When you’re a parent, Saturday mornings are no longer “yours”, and for parents whose kids play sports, Saturdays and some Sundays are reserved for sports games and weekdays for sports practices. For me, I spent many a Saturday listening to the dug out chant, Turnaround Like Michael Jackson, Break It Down Like Britney Spears, and Shake It Off Like Salt-N-Pepa, I Can’t Hear You, Say It Louder. My twin daughters are smiling from ear to ear, newbies on the field, and comfortable with their new teammates.
This week, our local Little League held an information session, and gave a 2025 recap meeting where they provided detailed information about their volunteer needs, their hopes for youth interested in playing baseball or softball, and offered a call to action.
During the season this year, three local dads gave their time, expertise, and energy and coached kids with an interest in learning more and getting better at softball and baseball. Coaches Matt Clements (VP of Baseball), Ralph Doyle (Player Agent), and Julian Martinez (VP of Softball) gave their hearts on the field during practice and games, and off the field during the information session.
In their hour-long conversation, the coaches offered a reflection that was both vulnerable and telling of three individuals who are committed to Stratford’s youth. They conveyed what I’ve known all along — that it takes a village to raise kids. These coaches volunteer to teach our kids to enjoy being on a team, to encourage one another, and commit to showing up, enhancing their accountability.
“We need to communicate better all around,” said Matt Clements, in response to a parent inquiring about when the next season will begin. Clements reminded parents that his role as a coach, and that of his fellow coaches, is a volunteer role. Along with Julian Martinez, he encouraged parents to be active participants in their child’s athletic life.
“We help give kids an environment to allow them to be themselves,” Martinez said. This environment is one with many hands on deck to help foster a season’s commitment to the sport, and at best, engage the same Little Leaguers through high school, putting Stratford back on the map as the town known for its incredible softball teams.
Parents, through a survey administered by the Little League, shared that the fields could use some TLC, with a regular grass cut, broken lights replaced, and rocks removed from the field, all in an effort to give players the best experience possible.
With more and better communication between the Town and the Little League, the coaches are hopeful that the players’ experience next season will be that much better, especially with a new administration.
Stratford High School softball coach Gary Sherrick, who coached for the past sixteen years, said, “Sports in this town are flatlining. Stratford had been known for its softball.”
As Coach Julian shared in his presentation, the Little League softball program has expanded this past year to include new and returning players, ages 7-14. The teams this past season were able to have a special practice with the Bunnell High School team, which introduced them to the high school coaches and gave them perspective on what playing in high school would be like.
The Stratford Little League could use your help. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer, or register your kid for the upcoming season. Scholarships are available and also discounts for early registration.
In town, there are plenty of opportunities for our kids to play sports, from soccer to football to baseball, and of course, softball. If you needed any incentive to go and be a spectator, the songs chanted in the dug out are reason enough to sit and cheer on the Stratford Little League.
Do you remember playing a sport as a kid – share with us in the comments!
