Scot and Karen Hart are citizens of Washington State, who have fallen in love with Anguilla ever since they first arrived on the island some five years ago. Both of them are baseball enthusiasts, and having learnt that there is a fledgling and growing interest in the sport on the island, they took hold of the opportunity to donate smartly designed caps and T-shirts for the players here.
The items were carefully crafted by their daughter, Randi Sycks, whose talent has taken her into the design arena. Randi is proficient in skillfully applying customized art to such items as clothing, caps, pens, mugs, etc.
Scot said that to donate items to sports causes is just an integral part of his character. He noted that his parents counted it a joy to donate to the teams of his community when he was growing up. And so, to make contributions to the sport for the benefit of the children is a part of his DNA.
“Ever since I was a child, I loved baseball. My Dad and our neighbours got together and built a ball field on which we children could play. It was such an excitement for me to be part of a little league team which played on a field that my dad helped to develop. My parents, as well as Karen’s parents had always loved to do volunteer work for our communities, and I was always taught to volunteer and to contribute to worthwhile causes. I find that, indeed, one gets back more when he or she volunteers than you ever would get if you are asked to [give] something. Volunteerism is a big part of the baseball sport,” Scot said,
Having such a passion for baseball in Washington, it is quite interesting to learn how Scott and Karen connected with the fledgling sport in Anguilla. The Anguillian asked him how he became introduced to the sport here.
“We became connected to baseball in Anguilla through our friend, Marvin Carty, who plays reggae music at Elvis Beach Bar,” Scot said. “Karen and I are also musicians. I play the guitar and she plays the percussion, the harmonica and cajon drums. So Elvis asked us if we could pitch in to play along with Marvin for the restaurant’s entertainment. Indeed, we were both happy to do so.”
“Well, Marvin has a four-year-old grandson whom we were pleased to meet. He told us some time ago that he plays in the new Anguilla little league baseball team. We went along with him to the Coronation Park to see him play one day, and we were just impressed.”
“We were intrigued to see Lyndon Webster coaching the team,” Scot said, “and we realized he was doing a wonderful job, but he needed more resources. As a professional baseball coach myself, I considered that Lyndon could use what I was willing to contribute.”
“With all the life-long passion that Karen and I have for this fascinating sport, we could not help but pitch in to assist,” he said. “I am a person with ideas, and Karen is a person of action. And so we were more than happy to donate 20 caps and 20 T-shirts of various sizes, and soon we will be [able to] give more.”
Both Scot and Karen proudly sported their T-Shirts. “Our daughter is so good at creating art on T-Shirts,” Karen said. “We asked her to design it with a flag, and she turned out a wonderful logo. On the back there are the players’ names, and the coaches carry the name ‘COACH’ at the back. We feel that when the children wear these shirts, it will generate some energy and feel a sense of pride and a spirit of belonging within themselves.”
We asked Scot and Karen what would be one of their greatest desires for the sport of baseball here in Anguilla. They said they would like to see more youngsters getting involved in the sport. “And we would like to see more parents involved too,” said Karen. “We would be particularly delighted to see more parents supporting the Little Leaguers. It would make the children happy to know that they have the support and backing of their parents who are interested in their participation in baseball.”
“In addition,” Scott said, “I would desire to see more volunteers taking to the sport. There is a need for baseball to thrive and grow, and whatever one can do to advance this sport in Anguilla, it will be appreciated. Anyone who wants to volunteer in one way or another should just get a hold of the Coach, Lyndon Webster.”
Meanwhile, Coach Lyndon expresses his ardent gratitude to Scot and Karen Hart as well as their daughter Randi for their worthwhile donation. He said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to Scot and Karen Hart for the T-shirts and caps that they donated to the Anguilla Little League. Your contribution is truly appreciated.”
“Thanks, in addition, to Monique Webster, Principal of Caring Hands, as well as Kelly Fleming and the Caring Hands Volunteers who assisted in installing a net for our new batting cage at our playing field at the Coronation Park. On the behalf of the Anguilla Little League, I am indeed grateful to you all,” he said, with an air of appreciation.