Cody, Beall Receive Daniel Kerner Little League Award

It was one of the hottest days of the year, but it didn't stop dozens of people from honoring a special member of the community at the Tijeras Creek Little League fields on Saturday.

Daniel Lewis Kerner became a permanent part of the league's landscape on Saturday when a plaque memorializing his commitment to the game was dedicated at the field. 

Daniel was 10 years old when he passed away a year ago—April 12, 2010—from late infantile Batten Disease, an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Though he never played—he was limited to a walker and a wheelchair—he served as batboy for his brother's teams and had a significant impact on the community.

In conjunction, the league named the winner—actually two winners—of the second Daniel Lewis Kerner Little League Award to the Major League player who embodied the spirit of Kerner and the Little League pledge.

David Kerner, 13, Daniel's older brother, said that the winner "is not necessarily an all-star, but pours everything they have into the game of baseball." David, who played a ball game the day after his brother died and was named the inaugural winner last year, played a major role in choosing the winners.

Named award winners were Will Cody and Alex Beall, both 12-year-olds from Rancho Santa Margarita who received their honor with the Kerner family—parents Marcus and Joanna and sister Lauren—looking on.

Will is a member of the Angels and Alex member of the Rays.

David, who explained the lengthy selection process, said he spent much of the past year watching games, talking with coaches and the players themselves and determined both Will and Alex were equally deserving. He added that he would like each succeeding winner to play a role in choosing the recipient. 

"Give the game your whole heart and it will give it right back to you," David concluded as he presented the trophies to the two boys. The crowd cheered as Will and Alex accepted their award and posed for pictures with David Kerner beside the memorial plaque.

Daniel passed away on April 12, 2010, nearly one year ago. Daniel loved baseball, and though he was never able to play, he was very much a part of the game, embodying every aspect of the Little League motto from his wheelchair as honorary batboy for his older brother's teams.

Jim Canty, president of the Tijeras Creek Little League, said during the ceremony that Daniel's heart and love for the game was infectious. "This may be an emotional day for us as we remember Daniel," he said, encouraging the crowd to celebrate Daniel's life with joy.

Also speaking was Marcus Kerner, who spoke of his son's passion for baseball and the impact the community made during his family's difficult loss. "I am grateful to each and every one of you," he said, thanking them for their prayers and support.

This 18x18 bronze plaque bears Daniel's picture and hangs on the outside wall of the snack bar next to the baseball field so that all can remember his legacy, that of the brave boy with the infectious smile who impacted the Little League community without ever playing a game.