The tradition and spirit of volunteerism has long been the foundation of which the success and growth of the Little League program in Montana District 2 has relied upon. Of the many volunteers, no one better exemplified the spirit and principles of Little League more than Dale Clawson. Dale was a true pioneer in Montana District 2 Little League. Since 1950, he was essential in not only helping to build the Little League programs in Missoula, but he was a leader, role model, and friend to the entire District 2 Little League Family. His dedication and commitment to helping our youth grow to be productive citizens is the example that all those involved in youth sports should aspire to. Following his passing in 2006, the Presidents and Officers of Montana District 2 saw it only fitting that each year, we recognize those people that give of themselves on behalf of our young athletes in the same spirit as Dale did, thus they created the "Dale Clawson Spirit of Little League Award".
The "Dale Clawson Spirit of Little League Award" is awarded to a deserving individual every fall at the annual District Conference. The recipient is selected by the officials in the host city and honored for his or her work at the District Banquet. The honoree is awarded an individual plaque as well as having his or her name enshrined upon the perpetual plaque that hangs proudly at Mount Sentinel Little League's Dale Clawson Complex in Missoula. We are honored and blessed to have the opportunity to recognize and benefit from the work of Dale and these fine individuals:
2007
Ned Ellingwood, Butte
2008
Bob Weigum, Sr., Great Falls
2009
Hal Karl, Missoula
2010
Joan O'Neill, Butte
2011
Kent Seaton, Great Falls
2012
Daurine Spritzer, Missoula
2013
Mike Parent, Butte
2014
Zeke Zaremski & Chuck Whitmore, Great Falls
2015
Al Johnson & Renny Malach, Missoula
2016
Bob & Dee Scalabrin, Butte
2017
Deidre Martinko, Great Falls
2018
Duane, Meiers, Missoula
2019
Joe & Pat Lee, Butte
Joe and Pat Lee
- 2019-
Montana District 2 is proud to honor Joe and Pat Lee for decades of service to the Little League programs of Montana District 2, especially those in Southwest Montana. Joe and Pat have been fixtures at Father Sheehan Park. There hasn’t been a Little League event that Joe and Pat haven’t supported, even when they didn’t have children or grandchildren involved. They have worked tirelessly to help keep Father Sheehan Park beautiful through their volunteer efforts. Joe served as a manager and almost every other volunteer position since the 1980s , and Pat served as the League Secretary for years. As a member of the Council of Commissioners of Butte Silver Bow, Joe was always committed to improving the offerings for children, improving parks, and establishing relationships between programs that helped build the opportunities for all kids in the community. All of the programs of our District benefitted from their efforts, expertise, and commitment.
Pat Lee, Keith Miller (DA), and Joe Lee