WOOLRICH — The spirit of Little League isn’t simply just about learning how to play baseball or softball.

It’s about understanding the value of community and sportsmanship.

On Friday, Sept. 21, Woolrich Little League came together with Jersey Shore Little League to embody the spirit of Little League to help raise money for Caleb Leone, the Jersey Shore High School football player who was injured during a pre-season football practice.

With baseball season over, many Little Leaguers have turned their attention to other sports like football and soccer. However, for some, the drive to still play baseball and softball doesn’t end because the weather is cooling and the leaves are turning. While the weather is still cooperating, many Little Leaguers turn to Fall Ball to continue to hone their skills.

While this time of the year is generally reserved for skills’ clinics and a few pick-up games, Woolrich Little League decided to scrimmage against Jersey Shore; giving the players a chance to continue to develop their skills. Since there was a child in the area in need, it was suggested that the games be held as a community-wide fundraiser.

Woolrich and Jersey Shore played games on both Woolrich fields. Each field was filled with players who found themselves enjoying their time on the ball field, while learning life lessons about giving back to the community at large.

“Little League teaches children the value of competition but it also instills the importance of team work, respect, integrity and hard work. The kids might not realize that they are learning essential life lessons while competing on the field,” said Damien Packer, one of Woolrich’s regular season managers who helped brainstorm the idea of the fundraiser. “Helping a local family in a time of need is another one of those lessons that our players in the community will able to learn and grow from.”

Woolrich Little League opened its concession stand and donated the proceeds from all food sales to the injured player. In addition to the $350 in food sales, another $186 was raised through a 50/50 raffle and donations.

Woolrich Little League usually doesn’t have much concession product left at the end of the regular season; however the recent rain caused several home field events to be cancelled and more of a surplus than normal” said Rebecca Dunlap, Woolrich Little League President. “This year when it was suggested we organize a scrimmage event to sell the food and donate the proceeds to the Leone family our Board and the Woolrich family jumped at the idea of helping.”

According to Packer, “Helping a local family in a time of need is another one of those lessons that our players in the community will able to learn and grow from. Woolrich Little League was honored to be part of such a great event.”

Caleb was injured at football practice on August 14 and is currently recovering in Hershey.

Woolrich Little League is home to approximately 200 t-ball, baseball, and softball players. Its board is comprised of more than 20 volunteers.