Celebrations: His legacy is found in people
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — The Putnam Little League’s closing ceremony was replete with celebrations. Celebrations of the league’s 75th year, the Minor AAA taking the District 12 crown, coach and player achievements — and a celebration of the life of “Jerry” Beausoleil.
A dynamic part of the town of Putnam, Beausoleil was an integral part of the league, the town, and the lives of all residents for more than 50 years.
In her tribute league President Christine (Martin) Florence: “Today, as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary Season of Putnam Little League, we pause to honor a man whose life became part of the foundation of this league, this town, and so many families gathered here today. A man who gave so much of himself without ever asking for anything in return.”
As the Beausoleil family listened, standing near home plate, Florence described Jerry’s love for the town and its people. Because what mattered most to him was always the people.
She said: “He believed deeply in what happens on a ballfield. Not because of championships or trophies, but because of the lessons learned along the way. He believed in teamwork. He believed in showing up. He believed in helping others. He believed in the values that Little League was built upon courage, character, and loyalty.”
Jerry, his children and his grandchildren all played in the Putnam Little League. Florence added: “What makes Jerry so special is that his legacy isn’t found in a plaque, a building, or a title. His legacy is found in people. It is found in every child who learned confidence on a ballfield. It is found in every volunteer who learned the value of service by watching his example. It is found in every family who gathered at a game and felt a sense of community. And it is found in the generations of young people who continue to benefit from the opportunities he helped create.”
Florence talked about what he leaves behind. “Jerry’s impact on this community is impossible to measure. It lives on in the people he helped, the opportunities he created, and the example he set. And it will continue for generations to come. As we dedicate this 75th Anniversary season, we do so with heavy hearts, but also with tremendous gratitude. Because how lucky are we to have had someone who cared so deeply. Someone who believed so strongly in our children. Someone who gave so much of himself so that others could have more.
“Today, with love, gratitude, and profound respect, Putnam Little League proudly dedicates its 75th Anniversary Season to the memory of Jerry Beausoleil.”
His grandson Nicholas Devlin inspired the players, telling them about the three lessons he learned from his days in the Little League that apply to life. If you’re hitting and it’s a fastball, swing hard, just in case you hit it. If you’re batting and someone throws you a curveball, you might swing and miss but sometimes you’re going to swing and miss. The lesson is failing is part of learning. And third: If the coach puts you in a position you’ve never played before, try your hardest to be the best you can in that spot. That will teach being your best at being flexible, reliable and accountable.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Jaxson Stewart. Krystal Maltais won the Exceptional Service Award. The Coach of the Year (T-ball) went to Sean Albee and the Minors and Majors Coach of the Year went to Karl Gunderson.
The Minor AAA team took their championship banner around the bases.
captions:
page 1
Above: Members of the Beausoleil family during a moment of silence at the Putnam Little League's closing ceremony June 20. Below: District 12 champions took their banner around the bases. More photos on page 4. Expanded photo array Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.
.