Coventry Baseball Champs Recognized by Council

At Monday's Town Council meeting, two of Coventry's state championship-winning baseball teams were recognized for their accomplishments. Joining Council members were Senators Glen Shibley and Nick Kettle and Director of Parks and Recreation Guy Lefebvre.

Coventry Little League America Division All Stars (11/12 age group) were honored for winning the Rhode Island State Championship and for their in Bristol, Connecticut. The players were also escorted from Paine Field to the meeting on several Central Coventry Fire Department firetrucks, followed by a rescue and led by a police car with lights and sirens.

"No one can deny the thrills this team has brought us," said Lefebvre. "This is the first time in the 100-year history of the league that a team has risen to the state level. The boys did us tremendously proud in the tournaments, and we're thrilled to have them here with us tonight."

He also noted that the team was recognized during its second day in Bristol for the players' excellent sportsmanship. 

Coventry Babe Ruth 15-Year-Old All Stars were also recognized for winning the Rhode Island State Championship and for their participation in the Northeast Regional Tournament in Quincy, Massachusetts.

"This team came alive like nothing I've ever seen, with a 13-3 victory to take state," said Lefebvre. "We're extremely proud of our Babe Ruth team and the coaches for their accomplishments."

Senators Kettle and Shibley read Senate citations to both teams and their coaches.

"I can't explain how deeply proud we are of all of these athletes," Lefebvre went on to say. "At both send-off events I mentioned the other team and both were extremely respectful of one another and wished each other the best."

"Parents, you should be proud of yourselves and your players," said Council President Gary Cote. "They've done well and we thank them for representing the town of Coventry phenomenally with pride, dignity and sportsmanship. We're proud of all of you."