Awards
2023 Wellington Mara Award recipients
Pictured above (from left to right): Bill Arnone (MLJF Board Member), Craig Baker (2023 Mara Award Recipient), Rick Farina (MLJF Board Member), Butch LaMotta (2023 Mara Award Recipient), Rick Robustelli (MLJF Board Member)
Craig Baker – Stamford Little League
Craig is one of the best people you will encounter. His passion for teaching kids and providing them life lessons through baseball is truly special. The time, effort and unbelievable level of engagement that Craig pours into the kids that he coaches is amazing. He is a terrific teacher and communicator that has a unique ability to positively affect kids at all skill levels. Craig Baker gives everything he has and gets everything out of the kids who play for him. Coach Baker is an inspiring role model, a caring friend and a shining example of fair play and sportsmanship, he is a true leader who teaches, motivates, and inspires every player that he coaches.Craig’s message as a coach is about being a better person and building relationships with others that transcends sports. His goal is not to just make good athletes, but better people. Coach Baker dedicates his time throughout the year on the development of Stamford youth. We are truly lucky to have him as part of the Stamford community.
and
Butch LaMotta – Babe Ruth Baseball of Stamford
Jerry "Butch" LaMotta has been involved in coaching Babe Ruth Baseball in Stamford for 45 years. Butch sets high examples as a coach, many of his players are now coaches themselves today due to the lessons they learned from him and still use to this day. He has always interacted with the players, parents and other coaches with respoect. He strives to be a positive role model and works to teach the players not only baseball skills but also life lessons.
Butch exemplifies sportsmanship on and off the field. He is a role model and mentor for his players, fellow coaches and parents. Butch is dedicated to the development of each and every player to bring out their best on and off the field. In addition to taking his specific team responsibilities seriously and mentoring the players he coaches, Butch has also been a reliable person to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. Butch LaMotta is a true ambassador for the game of baseball and the youth of Stamford.
Previous recipients
2022 - Jennifer Sheridan - Stamford YoungTimers Girls Basketball
2022 - Joseph Claps - Stamford North Little League & Flag Football (First Down Club)
2021 - Bryan Fox - Stamford Stars Softball
2021 - Jonathan Hoch - Stamford North Little League
2019 - Michael Deenihan - Stamford American Little League
2019 - Greg Milburn - Stamford Youth Hockey Association
2018 - Joe Calendrelli - Stamford North Little League
2018 - Jaime Camacho - Stamford Youth Wrestling
2016 - Pete Hansen - Stamford Lacrosse Association
2014 - Bobby Robustelli - Springdale Little League
2011 - Mike Battinelli - Stamford Junior Wrestling
2009 - Junie DeLeo - Springdale Little League
2008 - Billy DeVito - National Little League
2007 - Michael Crocco - Stamford Youth Soccer