When anyone hears the words Little league, there are things that immediately come to mind. Laughing kids, concessions stand snacks, camping chairs and cheering parents.
The Lower Cape May Little League has all of those things. But it’s so much more than that.
Lower Cape May Little League is celebrating its 70th-year anniversary. And having had the pleasure of spending two days watching various games and chatting with parents, coaches and team members, it is clear that there is definitely much to celebrate.
This organization, run completely by volunteers and supported by many businesses in the community, has created a program that supports our youth while also adding so much value to the town many of us call home. The league consists of around 30 teams. Each team has a local business that sponsors them.
From T-ball all the way to their high school team, the league supports youth of all ages by encouraging them to stay active while also providing baseball fundamentals to encourage future athletes. The league also provides so much value to the community around them and the families involved.
So what value does this program provide to the community? Mom Kristina Quinlan said, “It’s priceless.” She spoke of lifelong friendships formed. And generations of families working together.
Kristina (who was speaking through the dugout cage while she helped volunteer) was coached in Little League by her dad, who is now coaching her son, as is her husband. And they are still keeping the love of the game alive. Kristina’s young son could be overheard yelling out “Poppy” when speaking to his grandfather coach.
And it was such a sweet moment. Kristina was asked why they chose baseball, and she responded, “Season changes.” Which immediately resonated. At the game it was a beautiful, warm day. Cape May is finally getting out of the winter weather, and baseball is a wonderful way to welcome that change.
Mom Gina Perez was asked how she feels this league brings value to the community, and her response was, “It brings closeness.” But an even more inspiring response was when she was asked what value does baseball bring to your child. “Everything” was her heartfelt answer.
That was evident in speaking with her. Especially when it was discovered that not only was her 12-year-old son Henry pitching, her two older sons were volunteering. Her son Eric Perez was helping coach his younger brother. He said coaching his brother is a “privilege.”
And when asked why baseball over other sports, he said there is a “communal spirit in baseball.” Which was evident not only in watching the games but in talking to these families. The Perez family is a Coast Guard family that moves around often. But Gina Perez said, “When you sign your kid up for baseball, you’re embraced.”
The Lower Cape May Little League leaders are aware of the impact on the community and want to continue to be that positive light for families like the Perezes. Melissa O’Donnell, the president of the league, has been in this position since 2021 but has been a part of the league since 2014.
“My son has literally grown up on the field,” she joked when speaking about her time with the program. Her commitment to the league, the families and the community was felt and is very strong. She spoke about how important it is to give back. She shared examples of how the league does that with the family day they have and the outreach they do with the schools and their teams.
She said there is some “back and forth” that goes on between the different programs, which shows the value that is put on giving back to the community around them.
This program and the families involved truly are an example of the best in the community. Everyone’s active involvement and participation was a pleasure to witness.
Hearing the cheers from the dugout at the girls softball games. Hearing the laughter and such strong encouragement and positivity from the coaches and parents at the T-ball and machine pitch games was inspiring and joyful. Seeing the commitment and hard work at the majors baseball game was a testament to how this program benefits the kids involved as they get older.
There was a sign posted on the fencing at the fields. The sign reads “Reminder to parents: These are kids. This is a game. Coaches are volunteers. Umpires are human. No college scholarships will be handed out today.”
But with the group of leaders, coaches, parents and kids involved with the Lower Cape May Little League program, the sign doesn’t seem necessary. This program wants only the best for the kids and the community around them. Everyone involved works together to achieve that goal, and it seems to be working.
That was abundantly clear in just two days with the teams, and it was a privilege to see. Seventy years and counting. It can be said with certainty, we all hope to see the league thrive for many more years to come, and it seems the community would agree.
Contact the writer, Kim Connolly, a sports reporter, at sandycoastie@gmail. com.
