Danvers National Little League’s Inaugural Stan Brown Jamboree (SBJ) has concluded, and by nearly every measure imaginable the 17 day event was a tremendous success!

I sincerely thank the Danvers Recreation Department and Grounds Division for the guidance and strong support they provided well before the first pitch was ever thrown. Thank you to all the coaches of the 51 participating teams, who volunteered their time and extended the baseball season well into August for more than 500 children. Moreover, I am deeply grateful to the volunteers who worked tirelessly around the clock to make this event so successful. A core group of DNLL volunteers commenced the planning of SBJ in January; and as the event approached, the group mushroomed to 30+ volunteers. These volunteers assembled at baseball fields across Danvers every day for two plus weeks to host 150 baseball games. They helped manicure fields, served as ambassadors at games, managed snack bars, announced games on a PA system, directed traffic/parking, and picked up trash. Many of these volunteers were not even members of the DNLL Board of Directors; in fact, some were not even affiliated with DNLL, but they are now considered dear friends our league. Finally, I’d like to thank Jan Brown for endorsing this event and being so visible throughout the Jamboree.

The intent of the Stan Brown Jamboree was never about winning or losing baseball games. SBJ was conceived and carried out as a festive celebration of Stan’s life and little league baseball. It was about honoring Stan and his wish of affording children the opportunity to play summer baseball. As a result of the Danvers Recreation Department’s support, players and coaches, Jan Brown, and the SBJ sponsors and volunteers, Stan Brown’s wish has been realized.

Stan Brown is sorely missed and will never be forgotten, and through the Stan Brown Jamboree his legacy will endure well into the future.

Respectfully,
Tony Brooks, SBJ Chairman