Alberta Amateur Baseball Council is recognizing individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of Alberta Baseball, at the grassroots level. The week’s nominee, regarding “Passion for Baseball”, is Chris Chelmick of the Northeast Zone Padres program.
Chris takes great pride in being associated with the Northeast Zone program. He feels the coaching staff, as well as the executive, are great people to work with. He also is proud to be part of a sport that emphasizes “good citizenship and being a good teammate” as part of its atmosphere/tone.
Chris cites Padres Technical Director John Sutherland as an inspiration. He feels John has done an outstanding job in pushing baseball forward, during the present obstacles the NEZ program has faced amid the pandemic. John’s positive approach and drive has been motivating factor amongst all NEZ coaches. Chris also names Doc Plotsky as a role model for all Alberta youth coaches. Doc’s passion and work ethic for baseball, is a template for all those who work in the sport. Chris also states the passion and work ethic, exhibited by the kids who are part of the NEZ program, as a driving factor regarding his involvement in coaching.
In the future, Chris would like to see an increase in baseball registrations throughout the province. He see’s this time period as a great opportunity for all Alberta baseball associations to increase their membership. He likes the direction many youth baseball organizations are heading in promoting development and core values to players over winning. The Padre core values, including preparation, accountability, determination, respect, effort, and sportsmanship, Chris believes, will lead to success on the diamond and life in general.
Alberta Amateur Baseball Council, and the Alberta Baseball community, would like to thank Chris for his volunteerism/work regarding Alberta youth baseball.
You can find previous nominees on the AABC Facebook page here.
