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STAMFORD, Conn. - Past, present and future Little Leaguers were recognized at the Springdale Little League field on Tuesday to kick off the District One Little League tournament. Teams from Stamford, Darien, Ridgefield, Norwalk, Weston and Wilton marched onto the historic field to honor a former Little League World Series champion and a legendary fixture in Fairfield County youth sports.
Before the games officially began, Junie DeLeo, the 46-year veteran manager of Stamford's Clairol team, was recognized for his decades of service. DeLeo thanked his wife, Sandra, for her support through the years. District One commissioner, Scott Miller, suggested that the Springdale field one day be named after DeLeo.
Miller also took time to recognize the 60th anniversary of Norwalk's Little League World Series victory. None of the surviving members of the team were at the ceremony, but current Norwalk manager Jim Benincaso received a framed picture of the team in their honor.
The teams to compete in the tournament are North Stamford, Stamford American, Stamford Federal, Stamford Springdale, Stamford Northrop, Stamford National Lione, Darien National, Darien American, Ridgefield National, Ridgefield American, Norwalk, Rowayton, Wilton and Weston.
The tournament began after the ceremony with a 4-1 North Stamford victory over Darien American. Visit District One Little League for the full tournament schedule.
Watch the video for highlights from the evening's ceremony.
Video shot and edited by Eric Gendron
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