The Sibrie Park Braves prepare the awards they received for their efforts during the Compton Little League Annual Fanquet on Wednesday, July 25. Bulletin photo by Chris Frost COMPTON—The Sibrie Park Braves took time out from its busy season on Wednesday, July 25, and honored the players, coaches and parents with a banquet at the park.

The team finished in third place and placed five members on the all-star team.

“We had a good run, but got eliminated by Holly Park,” Coach Luther Keith Jr. said. “The kids had a great time and enjoyed playing in the tournament.”

The team presented a certificate of appreciation to Assistant Coach Christopher Gibson, who spent his last four years keeping the equipment organized, while delivering the positive team message to players.

“I was excited when they gave me the award,” he said. “They are great kids, and I cannot wait until next year.”

Keith also acknowledged the outstanding work of T-ball coaches Richard Neal, Erica Malone and A. Brown-Jermaine.

“They had a fantastic season,” he said. “These coaches lay the foundation for future success within the Braves organization.”

Providing quality players to high school teams is a trademark of Braves baseball, and Keith has a number of outstanding youngsters moving up next year.

“Edward Macon and Ronald Darden will be attending Centennial High School,” he said. “Cameron Reed committed to King Drew High School, and he will be playing varsity baseball as a freshman.”

King Drew went to the playoffs last year and made it to the second round with a young team.

“Cameron’s father is very happy about his son’s success,” he said. “Centennial High School Coach Gerald Pickens recruited him, but he chose King Drew.”

The group received terrific support from the community, Keith said, and he thanked the Shell gas station on the corner of 120th Street and Compton Avenue for purchasing the team’s uniform shirts and hats.

“We also bought trophies and certificates for both our teams,” he said. “The fundraising effort will be more aggressive this year, and letters will be sent to high profile corporations in the area seeking support.”

The Braves still need community support, and parents interested in donating time and money are needed.

“We have a league meeting this week,” Keith said. “Parents already know about all the paperwork and league fees they need to submit. We charge $50.”

Keith said the team looks strong in 2013 and has significant talent ascending from the junior team.

“We have a young man nicknamed X-man who did very well during his first season on the team,” he said. “We are recruiting at all the area schools and we will conduct a formal spring training next year.”

Sibrie Park field remains in dilapidated condition, Keith said, and the team is looking for outside help for renovations.

“I look at the generous donation Brandon Jennings made to the basketball court at Tragniew Park, and that inspires me,” he said. “There are people I can reach out to, and I hope we can get the field done so the kids have a nice place to play.”

Winter league baseball begins soon, and the off-season efforts this year continue focusing on offensive and defensive skill building.

“This is a year-round program,” he said “We focus on developing strong leadership skills and eliminating attitudes that destroy camaraderie.”

For more information about joining the Compton Little League, call Keith at 310-692- 1546 or assistant coach Jessie Brew at 323-812-0550.