During the British Baseball Federation AGM, both Daniel Lally and Matthew Crawshaw were honored by the BBF for distinguished service to baseball over many years. Dan Lally served as BBF Treasurer from 2008 through to the 2016 AGM. Dan said, “I’ve had the chance to work with a number of great volunteers, many of whom have given up far more time and energy than I have.  I’m grateful to them and to all the other coaches, umpires and volunteers who have made baseball such a fulfilling experience since my earliest playing days.  When the opportunity arose to make my own contribution, I was happy to step up. “I hope I’ve brought a strong degree of professionalism and stability to the BBF’s finances,” Dan added.  “and I’m leaving a detailed set of records covering the last nine years.  There have been a lot of challenges, such as meeting tight reporting deadlines and integrating the finances of the national teams, and there were some more ambitious goals I would like to have achieved, particularly in terms of helping to secure long-term funding for our national teams.  I’m looking forward to seeing the new Board work and hope the sport continues to achieve growth and success.” Dan has been replaced by newly-elected Treasurer Amanda Kettle. Matt Crawshaw served from 2013 to 2016 as the BBF’s Southern Youth Commissioner. Matt said, “I have been proud to serve on the BBF Board on behalf of our members.  Over this period, we have seen a number of significant changes to youth baseball, with improvements to bat and helmet safety, our integration with the global Little League structure and a large increase in participation at our signature tournaments.  It hasn’t come easy and some areas of the country still need better development support.  But though we still have a long way to go, we are in good shape to keep this momentum going and get even more kids playing this great game!” Matt has been replaced by newly-elected Southern Youth Commissioner Mike Holm. BBF President Gerry Perez said, “I would like to extend our deepest gratitude to both Dan and Matt, who volunteered their time for us and provided invaluable dedication that improved our finances and youth baseball.  Thanks to both for their service.”

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