Earlier this spring, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty and Colliers International stepped up to the plate to support local kids and athletics by agreeing to co-sponsor the Mercer Island Little League’s White Sox team, coached by RSIR broker Dehlan Gwo, Colliers International Bellevue Associate Jeff Livingston, and BoneSupport AB Regional Manager Rawley Holmberg. Since the season began in March, the coaches have volunteered their time and effort with two games and two practices per week, working together to teach the kids about competition, effort, teamwork and sportsmanship.
“We are so glad to support this wonderful league and coaching leadership,” said Stacy Jones, Vice President of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “A huge thank you to coaches Dehlan, Jeff, and Rawley for supporting our kids!”
The sponsorship dollars support critical efforts including field maintenance, equipment, pitching mounds, fences, pitching machines and operations.
The three coaches grew up playing little league and have talked about coaching a team together since their college days at UW. They finally had the chance this season when they learned about the opportunity through coach Rawley’s uncle, Tom Gallagher, who is involved in the Mercer Island High School baseball program. Together, they are having a blast with the kids and look forward to continuing over the coming years.
“It’s pure fun. Our guys love to compete and love to win. We’ve had a few games come down to the final inning, and our kids find ways to battle back every single time, whether it’s a two-out rally to take the lead while our team is up to bat or one of our pitchers delivering a clutch outing on the mound with a solid defense behind him,” says coach Dehlan. “It’s not always pretty but it’s always exciting and we seem to find ways to win. Pretty impressive considering these are ten-year-old kids!”
When asked about the experience, every coach talked about what a pleasure it’s been to coach a group of ten-year-old boys who are there because they love the game. They have now reached post-season play and are hoping to clinch wins in the Mercer Island Tournament, which is in progress, and the Bellevue Tournament, which begins later this month.
Here’s to a winning post-season! Go White Sox!