In the fall of 2020, as the year of Covid was wrapping up, we began our tryouts for the 2021 season.  As the process began, we struggled to find players as well as coaches for our 10u group.  After a few weeks of searching and recruiting, a young lady, who had a passion for the game of softball, decided to throw her hat in the ring of opportunity to become the leader of this small group of young men.  After her application was reviewed, and an interview was conducted, the organization knew we had secured a good one!  With no skin in the game, only a connection to a family friends’ son, this coach began spending the next two, (and hopefully many more) years donating countless hours to these young men.  She not only became their baseball coach, she became a friend to these kids, their families, and this grateful organization.  Whether it was taking these boys to a weekend tournament, or spending all day & night at our hosted tournaments, she was there lending a hand to whatever was needed.  She truly is one of a kind, and we couldn't be more proud to have her a part of this organization! 

As the 2020 Spring was nearing, so was the COVID 19 Pandemic.  During the month of April, The Beloit Bombers Co-Presidents, had to make the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming season.  Not soon after, both of these gentlemen had submitted their resignations, leaving the Bombers program in search of new leadership.  Unofficial meetings, with social distancing, began at parks in our community.  The number of attendees began to slowly increase with each meeting.  The idea of bringing the Beloit Bombers and our Beloit Legion team together under one organization was in its early plans, but moving forward with it became the common goal for Beloit Baseball!  The idea of creating a new organization called the Beloit Area Youth Baseball Association was going to take a ton of work.  Many would see the faces of these people around the ballpark, including the newly elected board president, but most didn't see what went on behind the scenes.   This particular person, who happened to be related to the president, stayed out of the spotlight, but was elbow deep in all the work.  Many tasks including website construction, registration set up, equipment ordering & personalization, tournament planning, fundraising organization, etc.  She spent many days and late nights  volunteering her time to help make BAYBA come to fruition.  She is definitely one of the keystones of this organization.  Most people are aware of the amount of work Huff does, but we believe she should be recognized just the same!  We thank you for all of your time & efforts donated to BAYBA!

There are several families within our program that donate so much to this organization, but we have a specific family that stuck out to our board, when nominations were submitted for this year’s person of the year award.  This award is in recognition of the years of service and support given to players, families, and board members of BAYBA.  To someone that donates more than their fair share of time.  To someone that goes above and beyond anytime there’s an opportunity.  This family has done just that.  Over the years, they have volunteered countless hours, far beyond the beginning of BAYBA, served on our inaugural board of directors, volunteered as a coach for the last seven years on three different teams, and just simply answers the call anytime it’s made.  On top of all that, this family also provides scholarships in memory of his father, to make sure any athlete, that is unable, is given the opportunity to play this game with us.

Gene Wright (Left):   He began his Bomber’s tenure way back in the fall of 2007.  He, as well as a few other parents were the pioneers for the Beloit Bombers Travel Baseball Program.  Not only did he spend several years coaching his own son, he hung around for a number of years, lending a hand wherever needed.  He and his family's business also spent many years providing our program with all of our uniforms and apparel.  Over the years, he has worn a number of different hats, and in some cases, helmets.  Alongside his  involvement in baseball, he served our community as a town administrator, paramedic, firefighter, reaching the ranks of Chief for two different departments, as well as becoming an instructor for future firefighters.  After retiring from the department, he made his way back to the ball field.  He has begun a new mission to bring a team he coaches in the Alternative Baseball Organization to its new home right here in his hometown, at this very facility.  The ABO is a baseball organization that allows those with disabilities to participate in this great game.   Currently he spends his days working for the Beloit Sky Carp as their Facilities Operation Manager.  He continues to  give back to our program every year with equipment donations, and plays a huge part in allowing our 14u teams to play games at ABC Supply Stadium.

Brad Andrew (Right):   There are always several people within our program that donate so much to this organization, but after the year we had last year with our hosted tournaments, we had a specific individual that stuck out to our board when nominations were submitted for this year’s person of the year award.  This award is in recognition of the years of service and support given to players, families, and board members of BAYBA. To someone that donates more than their fair share of time. To someone that goes above and beyond anytime there’s an opportunity. This individual & his family has done just that.  Over the past couple years, he has volunteered countless hours to this program, and more importantly, this facility.  As most of you can recall, the last few years of hosting tournaments here at the YSC has been more than challenging!  Last year specifically, we encountered large amounts of rain both at our SOB & WBC.  There were many hands on deck helping, but this man and his crew stayed well into the night, using his own equipment, including the headlights from his vehicle, and worked tirelessly to give our athletes a fighting chance to play baseball those weekends!  Although those tournaments were shortened, they did continue, and we were able to play baseball.  There was doubt in just about everyone's minds, but to this guy, it was just another opportunity to do what he loves for kids!  This year, he has already been out here numerous days helping the “Y” staff with field renovations and spring maintenance!