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After the league had one of its most successful seasons ever this summer, Balliett and the league will try to build off that success and keep the momentum going in 2015.
“We had a fabulous 2014 and we’re looking to build upon that success,’’ said Balliett, who has been associated with the league for nine years. “It’s a matter of continuing to do what we’re doing. We’re looking to build off of our travel program and expanding it. Last year we included our 10s and 11s, and this year maybe our 8s and 9s. We want players to have the chance to play at a bit more competitive level, but we also have to be conscious of overuse.”
Norwalk Little League’s 12-year-old and 10-year-old All-Stars won the District 1 championship in the summer. The district win for the 12s was the first since 1986 for Norwalk. Its city champion, Signature Landscaping, also won the District 1 Tournament of Champions.
“It was very important for the league in terms of visibility,’’ Balliett said. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the talent that we have in Norwalk. It also showed that they’re getting the right fundamentals, from the coaching seminars for the volunteers and the instruction from Integrated Sports Training for the younger players. It’s important that all of our coaches and volunteers are on the same page.”
Norwalk Little League started in 1951, and is the city’s longest-running youth sports program. The league is for players ages 4 to 12, and registration for the 2015 season is open online. Walk-in registration will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Batter’s Box.
Balliett succeeds Paul Grillo as president of the league. Grillo, who served for two years, will remain as vice president. Balliett was commissioner of the Major Division and has been a coach for eight years.
Balliett played baseball in college, and also played in leagues afterwards before turning his focus to coaching. Balliett’s passion for playing has been replaced by his passion for coaching.
“It’s nice to see them improve over the course of the season,’’ Balliett said. “Then when you see them get that first hit, and everyone is cheering for them, that is what makes being a coach so terrific. Those are the memories you’ll remember. It’s building friendships with young players and watching them grow up and learning an appreciation for the game.”
Besides its travel programs, Balliett also noted the success of the Challenger Program for children with disabilities. Guy Taccone has helped that division grow. In all, more than 500 players and volunteers participated in Norwalk Little League last year.
Norwalk also offers a Friendship program. "It’s a program with surrounding towns that’s open to all players in Little League that wish to continue playing baseball through July,'' Balliet said.
For more information about the 2015 Norwalk Little League season, visit its website www.norwalkctlittleleague.com.
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