Bornemann and Wichman
win Jimmy Ippolito Award
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ROCKAWAY TWP. - Ryan Bornemann and Christian Wichman have been named winners of the Jimmy Ippolito Memorial Award for Rockaway Township Little League's 2010 baseball season.
Bornemann was the National League winner while Wichman was the American League winner. Runnerups were Willy Hanson (National) and Kyle Gaeb (American).
Jimmy Ippolito played Little League and Babe Ruth League baseball in Rockaway Township in the 1980s and early 1990s. At the age of 15, he was stricken with cancer and died.
He always demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship on the ball field. A kind and cheerful young man, he played the game with passion and was always encouraging others. He was a beloved young man in the township off the field, too.
Jimmy Ippolito's parents established the Jimmy Ippolito Memorial Award 17 years ago and it has been presented each year since to the graduating Little League player who best exhibited what and how Jimmy Ippolito approached the game of baseball.
The recipients of the award are chosen for showing the highest level of sportsmanship and character while competing at a high athletic level with a love and respect for the game of baseball.
Jimmy Ippolito played the game with a zest and enjoyment and was extremely respectful of other players and coaches. He played with a tremendous hustle, rooted for others to succeed - including his competitors - and competed at a very high athletic and skill level.
In addition to the Jimmy Ippolito Memorial Award, a Babe Ruth ball field in the township has been named in his memory.
