Gabriel Mineard Wins Sportsmanship Award

Scarsdale Little League held a ceremony Tuesday 6/19 at Edgewood to award a 4th grade Little League baseball player the Michael Ludwig Sportsmanship Award. The award was created by the League three years ago to celebrate the life of Michael Ludwig, the son of Lisa Nelson Ludwig and Ed Ludwig who “lived for little league baseball”. The award is given to an individual who combines the mix of outstanding teamwork and sportsmanship, excellent skills and a passion for the game. The award this year was given to fourth grade Hot Rods player Gabriel Mineard. 4th Grade Little League coordinator Larry Medvinsky presided over the ceremony and paraphrased from the nomination by Gabriel’s coaches (Michael Heffner and Lou Mancini):

"Gabriel Mineard was chosen for the Michael Ludwig Sportsmanship Award for his tireless support of his fellow teammates. Gabe was always the first to leave the dugout to congratulate batters, first to give the pitchers an “attaboy”, first to shout out to players on the field who make big plays and first to try to cheer up ball players who achieve less than they expect of themselves. Gabriel’s work ethic and passion for baseball has shown in his development as a batter, his dependability as a fielder and, in one of his biggest achievements, as a starting pitcher - striking out 2 with no earned runs. Gabe's teammates rally around him and his coaches. His current and former coaches have unanimously said, "You could not find a better kid or one who is more deserving of this award. Gabe unifies."

(Photo right to left: Hayley Mineard, Coach Michael Heffner, Gabriel Mineard, 4th Grade Coordinator Larry Medvinsky, Ed Ludwig)

Photo and article contributed by Hyun Heffner