Peter Coyle's Summer Sports

Congratulations to the Oxford Little League for continuing to be the pacesetter in the area for advancing their teams into tournament competition during the summer. When a Little League All Star team plays in the month of August it means that the team is very good. When a town continues to advance their Little League All Star teams into the month of August on a consistent basis, it means the town has an excellent program. It is safe to say that Oxford has an excellent Little League program and is the trendsetter in the entire South County. Please allow me to remember the excellent work done by the late Steve Horgan when Oxford Little League is mentioned. Horgan passed away way too early in life in 2011 and Horgan’s leadership remains instrumental in Oxford’s success today. Horgan was Oxford’s president and he planted the seed that is still growing today. Oxford has won state titles on three different levels over the past three years. The Oxford Big League and the Oxford Junior Little League All Star teams are the present 2012 Massachusetts State Champions and in 2010 the Oxford Senior Little League won the state title when lefty Nick Lemay led the way on the mound. Greg Gray was the manager of the 2010 senior team and this year Gray was the manager of the Big League title team. Look out Bobby Valentine. Gray is dedicated and so unassuming that he brings a breath of fresh air to coaching kids. Last year, the Junior team from Oxford got beat in late July by Quincy in the state finals. The Oxford Little league services 400 players on every level that Little League rules offer.

The Oxford Little League is accepting donations of any amount to help defray the expenses for this upcoming week’s regionals. Any help is appreciated for the Junior League team that will begin their quest for the regional Championship in Freehold, New Jersey beginning with their first game on Subday, August 4th at 4 p.m. Please mail your contribution to the Oxford Little League, PO Box 112, Oxford, Ma 01540. Please make your check payable to the Oxford Little League and memo it Junior League All Stars. Thank You in advance for your generosity. This Oxford Junior team is 10-0 in All Star competition.

Indian Ranch rolled out the red carpet for their Spring Athletes of the week at last Friday’s Gavin Degraw show at the Ranch. The student athletes from Bartlett, Oxford, Shepherd Hill, and Bay Path were invited guests at Indian Ranch as a result of their efforts on the playing fields this past spring season. Thank you to Indian Ranch for recognizing the area’s student–athletes.