For 34 years, Jack Malone of Brookhaven has brought everything he has to a little league team in Upper Darby, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.
The Marine Corps veteran and Down Syndrome advocate coaches an adaptive Little League program that brings baseball to individuals with physical or intellectual challenges.
Now the coach of the Upper Darby Little League’s Howard S. McKee Challenger Division is being recognized as International Challenger Little League Coach of the Year for his “unwavering commitment and countless volunteer hours with the Challenger League in Upper Darby.”
Malone helped save the local Challenger League from closing in 2008 when he rechartered the program and became president of the league.
Part of Malone’s Coach of the Year honor includes a $5,000 grant to the Upper Darby Little League to further its mission of providing a positive and accessible youth sports experience for all.
There are 950 similar Challenger programs in 10 countries involving 30,000 athletes.
“The one thing that I truly believe is that I’ve lasted 34 years because of how wonderful the athletes, families, and fellow coaches are,” Malone said. “It’s a tribute to the closeness of our Upper Darby Challenger family.”
Read more about the Challenger leagues and about Jack Malone in the Daily Times.
