Little League Volunteer of the Year named

WEST PLAINS – RJ Schmitt is the 2022 West Plains Little League (WPLL) Volunteer of the Year. League President Stacy Ashcroft, who nominated Ashcroft, said he is a highly active volunteer who is vital to the program.

"RJ has been humble and willing to do whatever it takes to keep things going," Ashcroft said. "He has brought out his equipment to maintain the fields, opened his company warehouse during COVID so we could continue board meetings and even stepped up to coach a team that wouldn't be able to participate without a coach.

"He is the definition of a servant leader and has helped tremendously with our sponsorship support."

Ashcroft's husband, Josh, a WPLL volunteer coach, echoed her thoughts. He laughingly noted that Schmitt brought out his BBQ equipment for the cookouts and said RJ's impact extends beyond that.

"Not only has he helped directly on the field, but he has also fostered a lot of relationships that have grown into very supportive community partnerships," Josh said.

Schmitt has been part of the WPLL for nearly eight years. He was excited to receive the nomination but humbly deferred saying others deserve it.

"My first inclination is to go hide somewhere and let someone else have the credit," Schmitt said. "In my eyes, the credit goes to the kids who come out to play and the families out here to enjoy it. The WPLL is built on an incredible team of volunteers and every one of them should get this award before me. Especially, Stacy, she deserves it every year.

"The ones that really deserve it are the ones that volunteer but don't have any direct benefit or any kids in the league. They are doing it for other people's kids and that is what makes them truly special."

Growing up in the nearby community of Sprague, Schmitt always liked baseball. When he got the chance to step up to the plate and volunteer as a tee-ball coach, he jumped on it. His love for the league has since grown.

Stacy Ashcroft said the league is growing with 45 teams and more than 500 kids. Last year 430 kids registered.

Treasurer and board member Rob Beamer said Schmitt's consistency through the years has helped make the organization a place kids want to come back to.

"He has directly helped make some really good memories for the kids," Beamer said. "And if you look up the definition for the word volunteer, you'll probably see a picture of RJ."