In 2009, Play Ball! Minnesota awarded seven baseball and softball coaches in the Upper Midwest the Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches Award. The coaches were nominated by community members, players and family members. The award recipients were honored during a Twins pre-game ceremony and received a certificate signed by Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and a Twins jacket, presented by Twins first base coach Jerry White.
The Play Bal! Minnesota Coaches Award honors youth baseball and softball coaches who work to provide a positive youth althetic experience by teaching the game in a fun and positive manner, emphasizing sportsmanship and promoting good citizenship. Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches Award winners demonstrate citizenship, sportsmanship, dedication, and love for baseball and softball.
The 2009 Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches Award winners were: Jeff Dickhaus (Moorhead, MN), Shawn Northey (Esko, MN), Steve Hemsath (Robbinsdale, MN), Joe Packey (Fridley, MN), Marty Stillman (St. Louis Park, MN), Mike Westrich (Burtrum, MN) and Paul Larson (Minneapolis, MN). As part of the program, two of the winners were selected as Play Ball! Minnesota Coaches of the Year and were honored with round-trip airfare and hotel accomodations for two to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Coaches of the Year Profiles
Name: Paul Larson, Minneapolis, MN
2009 team: Minneapolis Youth Baseball Association ages 9-14
Time as a baseball or softball coach: 22 years
Thoughts on youth baseball/softball in the Upper Midwest: “Players in the upper Midwest have tremendous access to a wide range of baseball programs. Through the Twins-sponsored RBI program, the many Park & Rec and Little League programs and the largest independent competitive programs in the country (MYAS and MBL), players in the Upper Midwest can find a program that fits their players, and their families, level of commitment. Thanks to our access to baseball programs, there are youth teams from Minnesota competing at national tournaments around the country.”
His love for the game: “Growing as a player to a coach, my love of the game has grown from an appreciation of the physical skills to a love of the life-lessons and teachable moments that can be realized through youth baseball. I still appreciate the physical and mental attributes required to play the game at a high level, but now, my love of the game is realized through watching a young players little light bulb turn on."
Name: Shawn Northey, Esko, MN
2009 team: Esko Youth Baseball & Softball Association ages 8-10 years old
Time as a baseball or softball coach: 25 years
Thoughts on important skills/qualities of a youth baseball/softball coach: "A baseball coach at any level should inspire their players to play to win within the rules of the game, instill a value of sportsmanship and create an atmosphere that promotes the team over any individual player. Coaches should place players in positions and situations that challenge each player to perform to their best abilities."
His love for the game: “My success in life both professionally and personally can be attributed to the lessons I learned playing, coaching and watching baseball. There is no greater reward than transferring lessons I learned on the field into my current career, instilling values to help players overcome obstacles and be successful in life, and passing on this passion with my family at the ball park."
