and the league champions will also be recognized.
Beliveau, who will serve as master of ceremonies for the awards and speaking program, said he is excited about the organization’s final showcase of a memorable 2016 season.
“We have a great venue at the Nahant Country Club and it will be a wonderful night for our players, coaches, and parents,” said Beliveau.
The organization is currently conducting its fall league program. Several members of the Gallant Tournament 12-year-old championship team are competing in fall ball.
Beliveau, who will return as president for the 2017 season, said GLBR officials continue to hear positive comments about the New England Regionals that were held at Fraser Field.
“I’m still hearing people talk about the regionals and it’s more than a month later,” said Beliveau. “The other coaches and players loved the facility [Fraser Field] and how we ran the tournament.”
The tremendous success of the regional tournament has inspired Beliveau and GLBR officials to consider bringing a Babe Ruth World Series to Lynn.
“That’s a project that is in the works,” said Beliveau. “It takes a huge financial commitment but it’s something that we are exploring. It would be phenomenal for this area to host a World Series in Lynn.”
What better way for president Jim Beliveau and other giants on the youth baseball scene like vice president Jeff Earp to wind down their superb careers than by bringing a prestigious, national baseball tournament to Lynn.