Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award is Presented to Collin Benson
By Julie Perine on June 08, 2025
For the past 18 years, a 12-year-old member of Bridgeport Little League has been recognized for his character, sportsmanship and
leadership qualities. The annual honor is a tribute to Bonn Kehrer, who passed away at the age of seven due to complications of a heart defect. He loved the game of baseball, and his family thought the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award would be a fitting way to honor their son’s life. Bonn’s parents Stacey and Al and siblings Joplyn and Brody hope the recognition instills confidence and plays a role in not only the recipients’ continued endeavors, but also throughout their lives.
leadership qualities. The annual honor is a tribute to Bonn Kehrer, who passed away at the age of seven due to complications of a heart defect. He loved the game of baseball, and his family thought the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award would be a fitting way to honor their son’s life. Bonn’s parents Stacey and Al and siblings Joplyn and Brody hope the recognition instills confidence and plays a role in not only the recipients’ continued endeavors, but also throughout their lives.
This past week, at The Bridge Sports Complex, the 2025 Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award was awarded to Collin Benson, who plays for Hitt’s Garage. He is the son of Alyson and Mark Benson.
“Stacey and I want to thank the Bensons for raising a fine young man who is so deserving of this award,” said Al Kehrer. “We look forward to watching him grow and to be a positive influence on others,” he said. “May God bless you in all you do, Collin.”
Alyson Benson said Collin was aware of the Bonn Kehrer Award and had seen other teammates and friends receive it through the years. So, he knew it was a great honor to be chosen.
“As parents, we have always taught him that the most important thing is to be a good person and teammate, above being the best athlete,” she said. “Collin has always been a kind and caring person. He is a team player and wants everyone to do well on and off the field.”
Alyson said Collin always remembers that the other players are more than just his competition. They are his friends.
“He is always giving encouragement to others and is quick to tell someone they have done a good job,” she said. “We have always encouraged him to work hard on and off the field and to treat everyone the way he would want to be treated. Collin has a strong faith in God and strives to keep him first in all that he does.”
Baseball is Collin’s favorite sport and his passion for the catcher’s position was instilled in him by his older brother, Conner. His favorite pro team is the New York Mets. He also loves to play wiffle ball in the backyard with his friends and enjoys kayaking and fishing. He just finished the 6th grade at Bridgeport Middle School with a 4.0 grade point average and was named star student in history and English. An active church member, Collin is known to lead his team in prayer following games.
“Collin is so humbled to have been chosen for this award and to carry on the honor to represent the Kehrer family as they remember their son, Bonn, and his love for baseball and friendship,” Alyson Benson said.
Past winners of the Bonn Kehrer Sportsmanship Award are as follows: 2024 Ryder Beaston, 2023 George Whitehair, 2022 Cole Courtney, 2021 Gabriel Meder, 2020 Braedyn Yates, 2019 Carson Currey, 2018 Andrew Bell, 2017 Ben McDougal, 2016 Christopher Harbert, 2015 Quintin Reep, 2014 Trent Tucker, 2013 Logan Crayton and Vincenzo Cava, 2012 Christian Lehosit, 2011 Aaron Welden, 2010 Todd Antill, 2009 Tristan Knapp, and 2008 Anthony Belcastro.
“It’s important to all of us as a community to raise upstanding men and women,” said Al Kehrer. “And I’m so proud of all the recipients of Bonn’s award. Past winners consist of business owners, coaches, volunteers, several collage graduates, and ballplayers – as well as a soon-to-be father. We are so thankful to our Bridgeport community for supporting these kids every year.”
Editor’s Note: Pictured top is Bonn Kehrer. Pictured just above, left to right: 2024 winner Ryder Beaston, Stacey Kehrer, Bridgeport Little League President Kurt Skasik, Collin Benson, Al Kehrer, 2020 winner Braedyn Yates and 2019 winner Carson Currey.
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