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| Patty Kalat | Tom Murrone | Dan Valerio | Robert Watson |
Aunts and Uncles:
At the LL World Series in Williamsport, team uncles have been used as chaperons for each of the teams for many years. When Bristol received the Eastern Regional Tournament in 1987, District 5 Administrator and current member of the Bristol Sports Hall of Fame Robert Watson not only wanted Uncles for the teams, he wanted to allow women the opportunity to serve as Aunts. Initially there was some opposition, but Watson got his wish and the Eastern Region became the first tournament to have both aunts and uncles.
The first aunt at the ERLL was Patti Kalat, who served as an aunt for four years before taking over other responsibilities for the tournament. Many individuals have served as aunts and uncles over the years. Some who have been with the tournament for many years are, Bristol Sports Hall of Fame member Dan Valiero, Rita Strahowski, Ron Russo, Terry Wright, Tom Murrone and Tom Doyle. Dan is responsible for recruiting many of aunts and uncles that are presently working.
Many of the current aunts and uncles are retired individuals who receive great satisfaction of being able to work with the teams during the tournament. They spend a lot of time with the teams and become a sort of family member by the end of the tournament. Many stay in contact with the teams and coaches years after they leave. The memories and the relationships that they develop is something that they will remember for a lifetime.