The Monmouth Little Lions Baseball League held their end-of-the-year picnic last night at Harmon Park, including a free hot dog meal for those in attendance. Trophies were handed out, teams and sponsors were recognized and the Vernon Schaub Award was announced by Little Lions League Baseball Committee Member Dan Doyle. There were three teams that participated at the minor league level, with Edward Jones Financial winning the regular season and tournament championship. I got a chance to talk to head coach and sponsor of the team, Ryan Painter, about what he thinks is most important when it comes to the 8 and 9 year old level and how he’d like to help bring Little Lions baseball back to the glory days.
Besides Edward Jones at the minor league level, other teams taking part were Kehoe Eye Care and Ron Stombaugh Law. Non-conference teams that played select games against the Monmouth-based teams were squads from United and Stronghurst.
At the 10, 11 and 12 year old major league level, Midwest Bank won both the regular season and tournament championships. Midwest Bank was head coached by Joe Pilger. Pilger said he enjoys most being able to watch the growth of his players throughout the season and he also echoed Ryan’s thoughts on how important the league is to Monmouth.
Besides Midwest Bank, the three-team major league included Leary’s Construction and Stanton Insurance. Thanks to all six businesses for their sponsorship at the minor and major league levels.
Also on Wednesday night, the Vernon Schaub Award was handed out. Lions League Baseball committee member Dan Doyle gave some history on the award, stating that the award has been in existence since 1990 when former Harmon Park neighbor Vernon Schaub contacted the Lions Club about wanting to recognize a 12 year player in the league that exhibited great sportsmanship and leadership throughout the season. Each coach in the major league nominated a player on their team. The 2025 winner is Midwest Bank’s Maddox Ragon. Congratulations to Maddox!!
