Waterbury Sports News ArchiveBrass Mill Center New Tenant: Axe Throwing Business
Milford Mirror 20220824 
Professional Football in Waterbury?
Johnny Booker" ... greatest raw talent this city ever produced ..." The brief, but brilliant career of Waterbury’s greatest raw talent ever | The Zones (rep-am.com)
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Sports Retailers
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What Sport
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The Grechika Brothers |
Outsiders of Noteworthy Mention |
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Although the Grechika brothers, Jeremy and Jason were born at Waterbury, Connecticut, they undoubtedly feel more connected to the town where they grew up - and became local sports legends - Watertown, Connecticut.
Their high school sports fame includes baseball, football, and soccer. Their path to such stardom in interesting of itself, and an even more intriguing event for Jason, "Cheeks", is chronicled here, and involves a mysterious voyage from Connecticut or Florida to Tennessee, and a 16-year missing ring. Their starring performances are so important to Watertown that even after 16 years of new graduating classes, their names are common-place to the current students. 
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Moses Fleet-wood "Fleet" Walker
wasn't born at Waterbury, but he played baseball here for the Brassmen. Walker was one of the first African-American (actually, he was one of the first person of African descent of any nationality) to play professional - major league baseball. His first professional baseball stent began as a catcher for the Toledo (Ohio) Blue Stockings. There is no known relationship between Moses Fleetwood "Fleet" Walker, who was born in Ohio in 1856 on the underground railroad in or near Mount Pleasant, and Moses B. Walker, another famous American, who was born in Ohio in 1819. Although William Edward White is sometimes referred to as the first person of African descent to play major league baseball, White looked white, passed for white, and was quiet about being black. Walker looked black, and was openly black. His brother also played for the same team, both until 1889. Between 1889 and 1947, there were no known African-Americans (nor Africans of any race nor black people of any nationality) in professional baseball. Accordingly, the famed Jackie Robinson, who was credited with being the first African-American to play professional baseball, may have been preceded by many other African-Americans. Walker was also an author, inventor, editor, and publisher. Some sources point to his performance and record on the field for being dismissed from baseball, other sources cite racism as the cause for Walker to resign. |
Grants Available to Sports OrganizationsThe Finish Line Youth Foundation, the charitable arm of athletic products retailer Finish Line, provides funding to support youth athletic programs and sports-based camps, especially those serving disadvantaged children and those with special needs. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations for community-based athletic programs and camps that teach active lifestyle and team-building skills. Preference will be given to organizations that provide opportunities for participation for children and young adults age 18 and under and whose activities provide direct services to individuals with tangible results. To be eligible, applicants must be a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Priority will be given to organizations or programs located near Finish Line retail stores, including Waterbury. Deadline: September 30th, 2016. 20160817
State Parks
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Natives Joyce and Piersall: Sports' GreatestJoan Joyce
Joan Joyce was a Softball star in 1950s and 1960s, and she was known for her 118 mile-per-hour fastball. Not surprisingly, she had a 93.8% winning record, 123 no-hitters, and an Earned Run Average of .19 for her career. Her equally impressive performance in golf, volleyball, and basketball, and being inducted into 19 Halls of Fame, all played a roll in her being identified in The Vault’s Top 50 Greatest Sports Figures from Connecticut. Jimmy Piersall The only other native of Waterbury to have earned such a standing is famed Jimmy Piersall, a legendary baseballer. Piersall is thought be be of the Waterbury-famed Piersalls, who settled in the neighborhood which was named for that family: Piersallville. 
