Baseball is known as the American pastime, and while impressive ballparks can be found all over the country, the joy of soaking in 9 innings on a beautiful spring day is something Floridians are particularly familiar with. Right here in Pinellas County, we are blessed each spring season with plenty of options for professional baseball activity, but nothing says spring quite like little league.
Founded in 1955, Clearwater Little League (CLL) is one of a few robust local leagues in our area that offers baseball and softball programs for boys and girls. Teams range from T-Ball (ages 4-6) to Seniors (ages 14-16) for baseball, and AA (ages 5-8) to Seniors (ages 13-16) for softball, collectively reaching over 300 families each year.
A member of Little League International, it is stated in their constitution that the objective of their league must be to implant the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority in all children. CLL’s commitment to this is not only apparent through the success of their teams on the field, but in the support garnered from all around our community.
In addition to more than 20 baseball and softball teams, over 10 more teams make up CLL’s Challenger Division. The Challenger Division is another extension of Little league International which provides children and adults with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to play, and further captures the league’s commitment to positive growth and development for all. In February, the program lost one of its greatest champions, Jim Scheuerman, the division’s vice president and a board member for over 20 years. Jim was a friend to all involved and his passion was undeniable, and this program will continue to thrive in his memory and honor.
After a difficult year, little leagues across the country celebrated opening day in late February. In Clearwater, 30+ teams enjoyed a day of fun and sportsmanship in the sunshine, dedicated to Jim. A day that certainly set the tone for what was to come for the league and its young athletes with a busy March schedule just around the corner.
On Monday, March 29th, the Clearwater Emeralds won the Greater Largo Little League’s 14th Annual Spring Tournament 9-0 after a stacked week of games competing against teams from all over the county. CLL is slotted to host a majors tournament that kicks off Thursday, April 8th, with Another AAA tournament just behind on Saturday, April 10th in Dunedin.
To stay up to date on all the activity, visit their website or Facebook page. You can also learn more about the Challenger League by reading this article from the archives, which includes quotes from Jim Scheuerman himself. CFY is honored to have worked with Jim and the entire CLL organization over the years.
This post was included in our March 2021 newsletter, FYI on CFY. Enter your email below to get first access to great content like this and all other important news from the CFY huddle!
