Published: April 24, 2008 12:35 pm            

JOHN GODFREY

As the Little League District 1 Administrator, John Godfrey of Lockport watches over the 15 Little Leagues on the Niagara Frontier.

“I feel like all 900 kids are mine, that’s the way it is,” said Godfrey who works at Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “I like watching kids go through the program, becoming coaches and giving back.”

Godfrey was born in Lockport and graduated from DeSales High School in 1978. He attended Niagara Country Community College and the University at Buffalo.

“He spends 12 months a year on baseball and getting kids and parents involved,” the nominator wrote. “He dedicates countless hours of time into Lockport baseball.”

Godfrey serves as administrator for 76 teams and 900 players and is the link between Western New York and Williamsport, Pa., the home of the Little League World Series. He normally puts 15-20 hours a week into his avocation.

Children go through an evaluation day and then a draft day. Little League tries to keep the competition balanced.

“It’s fun to watch them grow up and go through the high school programs,” he said. “It’s good to have the former Little Leaguers come back to coach and give back.”

Andrew Godfrey, John and Lisa’s son, plays for Medaille College where he catches and plays third base. Andrew was the reason John Godfrey became a Little League volunteer 13 years ago.

While he is no longer a coach, John spends many hours on the Little League fields on Lincoln Avenue.

“His whole life is dedicated to the youth of our community and the baseball program,” the nominator said.

        

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