o-dogg

Today was our Little League, Rookie Team end of season celebration. The boys and their families ate pizza & cupcakes, played soccer in the sprinklers (cause it was much more fun than playing baseball in the heat) and celebrated their first year as a baseball team. Coach Matt handed out baseballs to each boy and cleverly created nicknames for each player. Gage was dubbed "the vacuum cleaner" for his ability to swiftly scoop up balls from the outfield. Gage was also awarded the dog tags pictured above in honor of his sportsmanlike contributions to the team. It's called the "o-dogg award" and I couldn't be prouder. And yes, I cried. And if you really want to know, I'm still crying.

The following was taken directly from the Mill Valley Little League website:

Owen Moscone Sportsmanship Award

“Owen showed us all how to live big, laugh and never give up.”

In memory of Owen Moscone, Mill Valley Little League has created a sportsmanship award to be given out every year to one player on each little league team in Mill Valley. The Owen Moscone Sportsmanship Award (a.k.a. The O-Dogg Award) is intended to recognize the true spirit of sportsmanship and the passion for baseball.

Owen, nicknamed O-Dogg, was the kind of kid you always looked forward to seeing at practice and games. You knew he would always give his best and never give up.

The “O-Dogg” Award

Every player will vote for someone on their team they feel is deserving of the O-Dogg Award. Managers and Coaches will make the final decision. Sportsmanship is dependent on respect – respect for the rules of the game, for your teammates, coaches, officials and the other team. Sportsmanship is awareness that on the field or on the sidelines your actions affect everyone else positively or negatively.

Criteria for nomination:

1. Commitment to always compete fairly.

2. Respect for the rules and officials.

3. Respect for your teammates and opponents.

4. Always as good a loser as you are a winner.

5. Passion to always try your hardest.

Owen Moscone played baseball in Mill Valley from the Rookie League through the Minors. Owen always played hard. Owen was nine when he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. Twice pushing it into remission, Owen never gave up and battled this disease for four years. While in remission, Owen even returned to the baseball field in the minor leagues. Owen lost his battle in October 2008.

The Owen Moscone Foundation was established to provide funding for innovative cutting edge research for the treatment and cure of pediatric cancers.

Owen Moscone Foundation

35 Miller Avenue #156

Mill Valley, California 94941