In 1991, at the urging of Joe Viau, Jimmy Hicks joined the board of Newport Babe Ruth. He has been promoting and supporting the organization ever since through efforts like golf tournaments, team outings, and fundraisers—including the one held on June 7 at O’Brien’s Pub.
Several of the current board members were recruited by Mr. Viau, and a few had children who played in the league. Now, those kids are old enough to join the board themselves. Lucas Woolhouse is the most recent addition. He’ll be working alongside Hicks, Chris Patsos, Kevin Carlos, and his father, Scott, who was elected in 2009 when Lucas began playing in the league.
Lucas said becoming a board member has given him a glimpse into the amount of work the board dedicates to the community. At one time, there were six teams from Newport. Today, the league also includes players from Middletown, Portsmouth, and Jamestown. Patsos said the board works hard to raise money to support players both on and off the field. Each year, they organize a field trip. Past trips have included visits to Providence Friar games, Yankee Stadium, Faneuil Hall, and the Freedom Trail. This year, a WooSox game is in the works.
Three years ago, Newport Babe Ruth embraced the Newport County Challenger Baseball Club for kids with special needs. About 35 kids are currently playing, and Patsos said it’s a joy to get them on the field—whether they’re swinging Star Wars lightsabers in center field or fully engaged in the game. “They’re out there, and every now and again, they take a swing,” enthused Patsos.
On Sunday night, the board attended the Rogers High School banquet to present the Ann Galvin Scholarship. Usually, the $500 scholarship goes to one student, but with five Newport Babe Ruth alumni graduating, the board decided to allocate $250 to each student—provided they showed up. Patsos said he warned all of them, “If you don’t show up, you don’t get the money. Ninety percent of life is showing up.”
Jimmy Cranson shared that he was at the fundraiser because Patsos had always shown up for his son, Riley. “Chris continues to ask about Riley. He always asks everyone about their kids and how they’re doing. He looks after everyone,” said Cranson.
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