Zammarelli honored by Ruth League

By PAUL R. DUBOIS

Breeze Sports Editor

NORTH PROVIDENCE - He's been involved in Babe Ruth League baseball in this community for 37 years, the last 15 as president, and his long tenure of service was recognized last week.

Lou Zammarelli was presented with a framed North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League jersey with the number 24 he has worn throughout his baseball career.

"I was very much surprised and it was very much appreciated," said Zammarelli. "That's the number I wore when I played at La Salle Academy and at Providence College, and it's the number I wear when I coach our Babe Ruth League all-star teams."

Zammarelli was a student at La Salle Academy and one of his teammates was Dave Laboisionniere. Laboisionniere's father, Gerry, was president of the North Providence Babe Ruth League at the time, and he let it be known that he was looking for new, young coaches to come into the program.

Zammarelli decided to oblige, became a coach, and never left.

It was Zammarelli who made the decision to have the North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League players use only wooden bats during regular season and playoff games. They are allowed to use the metal or composite bats when they participate in all-stars or in the league's AAU programs.

"I still contend that it makes the players better hitters because they have to square up on the ball with a wooden bat," said Zammarelli. "When we hosted the New England Tournament here last year, there were a number of college and high school coaches that spoke to me about it and they thought the concept of using wooden bats is a really good thing. They were thrilled that we took that initiative."

Zammarelli admits that the wooden bat use has drawn some criticism, principally from parents of younger players.

"It's a little harder for them, but they adapt," he said.

This was a difficult year for Zammarelli, who saw his league's dominance of players between the ages of 13-15 challenged with the introduction of a new Junior/Senior Little League program in town.

Ultimately, he sees the Babe Ruth program staying strong, pointing out the program has successfully sought to nurture young baseball talent and prepare players for high school teams.

He said the league has been successful in that regard. Last season, the North Providence High School baseball team had its most successful season in school history, winning the Northern Division championship and making it all the way to the state A Division championship finals before losing.

Of the 19 members of this year's high school team, 16 of them were graduates of the North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League and the other three had played in the league at one time or another.

"In addition to preparing the more talented players for high school, I'd like to think that we do a good job of providing a quality program for the players who won't be moving on, but just love to play the game," said Zammarelli.

In addition to the NPHS players, all three of the team's coaches were graduates of the Babe Ruth League, as were four of the La Salle Academy baseball team that made it to this year's final four.

Moving forward, Zammarelli said the program will soon be holding a registration for new and returning players who are interested in participating in winter workouts, a first.

Mike Walker, league vice president, said most people are not aware of the special things that Zammarelli does for the league.

Zammarelli, an attorney, coaches the league's 15-year-old all star team and prior to the start of the state tournament for the past two years, he arranges for the team to play against teams in Maine. During that weekend, players stay at a lake side property he owns.

"It's a good experience for them, and just prior to the Rhode Island tournament, they get to bond, relax and enjoy the lake," said Zammarelli. "A lot of the parents made the trip up north and participated as well."

© 2010 Breeze Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Top of Page

By PAUL R. DUBOIS

Breeze Sports Editor

pdubois@valleybreeze.com

NORTH PROVIDENCE - He's been involved in Babe Ruth League baseball in this community for 37 years, the last 15 as president, and his long tenure of service was recognized last week.

Lou Zammarelli was presented with a framed North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League jersey with the number 24 he has worn throughout his baseball career.

"I was very much surprised and it was very much appreciated," said Zammarelli. "That's the number I wore when I played at La Salle Academy and at Providence College, and it's the number I wear when I coach our Babe Ruth League all-star teams."

Zammarelli was a student at La Salle Academy and one of his teammates was Dave Laboisionniere. Laboisionniere's father, Gerry, was president of the North Providence Babe Ruth League at the time, and he let it be known that he was looking for new, young coaches to come into the program.

Zammarelli decided to oblige, became a coach, and never left.

It was Zammarelli who made the decision to have the North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League players use only wooden bats during regular season and playoff games. They are allowed to use the metal or composite bats when they participate in all-stars or in the league's AAU programs.

"I still contend that it makes the players better hitters because they have to square up on the ball with a wooden bat," said Zammarelli. "When we hosted the New England Tournament here last year, there were a number of college and high school coaches that spoke to me about it and they thought the concept of using wooden bats is a really good thing. They were thrilled that we took that initiative."

Zammarelli admits that the wooden bat use has drawn some criticism, principally from parents of younger players.

"It's a little harder for them, but they adapt," he said.

This was a difficult year for Zammarelli, who saw his league's dominance of players between the ages of 13-15 challenged with the introduction of a new Junior/Senior Little League program in town.

Ultimately, he sees the Babe Ruth program staying strong, pointing out the program has successfully sought to nurture young baseball talent and prepare players for high school teams.

He said the league has been successful in that regard. Last season, the North Providence High School baseball team had its most successful season in school history, winning the Northern Division championship and making it all the way to the state A Division championship finals before losing.

Of the 19 members of this year's high school team, 16 of them were graduates of the North Providence-Smithfield Babe Ruth League and the other three had played in the league at one time or another.

"In addition to preparing the more talented players for high school, I'd like to think that we do a good job of providing a quality program for the players who won't be moving on, but just love to play the game," said Zammarelli.

In addition to the NPHS players, all three of the team's coaches were graduates of the Babe Ruth League, as were four of the La Salle Academy baseball team that made it to this year's final four.

Moving forward, Zammarelli said the program will soon be holding a registration for new and returning players who are interested in participating in winter workouts, a first.

Mike Walker, league vice president, said most people are not aware of the special things that Zammarelli does for the league.

Zammarelli, an attorney, coaches the league's 15-year-old all star team and prior to the start of the state tournament for the past two years, he arranges for the team to play against teams in Maine. During that weekend, players stay at a lake side property he owns.

"It's a good experience for them, and just prior to the Rhode Island tournament, they get to bond, relax and enjoy the lake," said Zammarelli. "A lot of the parents made the trip up north and participated as well."

© 2010 Breeze Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. | Top of Page