Little League® International mourns the passing of two-time Little League Softball® World Series (LLSWS) player Robin Carey from Hampton Little League in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Robin passed away on March 23, 2018 from a Group A streptococcal infection (strep throat). She was 13.
“Robin’s team has been shaken and devastated by this loss,” said Luc Fournier, Manager of the 2017 LLSWS Canada Region Champions. “Not only did Robin play the game, but she truly embodied everything that Little League stands for.”
A member of Hampton Little League for many years, Robin was to receive her seven-year pin this spring, and was chosen by her teammates to carry the Canadian Championship Banner onto the field during the league’s Opening Ceremonies.
“Every time Robin stepped onto that field she demonstrated integrity, passion, natural leadership, exceptional skill, effort, and pure joy,” said Mr. Fournier. “Her big heart was especially evident when she was one of only three buddies that volunteered when Hampton Little League initiated the Challenger Program for the first season. An experience that she treasured and repeated.”
The members of Robin’s 2017 LLSWS team released a message of remembrance that read:
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss of one of our sisters. She was an inspiration… her dedication, her commitment to hard work, her love of the game and her fierce competitiveness along with her kind heart towards family, friends, and teammates were what made Robin such a special person to be around. Gone but never forgotten. You will always be with us!”
Robin started playing baseball in 2011 with the Hampton Little League’s Mini-Minor Division team. After two seasons, she graduated to the Minor Division where she earned two Double Duty Trophies for playing in both softball and baseball at the same time. In 2015, Robin played on the Major Division Baseball team for last time before turning back to softball in 2016 and 2017, where she and the Hampton Majors Softball team won back to back Canadian National Championships and the opportunity to represent their country at the Little League Softball World Series at Alpenrose Dairy Farm in Portland, Ore.
“It is a sad time for all who knew Robin, yet her memory lives on through those who knew her best: her family and friends,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “We at Little League International offer our deepest condolences and prayers to all those mourning this devastating loss.”
She loved her family and friends; and embraced the World Series experience. Mr. Fournier said Robin relished the chance to compete against teams from around the world, form new friendships, bond with teammates, collect a vast assortment of pins, and have conversations with volunteers, umpires, and Alpenrose fans. He recounted as a 12-year-old during last summer’s World Series, she was roommates with the two youngest players on the team, who were both 10. “As a true leader, Robin immediately offered her friendship and took those two players under her wing,” said Mr. Fournier. “Whenever you saw the little ones around the ballpark, hotel, or touring around Portland, Robin was right there with them too.”
Robin, born on Aug. 1, 2004, is survived by her parents, Roy and Tracy Carey.