Some Sports Links
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List of Waterbury Sports Organizations
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24-7 PressRelease.com |
The Fun of Fantasy Football
By: Philip Nicosia Fifteen to eighteen million people play fantasy football every year-and the numbers are growing rapidly. In fantasy football, you "draft" or auction an imaginary team composed of real-life football players (this can include NFL professionals or college players). They then score points based on their actual performance in real games. Your fantasy tournament progresses in much the same way as the real football games. You go head-to-head, competing against another opponent each week. If your team scores the most points by the end of the season, and has the best win-loss record, you win. Fantasy football was invented by Danny Dulac, one of the organizers of the Raiders. He thought of it during a road trip to the east coast, and by the time he got back, he had fleshed out many of the rules and was "ready for kick off". Today, there are thousands of websites, magazines and software that are dedicated to fantasy sports. This is how it works. You have a fantasy league with 8 to 12 teams, with players drafted at the start of the season. Depending on the league you join, you start with a clean slate every season or have a permanent partial roster (these players can't be included in the annual draft). Some leagues will have you keep the entire team and just draft rookies. At any time during the season owners can change their team by firing some players (that's life) and hiring free agents who were not drafted. You can also trade with other teams. The scores are based on how the players do in their weekly NFL games. For example, a player gets 1 point for making 25 passing yards, 10 rushing yards, or 10 receiving yards. He gets a whopping 6 points for a touchdown (unless it's a passing touchdown, where he just gets 4). Errors can also affect your score. For example, every interception that is thrown subtracts two points. This also applies to fumbles. Defensive scores are a little harder to compute, so some leagues opt to compute the scores primarily on yards. (They say it is more realistic and mimics the way an actual game works.) Defensive statistics such as sacks and fumble recoveries are then subtracted. To get the number of touchdowns, the total score is divided by a particular number (sometimes 80 or 100). Then any field goals made by placekickers are added to that score. It's a very exciting game and adds a new dimension to the already popular game of football. Author Bio Resources.eu.com is an online resource center that includes topics such as sports and fantasy football. Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content |
The Importance of Sports in Local Communities and High Schools: Building Strong Foundations for a Brighter Future
Introduction
Sports play a vital role in the development of local communities and high schools, providing opportunities for social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Beyond the physical benefits of participating in sports, they also contribute to the development of essential life skills and values. In this article, we will delve into the significance of sports in local communities and high schools, and how they can impact the lives of those involved.
The Role of Sports in Local Communities and High Schools
1. Promoting Health and Well-being
Engaging in sports contributes to the physical health and well-being of individuals, reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. For high school students, regular physical activity through sports can lead to improved fitness levels, increased self-esteem, and better mental health. By encouraging sports participation, local communities and high schools can promote healthier lifestyles and help individuals develop lifelong habits for maintaining their well-being.
2. Fostering Social Connections and Teamwork
Sports provide an avenue for social interaction and camaraderie among participants. In local communities, sports clubs and recreational leagues bring people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities together, helping to build social cohesion and a sense of belonging. In high schools, participating in sports teams can create strong bonds among students, fostering friendships and teamwork skills that can last a lifetime.
3. Developing Essential Life Skills
Participation in sports helps individuals develop important life skills, such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting. High school athletes often have to balance academics, sports, and personal responsibilities, which can teach them valuable lessons about prioritization and organization. Additionally, sports can instill a strong work ethic and resilience, as athletes learn to overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve their goals.
4. Enhancing Leadership and Communication Skills
Sports provide opportunities for individuals to develop leadership and communication skills, both on and off the field. Team captains, for example, must guide their teammates, make strategic decisions, and motivate others. Even as a team member, athletes must effectively communicate with their coaches and peers to ensure success. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including future careers and personal relationships.
5. Boosting Academic Performance and Future Opportunities
Research has shown that participation in sports can have a positive impact on academic performance. High school athletes tend to have higher grade point averages, better attendance records, and lower dropout rates compared to their non-athlete peers. Furthermore, excelling in sports can lead to scholarships and other opportunities for higher education, opening doors to future success.
6. Strengthening Community Pride and Identity
Sports can serve as a unifying force within local communities and high schools, bringing people together to support their teams and celebrate their achievements. Local sports events can foster a sense of pride and identity within the community, as residents rally behind their hometown teams. Similarly, high school sports events can create a shared sense of school spirit and unity among students, staff, and alumni.
Supporting Sports in Local Communities and High Schools
To maximize the benefits of sports in local communities and high schools, it is essential to invest in resources and support systems that encourage participation and accessibility. This can include:
1. Providing adequate facilities, equipment, and coaching staff to ensure that sports programs are available and well-maintained.
