LYNN — The Lynn Babe Ruth 16-18-year-old All-Star team took a major leap forward Sunday in its fundraising efforts as the team leans on its community for help in getting to Jamestown, N.Y. for the World Series.
The team needs about $8,000 to fund the costs of transportation, hotel expenses and other necessities.
A fundraiser was held Sunday afternoon at Old Tyme Cuisine where the team raised $3,800.
“We had a pretty good turnout at Old Tyme,” Lynn coach Leon Elwell said. “It was positive. The kids were there and people were very generous. It’s tough to ask people for money. People come through like they always do in Lynn.
“The Lynn businesses and Lynn people are very generous,” Elwell added. “They always seem to come through. We won (regionals) last Tuesday and we leave Thursday morning, so that’s nine days. It’s not a lot of time to get things done. The Lynn community always comes through.”
In addition to the proceeds from Sunday’s event, Katie Burt, a Lynn native who played Babe Ruth baseball and volunteers at Bowzer Complex, started a gofundme page that had raised $2,220 as of Sunday night. A percentage of those proceeds go back to the website.
“Overall the people of Lynn always come through, no matter what it is,” Elwell said. “Whether it’s Babe Ruth, Pop Warner, Pop Warner cheerleaders, people always come through. Everyone comes together and it’s a good thing.
“We want to thank to everybody that has given,” Elwell added. “We want to thank everyone for the help and support for getting out there.”
Among those who attended the event and made donations were Mayor Thomas M. McGee and City Councilor Pete Capano.
The team will continue its fundraising efforts this week. Players will be out canning in the Wyoma Square area Monday, and potentially Tuesday and Wednesday as well. They’ll also scrimmage the North Shore Giants of the Commonwealth Amateur Baseball League Monday night (6:30) at Fraser Field.
“(Lynn Jets coach) Mike Roberts runs that team,” Elwell said of the Giants. “I know a lot of the kids on that team and I coached a lot of them when they were younger. They’ll make a donation as well. We’re leaving Thursday morning so we’ll have a few light workouts before leaving at 7:30 in the morning on Thursday.”
After leaving for Jamestown, N.Y. from Bowzer Complex Thursday morning via coach bus, the team plans to arrive there somewhere in the evening. Friday night, a home run derby and skills competition will take place. Lynn plays it’s first game Saturday afternoon (2:30) against Fairfax County from Virginia. The World Series runs from August 4-11.
Elwell said the players have done their part both on the field and in the fundraising efforts.
“The kids have been great,” Elwell said. “They’ve been positive. They’re excited. Around eight or nine of them played in the (15-year-old) World Series two years ago and they’re excited for the kids that haven’t been there. They’ve been helping out. They’re all on board. It’s a pretty tight-knit group. It’s a pretty good group of kids.”
