A longtime LGLL family is aging out. Coach Matt Bailey has given years to LGLL and has been a pillar to our LGLL softball program. Many players and families have grown to know and love the Bailey family. Over the years, Coach Bailey has given so much of his time to our fields, our little leaguers and their development and to the LGLL organization.

Thank you Coach Bailey for a decade of unwearied dedication. We can't wait to hear what great things come for the Baileys!

I started with the league nine years ago in 2016. I think the players in front of me were in kindergarten and I learned from some of the best mentors along the way. One coach that helped me the most during my early little league years, who I refer to as the “god father” of softball himself, is Burt Schlichter.

Thank you, Burt for everything you helped me with over the years and for what you continue to do for the league today, we all appreciate you! During the last nine years, my fellow coaches have been like family. The kind of family you learn with, the family you fight with, and the family you respect the very next day or perhaps a week later depending on the outcome of a game!

I would like to give special thanks to Paul Nutting, Dave Kachmarik, Kurt Volkman, Brian Young, Kevin Ahrens, Mike Kovacs, Matt Piagnarelli, Matt Engels and my right hand man, the brother I never had, Joe Grill! Thank you to each and everyone of you for all the time you have put into “our” little league players over the years.

Almost done! Couple more people to thank as well. The person we love to argue with, we call him “Blue”, Ben Capone! Thank you, umpire Ben for all your teaching and advice over the year to our players and coaches. Last, this person deals with getting the coolers ready, ordering pizzas, countless trips getting ice cream, dealing with my last minute changes, and dealing with all my other softball craziness! My wife and the team mom for over 35 teams the last 9 years, Marisa.

It has been a privilege to coach in this league. I wouldn’t change a thing and I sincerely mean that. Thank you all for your trust, for dealing with my coaching style of what I will refer to as “providing timely direct feedback”, and for all your support these years. Thank you players for saying hello every time you see that red IU hat.

You have been family.

Thank you LGLL for a lifetime of memories,

Coach Bailey

Elena Bailey joined LGLL at the t-ball level in 2016 and played for Team The Angels! She has played on eight regular season teams and four district teams (11U, 12U and two 14U teams) during her LGLL career. Elena started as a pitcher, but ended up loving the positions of catcher and short stop! She always loved playing with her older sister, Ava, and hopes to play JV or Varsity softball for LTHS.

Who is your most admired athlete?

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors because of his perseverance in games.

What is the best advice you received from a coach?

The game is simpler than you think, don't over complicate things.

What was your favorite part of LGLL softball?

Playing with different teams and coaches throughout the years, while competing at different levels.

What is a softball skill you worked hard to master?

Making precise throws in order to pick off base runners as a catcher and protecting home plate.

What advice would you give future LGLL softball players?

Don't be discouraged from making errors, learn from them and move on.

What makes a great LGLL softball team?

A great coach who makes games and practices fun and a cooperative group of teammates.