Announcing the "Players' Award"

So what’s so different about SNECAA? We’re still playing competitively, trying hard to do well and help our teams win. We still have moments of frustration, maybe tension. We still pray before and after the games. So again, what makes SNECAA different?

Well hopefully, the differences will unfold as our new league grows and improves over the years. But here’s one thing that is totally new. We are pleased to announce that this year, SNECAA will have two championship awards. In addition to the traditional championship that goes to the winner of the playoffs, we are pleased to announce that we will also give a “Players’ Award,” which will go to the team which is voted by all the players to have best exemplified sportsmanship and a Christ-like attitude on the field.

This could be considered a small step, but it is our hope that this award will ultimately be viewed as equal in value to the traditional championship, if not even greater in value. The difference between winning and losing on the field is often determined by circumstances beyond our control, a bad hop, a fluke hit, an umpire’s call, etc. Just as in life, we cannot always control our circumstances, but we CAN control our reactions and attitudes in the midst of those circumstances.

Over my years in softball (really all sports), I can easily think of teams that I just didn’t enjoy playing… you know what I’m talking about, I don’t think I need to elaborate… but there were also many teams that I looked forward to playing. Win or lose, it was always competitive AND fun, with encouragement (“Great play, shortstop!”), good natured ribbing, and lots of fellowship both before and after the game. I would rather have lost a heartbreaker to one of those teams than won big in a joyless game.

So at the end of the season, we will distribute ballots to all the coaches for distribution to their players with the opportunity to vote for the best team in terms of sportsmanship and Christ-like attitude. Their will also be an opportunity on the ballot to make suggestions for next season.

Meanwhile, take note of which teams are deserving of this honor, to become the first recipient of the Players Award.

Sincerely

Chuck LaMarre

Commissioner