‘We're Back II' means
we're here to stay

By Ruth M. Lyon
Turley Publications Reporter

NORTH BROOKFIELD - On a brisk May morning, the sun shone on a proud array of Little Leaguers, parents, devoted coaches and enthusiastic supporters of the program Richard LeBlanc worked to bring back to North Brookfield.

"Little League was in North Brookfield 50 years ago," the linchpin of North Brookfield recreation said. "But at some point, it merged with Spencer Little League. It may have seemed more convenient at the time, but in fact it wasn't. So, last year, the parents worked to bring it back to North Brookfield. We now have as many as 50 adults involved in some way in the program, and 160 kids, girls and boys, from t-ball to Babe Ruth."

To witness the success of the program is to witness 160 uniformed youngsters proudly marching from the fire station to the high school ball field, their coaches
alongside, and a town that's turned out to wave encouragement all along the way. "And, we have sponsors," LeBlanc bragged, "at least two sponsors for each
team." And who wouldn't want to sponsor the likes of teams with names such as Green Machine, Blue Thunder, Orange Crush, Little Indians, Purple Crush,
North Brookfield Lumberjacks? And the list goes on. According to LeBlanc, there are 12 Little League teams, and one team at the Babe Ruth level. They belong to the Quaboag Valley Little League District, and play other district teams, including Brimfield, Wales, West Brookfield, Brookfield, Holland and Warren.

LeBlanc is modest about his part. "I just got the ball rolling," he said. He credits the work of coaches, parents, and the kids involved with the program's success. "It's all about the love of the game, teamwork, winning and losing with North Brookfield Little League Parade a standout grace, and the enjoyment of healthful pursuits," he said. "I feel great pride when I look around this field and see this degree of participation. And it couldn't happen without the participation of the businesses who support us so willingly. And of course, the parents - more than 100 people came to help us clean up the fields when I called for help this spring."

As hungry little leaguers descended upon the hot dog stand for lunch, LeBlanc reminded all that an afternoon of ball playing and other fun awaited. The program for the year, he said, will be finished by July 4. "One of the good things about the Quaboag League is that standings are not announced," he said. "All of our teams are playing competitively at expected levels."