The sport of baseball will take center stage at the ninth annual Gowanda-Area All-Sports Award Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 24. Several awards pertaining to achievements in baseball will be presented during the awards ceremony, which will take place at the Gowanda VFW Club beginning at 6 p.m.

     Gerry D'Amaro, who has managed the 9- 10- and 11-12-year-old Little League baseball all-star teams to District 2 championships in 2001 and 2003 will receive the "Howard Hillis Memorial Award" for his outstanding coaching efforts. D'Amaro's local team, Collins Auxiliary, also won the playoff championship in 2003.

     Former Gowanda high school and town team pitcher Steve Jolls will receive the "Henry Huff Jr. Memorial Award" for his longevity, success, and dedication to the game of baseball. Jolls has also volunteered his time to coach Little League prep league, and junior league baseball in the Gowanda area.

     For the first time in the nine-year history of the awards banquet, an entire team will be honored. The 2003 District 2 Little League all-star championship team and their coaches will each receive an individualized plaque commemorating their efforts. Most of the players were also members of Gowanda's 9-10-year-old team that won the District 2 championship in 2001.

     A limited number of tickets for the banquet are still available. Please call Mark Benton at 532-4053 to make reservations before Jan. 20.