Westbrook Little League proudly dedicated the 2007 season to league president George Apt. The league’s board of directors formally presented Apt with a Lifetime Achievement Award for serving as president for the past 22 years. Apt was delighted to see so many friends from past Little League seasons who showed up to honor him for his dedication over the years. In all, over a thousand people attended the opening day ceremonies despite the threat of rain.

George Apt began his Little League career as a coach and then manager of the Lions from 1980 to 1984. He then went on to coach Babe Ruth baseball, but returned to Westbrook Little League when his son completed his Babe Ruth career. Apt replaced Jeddy Levasseur in 1986 as league president and he was responsible for the completion of the new Union field. Playing fields have always been a priority for Apt who was also responsible for designing and constructing Volunteer field. Currently, Apt is overseeing the completion of the new American Legion minor league field.

Apt has taken great pride in constantly improving the Little League complex. As league president, he has been responsible for numerous improvements including the garage and clubhouse, the “skybox” at Union field, a new concession stand, batting cage and the paving of the parking lot. On the field, Apt has seen his all-star teams win four state championships including the trip to the Little League World Series in 2005. In addition, Westbrook has hosted numerous district and state tournaments over the years. During Apt’s tenure, Westbrook Little League has experienced tremendous growth becoming the premiere league in District 6.

In addition to his duties as president, Apt can be found on the weekends mowing the fields or maintaining the complex. In the evenings, he can usually be found behind home plate as he continues to umpire numerous games each year. Over the years, he has been assisted by his very “understanding” wife Pat who answers about a thousand Little League phone calls a year – some good, some bad and some unbelieveable.

His wife’s favorite Little League moment was back in 1984. With seven games to go, her husband promised his team that he would shave off his beard if they won their remaining games. As fate would have it, they won all those games and Apt had to shave off his beard. Hopefully, George Apt will continue to lead Westbrook Little League into the future for another 22 years!

The games began right after the opening ceremonies with Kiwanis edging the Eagles, 5-2, and Tickets Unlimited defeating the Lions, 7-0. For Kiwanis, Zack Bean and Aaron Duncanson combined for a four-hitter and Bean led the way offensively with three hits.

Tickets Unlimited used the pitching of Mike Pena who struck out 13 Lions before Jake Payne broke up the no-hitter with a double. Andrew McCarthy closed out the game for Tickets by striking out the side in the sixth inning. Offensively, Jerimiah Steele hit the first home run of the season.

In the afternoon games, Sappi pitchers, Keenan Lowe, Kaleb Kent and Josh Ames combined for a one-hitter in their 16-1 victory over Dairy Queen. Cameron McClain had four hits and Keenan Lowe had three hits to lead the way for Sappi.

The closest game of the day was a 2-0 victory by Messer over Phoenix Welding. Ian King and Andrew St. Clair combined for the shutout. Offensively, Kyle Schumacher doubled in the winning run and Evan Dipietrantonio had two hits to lead the way for Messer.