A youthful baseball squad from Franklin Township has been honored with the Parkland League’s inaugural Sportsmanship Award, a tribute to the players’ collective commitment to fair play, integrity and respect.
A Team Defined by Character
The 13‑15 age‑group side, coached by veteran Ron Steigerwalt, fielded the youngest roster in the league, relying on four 14‑year‑olds and the remainder who were 13.
Steigerwalt, who has led the Franklin Township team for years, said the award reflects the culture he strives to instill both on and off the diamond, emphasizing that character matters as much as skill.
The squad also represented Carbon County as the sole team from the region, giving the county a presence in a league that spans several municipalities.
The Award’s Meaning
League officials praised the team for consistently demonstrating respect toward opponents, officials and teammates, setting a benchmark for future competitors and highlighting the importance of sportsmanship in youth athletics.
Looking Ahead
With the award in hand, the players and their coach hope the recognition will inspire other young athletes to prioritize integrity as much as they do competition, ensuring that the next generation of players carries forward the same values.