NECBL New England Collegiate Baseball League

NECBL To Support Sandy Hook Elementary All Season Long

June 20, 2013 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) News Release


The horrific and senseless tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School shook everyone.

But the Danbury Westerners organization felt the emotional shrapnel far, far more than most.

Danbury is just minutes from Newtown, CT, the site of the shooting. The Westerners, the NECBL's longest tenured ball club, have long had ties to both Sandy Hook Elementary and Newtown community baseball.

Recognizing the power of baseball to help heal and the NECBL's obligation to be a good neighbor, the Westerners are leading the NECBL's season long cause to aid and assist the victims of Sandy Hook.

At the League's February Board meeting, the NECBL voted unanimously to undertake season long fund raising and support efforts for the victims and community of Sandy Hook. All players and coaches will wear a special game hat with a green tribute logo to Sandy Hook.

"So many of us in the NECBL community invest so much in youth and youth sports," said NECBL commissioner Sean McGrath, "which made this awful tragedy so emotionally powerful. We want to be good neighbors and support the Newtown community in a simple, dignified and meaningful way."

The NECBL is also purchasing a quantity of rubber wrist bracelets, which will be distributed to all teams. Proceeds from the bracelet sales will go to Newtown Youth and Family Services ("NYFS"), a licensed, non-profit, mental health clinic and youth services bureau dedicated to helping children and families achieve their highest potential. NYFS provides programs, services, activities, counseling, support groups and education throughout the Greater Newtown area. The NECBL will collect the proceeds and award a check to the charity at season's end.

Long before the events of December 14th, the Westerners had a strong relationship with the Newtown community. Newtown Youth Baseball was honored at the Westerners' June 5th Exhibition Game against the Housatonic Valley All-Stars, with ballplayers throwing out the ceremonial first pitch in what is sure to be an emotional start to Danbury's 2013 season.

Paul Schaffer, President of the Danbury Westerners commented, "The senseless tragedy on December 14 affected many of us, and it's difficult to express the profound sadness that we still feel. The Westerners have always given back to the community, and we want to honor the memory of those who perished in a compassionate, respectful manner, and dedicate this season in their memory. We are proud to team up with Newtown Youth and Family Services this season."



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from June 20, 2013


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