LOWELL — Markley Lowell hosted a community send-off celebration today at its Lowell data center for the Lowell 12U Cal Ripken All-Stars baseball team, honoring the squad’s historic run to become the first Lowell team ever to win a New England Regional championship.
Markley donated $40,000 to cover expenses, allowing players and families to attend the Cal Ripken National Championship in Missouri, which begins August 5.
Players celebrated the send-off with pizza, refreshments, ice cream sandwiches from the Cookie Monstah truck and even a surprise visit from Wally, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox.
“This team is so inspiring and has given the whole city something to rally around, and we wanted to make sure that didn’t stop at the state line,” said Jeff Markley, founder and CEO of Markley Lowell. “These boys represent everything Lowell is about—grit, heart, and never backing down. The least we could do is make sure no family had to sit this trip out because of the cost. We’ll be cheering for them in Missouri.”
“Lowell has always been at its best when its business leaders become active members of the community,” said Matt LeLacheur, President of Lowell Youth Baseball and Softball. “Jeff Markley and the Markley Group’s support of these boys is an amazing continuation of that tradition.”
For many families, the gift removes what would have otherwise been a significant financial hurdle to watching their sons compete on a national stage.
“We’ve talked all season about what it means to play for Lowell, and these kids have lived it every single game,” said Bill Florence, Head Coach. “Winning the regional was a dream come true, but honestly, what Markley has done for our families means just as much. Every kid on this roster gets to go to Missouri because of them, and that’s not something we take for granted.”
“This donation made the difference between some parents being able to go and watch their kids in the World Series versus not being able to go, so it is huge,” said Lisa Florence, mother of catcher Thomas Florence.
Other local individuals and organizations also stepped to the plate to help with financial contributions, including Brian McGowan of TMI Properties and IBEW Local 103.
Lowells 12U squad departs for Missouri in the coming days to begin play at the Cal Ripken National Championship on August 5.
The team punched its ticket to the championship tournament by beating Brookfield, Connecticut 10-5 in a game played last Friday night in Dover, New Hampshire. The locals trailed 5-1 in the third inning before erupting for nine unanswered runs to secure the New England title.
