11th Annual Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award Presented to Andrew Bell
By Julie Perine on June 16, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Stacy and Albert Kehrer believe the game of baseball develops leadership and sportsmanship qualities. For the 11th year, the couple presented the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award, in honor of their son Bonn, who passed away in 2007 at age 7. Even at such a young age, Bonn was mature and carried leadership and sportsmanship, his parents said. They continue to recognize those values by presenting the annual award to a 12-year-old Bridgeport Little League player.
This year's recipient is Andrew Bell, first baseman for Bridgeport Physical Therapy.
The son of Brandy and Fred Bell of Bridgeport, Andrew was quite honored to receive the award. In addition to striving to be the best athlete he can be, he said it is important to him to be a good role model for younger children pursuing sports.
He was also humbled to receive the award as he felt there were several other players who were deserving.
He said he would like to thank the Kehrer family for continuing the tradition of the reward. He said he remembers all the kids who won it during the years he played baseball and they all became people he looked up to – role models he wanted to be like. He said he hopes he has left that same kind of impression on the athletes he played with and that maybe he made the sport a little bit better.
That is the idea behind the award, Stacey Kehrer said.
"Bonn had such good sportsmanship at such a young age," she said. "We think it's important to keep this award going so these young boys know there is more to the game of baseball than winning or losing. Most of the boys who have won have told us this was the most important award they had ever won."
Andrew started baseball at age 5, playing T-Ball and C-Ball, then advancing to minor and major leagues. He has played several different positions, but this year played mostly at first base. He completed his third year of Little League with Bridgeport Physical Therapy, which finished runners-up in the league. Andrew also plays hockey.
Brandy Bell said she didn't know her son was the recipient of the award until it was announced Monday evening at Bridgeport Recreation Complex.
"I was very proud of him. We've always tried to instill in Andrew to do the right thing, even when no one else is looking and to lead by example. I think he does a pretty good job of that," she said. "I'm always happy when my kids win something or are recognizied for something that reveals their character."
In the early years of the award, the Kehrers chose the recipients as they knew many through school and athletic activities of Bonn and his twin sister, Joplin. For the past few years, the family has relied upon the discretion of the Little League coaches as they don't know the athletes as well, Stacey Kehrer said.
Editor's Note: Pictured above/cover is Andrew Bell, award recipient, with Stacey, Albert, Joplin and Brody Kehrer. Pictured just above is Andrew Bell with his family, mom Brandy, dad Fred and sister Olivia. Below is Albert Kehrer and his minor league team of 2007, which includes Bonn and Joplin Kehrer.
Read a related story:
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