2. Offering a variety of sports options to cater to the diverse interests and abilities of participants.
3. Implementing inclusive policies that promote equal access and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, or ability.
4. Encouraging collaboration between schools, community organizations, and local governments to develop and sustain sports programs.
5. Fostering a culture of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others, both on and off the field, to create a positive and supportive environment for all participants.
Conclusion
The importance of sports in local communities and high schools cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the overall health, personal development, and social fabric of those involved. By promoting sports participation, fostering inclusivity, and investing in the necessary resources, communities and schools can harness the power of sports to shape well-rounded, resilient, and successful individuals. As we continue to recognize and support the value of sports, we are building a strong foundation for brighter futures in our local communities and high schools.
The article was written in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.
Introduction
Sports play a vital role in the development of local communities and high schools, providing opportunities for social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. Beyond the physical benefits of participating in sports, they also contribute to the development of essential life skills and values. In this article, we will delve into the significance of sports in local communities and high schools, and how they can impact the lives of those involved.
The Role of Sports in Local Communities and High Schools
1. Promoting Health and Well-being
Engaging in sports contributes to the physical health and well-being of individuals, reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health problems. For high school students, regular physical activity through sports can lead to improved fitness levels, increased self-esteem, and better mental health. By encouraging sports participation, local communities and high schools can promote healthier lifestyles and help individuals develop lifelong habits for maintaining their well-being.
2. Fostering Social Connections and Teamwork
Sports provide an avenue for social interaction and camaraderie among participants. In local communities, sports clubs and recreational leagues bring people of different ages, backgrounds, and abilities together, helping to build social cohesion and a sense of belonging. In high schools, participating in sports teams can create strong bonds among students, fostering friendships and teamwork skills that can last a lifetime.
3. Developing Essential Life Skills
Participation in sports helps individuals develop important life skills, such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting. High school athletes often have to balance academics, sports, and personal responsibilities, which can teach them valuable lessons about prioritization and organization. Additionally, sports can instill a strong work ethic and resilience, as athletes learn to overcome challenges and setbacks to achieve their goals.
4. Enhancing Leadership and Communication Skills
Sports provide opportunities for individuals to develop leadership and communication skills, both on and off the field. Team captains, for example, must guide their teammates, make strategic decisions, and motivate others. Even as a team member, athletes must effectively communicate with their coaches and peers to ensure success. These skills are transferable to various aspects of life, including future careers and personal relationships.
5. Boosting Academic Performance and Future Opportunities
Research has shown that participation in sports can have a positive impact on academic performance. High school athletes tend to have higher grade point averages, better attendance records, and lower dropout rates compared to their non-athlete peers. Furthermore, excelling in sports can lead to scholarships and other opportunities for higher education, opening doors to future success.
6. Strengthening Community Pride and Identity
Sports can serve as a unifying force within local communities and high schools, bringing people together to support their teams and celebrate their achievements. Local sports events can foster a sense of pride and identity within the community, as residents rally behind their hometown teams. Similarly, high school sports events can create a shared sense of school spirit and unity among students, staff, and alumni.
Supporting Sports in Local Communities and High Schools
To maximize the benefits of sports in local communities and high schools, it is essential to invest in resources and support systems that encourage participation and accessibility. This can include:
1. Providing adequate facilities, equipment, and coaching staff to ensure that sports programs are available and well-maintained.
2. Offering a variety of sports options to cater to the diverse interests and abilities of participants.
3. Implementing inclusive policies that promote equal access and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background, gender, or ability.
4. Encouraging collaboration between schools, community organizations, and local governments to develop and sustain sports programs.
5. Fostering a culture of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others, both on and off the field, to create a positive and supportive environment for all participants.
Conclusion
The importance of sports in local communities and high schools cannot be overstated, as they contribute to the overall health, personal development, and social fabric of those involved. By promoting sports participation, fostering inclusivity, and investing in the necessary resources, communities and schools can harness the power of sports to shape well-rounded, resilient, and successful individuals. As we continue to recognize and support the value of sports, we are building a strong foundation for brighter futures in our local communities and high schools.
The article was written in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.