MLA's in action (left to right) Arden McLean, George McCarthy,Anthony Eden, CG Clidden, Capt. Eugene Ebanks, Alden McLaughlin,Edna Moyle and Rolston Anglin.
Sport
MLA's, Little Leaguers -
both winners!
MLA's in action (left to right) Arden McLean, George McCarthy,Anthony Eden, CG Clidden, Capt. Eugene Ebanks, Alden McLaughlin,Edna Moyle and Rolston Anglin.
On Saturday, the Cayman Islands Little Leagueheld its 3rd annual softball game between the MLA's and a teamof Little Leaguers. The event has become a fixture that both MLA'sand the Little Leaguers look forward to with great anticipationand has proven to be great fun for all who participate and attend.
This year the MLA's were led by the Ministerof Sports, the Honourable Edna Moyle, who batted lead-off andmade good contact both times up, only to be robbed by the sharpfielding Little Leaguers. She was followed by the 'young' rookie,Arden McLean, who showed his talents both at the plate and inthe field, just missing a spectacular running catch in left centre.Anthony Eden warmed up slowly but was humming along by the thirdinning and tossed a complete game to pick up the win. In between,he delivered a run-scoring triple!
The game was a seesaw affair until the topof the last inning when the MLA's scored nine runs. Alden McLaughlin,who had given a spectacular rendition of his version of 'how lawyersget to first base' in the first inning, got things started inthe third with a demonstration of blazing speed as he strokedan inside-the-park home run. He capped the evening by recordingthe final out with his second catch.
The combination of rookies, Cline Gliddenand Rolston Anglin at short-stop and first base was solid andLittle Leaguers will have a hard time getting anything throughthe infield for the next few years.
George McCarthy, making his first appearance,gave a solid example conserving resources when he showed how toextend the life of a glove by keeping it on the ground close toyou rather than on your hand!
The kids played well, but were stymied bya number of questionable calls from the umpires. It just seemedthat all the calls went the MLA's way. It is all for fun withboth sides being winners.
The evening started with J.C. Calhoun, theLeague's founder, thanking the many people and companies who helpedstart the program and who continue to support it. Past and currentsponsors, as well as, past C.I. Little League Board members wererecognized. There are thirty-three (33) Little League teams participatingin Little League programmes this year. Six (6) adult teams participatein a small coed recreational league. More than 700 children andadults now participate in Little League activities.
Deputy Chief Secretary and Little LeagueBoard member, Donnie Ebanks, explained how the new lights haveenabled the League to better utilize the facility and to offermore programmes and games to the kids. He urged parents to atleast take advantage of the evening games to come out and watchtheir kids. He thanked those who helped finance the lights, citingthe hard work of the various committees, volunteers, parents andkids and special contribution of one-half the cost by Government.He also thanked the current MLA's for their continued supportof the programme.
Mr. Terry Wuschenny, who coordinated thelighting project, then gave individual certificates to the companiesand individuals who provided the manpower and equipment neededto complete the project. The League gave Mr. Wuschenny a permanentplaque recognizing his contributions to the project.
Everyone who attended had fun. All agreedthat the program continues to provide a positive outlet for thechildren of Cayman and needs the support of the whole community.The current season resumes this week and runs through 30 June.It will be concluded with the annual Little League raffle, whichthis year features two vehicles a Ford Sporttrac and a FordFocus.