LYNNFIELD — It’s never too early to learn about the importance of giving back to those who need it.
Three U11 Jimmy Fund Little League teams are learning that lesson firsthand while, at the same time, extending their summer seasons. Pine Hill, Peabody and Lynnfield are spending the summer making great strides not only on the field, but off the field, by playing a game they love and raising money for the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
According to its website, Jimmy Fund Little League provides more than 5,000 Little League baseball and softball players in New England the opportunity to participate in league play from April through the end of October, while at the same time, raising money to help fight cancer. The experience is designed to educate children about the importance of volunteerism. Since 1986, the Jimmy Fund Little League has raised more than $6 million.
Peabody and Lynnfield squared off in a game Wednesday night at Newhall Park in Lynnfield. Peabody cruised to a 13-4 win. Lynnfield Head Coach Matthew Donahue said the Jimmy Fund program isn’t really about wins or losses.
“It not only fosters a love for baseball among the players, but also instills in them the values of teamwork, compassion, and community involvement,” he said. “These young athletes have dedicated their time and energy to fundraising initiatives that directly benefit cancer research and provide support for patients and their families. Their commitment and enthusiasm is truly inspiring, and their efforts have resulted in a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.”
Donahue said the team’s goal is to shed light on the hard work and determination of these young athletes and raise awareness about the importance of community involvement and supporting charitable causes, as well as inspiring members of the community to get involved and support the cause.
“We also hope to also recognize the positive influence of youth sports,” Donahue said.
Fundraising pages can be found at https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/. Peabody’s homepage states that, “Dana-Farber is dedicated to a unique and equal balance between cancer research and care, translating the results of discovery into new treatments for patients locally and around the world… Together, we’re all Jimmy, and we can defy cancer!”
Lynnfield’s official team name is “Lavender.” Team shirts, provided by Victor Oliveira of The Good Project, sport lavender-colored numbers. Donahue said the team chose that color once he learned that lavender is the color associated with all cancers.
Peabody Little League President Tabatha Morgan said the league also conducts fundraising events, including a car wash and tennis ball toss. She said the Jimmy Fund League provides kids a chance to play a more casual brand of baseball.
“I find that Jimmy Fund is a great opportunity for the kids to play more baseball in a laid back setting, more like hanging out with friends at a ball field,” she said.
Peabody Head Coach Scott McHale agreed with Morgan.
“All of those things like getting to play more baseball and learn about charitable giving are great opportunities for the kids to play in a less stressful environment than their regular season,” he said. They get to play different positions, too, to keep the player development thing going. Players set their own fundraising goals, which they love. Personally, my son (Henry) loves the opportunity to set his own goal and reach out to our family members and help raise money.
McHale said Henry’s goal is $500 and that they already have received $400 in pledges.
Pine Hill President John Cronin said the Jimmy Fund is a great program and is happy to support it. Pine Hill has two teams competing in Jimmy Fund play this year. The 11s are a mix of major and minor league players ages 9 through 11.
“That’s what I like about the Jimmy Fund. When we call kids up when people are on vacation, it allows us to build that camaraderie, vertically within our league, so that’s a great thing,” Cronin said. “It’s fun and re-invigorating. When you see some of these 9-year-olds coming up and stretching themselves to the major league level and excited to be there, it makes you realize all over again why we are doing this.”
As far as the Lynnfield-Peabody game is concerned, the highlight was undoubtedly an inside-the-park home run by Lynnfield’s Keegan O’Bleanes (2 RBI, run), who also doubled. Brayden Stec also doubled and scored. Declan Brooks (2 singles) had two RBI. Cash Collins (single, run), Joey Berlinghieri (run), Johnny Debaggis (single) and Owen Noumi (run) also got into the stats column.
For Peabody, Matt Gurliaccio led the offense with two singles and two runs scored. Chase Mulvey (single) and Alex MacKillop also scored two runs, while Henry McHale had two hits and one scored. Mathew Olson, Seamus Park, Leo Lambert, Emiliano Gagliardi and Ethan MacKillop scored one run apiece.
“It’s our first game and they are looking good,” Scott McHale said. “They look like they are having fun, so everything is good and I am proud of them.”
Donahue said Lynnfield is planning to host an end-of-season party on Aug. 2. The team has invited Peabody and Pine Hill to join in the festivities where there will be “food and fun for all.”
