Stevie Marshall Memorial Award 9U 2023
THE LEGACY OF STEVIE MARSHALL
Stevie Marshall loved playing baseball. Growing up she was a force to be reckoned with on the diamonds and as an adult she passed her love of the game on through coaching in the Rookieball Division of the GBA.
Unfortunately, Stevie passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.
The EAGLES Association wanted Stevie’s memory to continue and each year we present the Stevie Marshall award to the 8U/9U (ROOKIEBALL) player, who in the eyes of their coaches improved from the beginning of the season through the end.
JACK LESNIEWSKI
ack joined our Eagle family for his first rep season in 2023. At tryouts he was fairly raw in experience, but showed potential with his athleticism and desire. He wanted to soak it all in, ready to learn right from beginning of winter indoor workouts all the way through end of season. He is a super coachable kid, a real pleasure to coach and have as a teammate. Didn't matter if his Eagles were up or down, you always got the same from Jack, listening, trying 100%, and leaving it all out there on the diamond. He progressed and developed immensely throughout the 2023 season from start to finish. Came up with large hits, made incredible plays in the field, and really fell in love with the game of baseball. This all was contributed with the effort he gave each and every day.
If you have ever played rep ball growing up, there was always that one player in your loop or league that was a pain to play against. These players are often referred to as "scrappy".....speedy, tough, no remorse for body playing defense, a tough out at the plate, and hits the ball hard. Well, that's our Jack he is "Scrappy Eagle"! An MLB player that reminds me of him is Dustin Pedroia. Not the biggest in physical stature, but a huge heart, violent swings from right side of the plate, quick around the bases and laying it out defensively every inning.
One special memory this season came on the Saturday of OBA's. Down two runs to Milton, Jack crushed a bases clearing triple to the fence. It got our Eagles Nation right fired up and right back in the game. Jack and I came together for an intense high five, so intense it stung both our hands. It was only fitting for him to experience a moment like that, in such a crucial game and atmosphere, was well deserved!
Way to go, Jack, on an incredible start to your rep baseball career and we can't wait to see you be a force on the diamond for years to come!
