05/29/2026
Welcome Back to Life Lessons from G.C.L.L.
From the people who brought you "Sprinklers Don't Start Forest Fires," "Hey, You Can't Park There Because It's Not a Parking Space," "What To Do With Poopy Toilet Paper," rainout rescheduling, and All-Star baseball season, we are proud to present:
"A Year Without Life Lessons?"
While GCLL has always enjoyed sharing life lessons with players and parents alike, this year we've had the pleasure of focusing on what we're here for—teaching baseball and the life lessons that naturally come with it: victory, defeat, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Is this a direct result of all those life lessons over the years? Maybe. Is it because we switched to a porta-potty system? Possibly. Or maybe everyone is simply enjoying the season. Whatever the reason, parents, families, coaches, and fans—give yourselves a round of applause.
While I may be posting this prematurely (that's what she said), with the Coach Pitch Championship tonight, the Minors Championship next week, and the Majors Playoffs just beginning, I have complete confidence in our fans. Thank you for helping make this season fun, successful, and refreshingly free of the junior-high girls drama that too often finds its way into youth sports.
I wanted to highlight a few moments from the past couple of weeks that made me proud. No names will be mentioned because, as they say, it's about the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.
A few weeks ago, I stopped by the Minors Complex in the early afternoon. There were no games or practices scheduled, but to my delight, I found a Minors coach cleaning trash that had blown underneath the bleachers after a windy night. Nobody asked him to do it. He simply saw something that needed to be done and took care of it. That kind of pride and dedication doesn't go unnoticed.
Wednesday night brought an exciting Coach Pitch playoff game that went into extra innings, ending with a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth. While the competition on the field was intense, the players, coaches, and fans handled themselves with class. Fans from both sides cheered not only for their own teams but also for great plays made by their opponents.
Thursday night delivered even more extra-inning playoff baseball—or as baseball fans like to call it, free baseball. After multiple comebacks by both teams, the game ended in an upset victory. What stood out most, however, was watching coaches from both teams call timeouts to help calm down opposing pitchers who were struggling and becoming frustrated. It was a great reminder that while everyone wants to win, these coaches understand that player development and enjoyment of the game matter most.
To all of our members, thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. We appreciate everyone who showed up not only for their team, but also for work parties, tournaments, and the many other times we needed an extra hand. Your commitment does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for everything you do to support the league.
We're not quite finished yet—we need your help for a few more weeks. After that, your wives can have you back! (Like you wanna go home)
We have a big weekend ahead.
Friday
• 6:00 PM – Field Dedication Ceremony at the Minors Complex honoring our longest-tenured league member, Dom Staiano
• Coach Pitch Championship Game immediately following on Field 2
• At the Majors Complex:
◦ 7:00 PM – Tee Ball Graduation Game
◦ 8:00 PM – First Majors Playoff Game
Saturday
• 10:00 AM – Tee Ball Graduation Game and Pizza Party at the Majors Complex
• The final Tee Ball Graduation Game will follow shortly afterward
Come out, support the kids, enjoy the moment, and remember:
Don't become this year's only Life Lesson.
