Marblehead to honor late local sports legend

MARBLEHEAD – The roadway that leads into the 8.3-acre Gatchell’s Playground will be named "Sterny’s Way" in honor of local sports legend David Stern, who died March 13 at the age of 51.Stern managed and coached youth baseball and football teams of all ages for nearly 10 years and served on the boards of both youth sports organizations as well.As the coordinator of the town baseball clinic for 6-year-olds, Stern was the first baseball coach many of today’s young athletes can remember and he was the one who patiently taught many of them how to hit.When he coached a team he worked to divide his time equally among his players, trying to teach each one to try to outdo their past accomplishments. They and their parents came away with the feeling that the kids were as important to him as winning – and winning was important to him.He also managed the Gatchell’s snack shed, youth baseball’s key fundraiser and the site of many a young athlete’s cherished snack breaks.A practicing attorney, Stern served the Planning Board as member and chairman for 14 years and also served as president of the Community Housing Corporation.A week ago the request from Stern’s family, put in writing by Marblehead Youth Football President Bruce Bial and Marblehead Youth Baseball President Jeffrey Morrison, came before the selectmen.Selectmen spent very little time discussing the request and their vote was unanimous in favor.