Justin Black Memorial Coaching Award

MCLL Families,

We are proud to introduce the Justin Black Memorial Coaching Award, created in honor of long-time MCLL coach Justin Black, who passed away from brain cancer late last year.  This award, which includes a generous monetary gift, will be given to one MCLL coach each year who leads as Justin did.

Justin coached at MCLL for eight years, which included coaching three All-Star teams. Some of his sons’ (Joey and Ethan) fondest memories of Justin are on the ball field, where he taught the game with patience, optimism, and joy. He fostered a positive, inclusive environment where kids grew, made mistakes, and kept coming back with a smile on their face.  Justin was also known for the way he carried himself—respectful of other coaches and umpires, even when he disagreed, and always a steady, positive role model for the kids and adults watching. 

If you know a baseball or softball coach in any division who embodies these qualities, who lifts kids up, models respect, and leaves a lasting impact beyond the scoreboard, we invite you to nominate them by filling out this form by June 1st.  This year, the award will be presented at MCLL Day, June 13.