Jesse Burkett Little League softball continues to produce some of the best all-star teams in Worcester County each season. Burkett’s dominance continued this summer with a clean sweep of District 4 championships in three different age divisions: minor (10U: 8-10), major (12U: 10-12) and junior (12-14).
Chad Dawkins has served as league president for Burkett since 2023. During his four-year tenure, at least one Burkett all-star softball team has won both a district and state championship every season. It’s been an impressive and consistent run for the league, which operates at Coughlin Field adjacent to Worcester State University on Chandler Street.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our softball program has accomplished,” said Dawkins. “This year, having teams win district championships at all three levels in the same season is an achievement that is truly rare in softball.”
The 10U squad coached by Mel Melkonian went a perfect 7-0 in district play to capture the title for the second straight season. In seven games, they defeated neighboring teams from Joe Schwartz, Holden, Jack Barry, Boylston and Rutland. Overall, Burkett outscored its opponents 83-10 in seven games. The team began state tournament play on July 5 and July 6 with consecutive wins over Peabody (14-1) and Scituate (16-3).
Melkonian, a Worcester native and graduate of Saint Peter Marian, was a standout field hockey and softball player at Clark University. She will be inducted into the Clark Athletics Hall of Fame on September 26.
At the 12U level, Burkett secured the district title by winning five of six games against Jack Barry, Boylston, Holden and Joe Schwartz. Coached by Charlie Johnston, the team outscored its opponents 54-17 in district play. Burkett opened the state tournament on July 5 and July 6 with wins over Peabody (14-4) and Rockland (22-3). In 2024, the 12U Burkett team won the state championship and advanced to the New England regionals in Bristol, CT.
Rounding out the Burkett trifecta of district championships, the Junior all-stars swept a doubleheader from Boylston 11-1 and 15-4 on June 17. Coached by Kerin Smith, the team opened state tournament play with an 8-1 win over Belchertown on July 6 to bring its record to 3-0. Burkett returns to state tournament action on July 10.
Dawkins acknowledged the diligence and determination of several groups in order to achieve top tier teams across three different divisions.
“Success like this doesn’t happen by accident. It starts with great coaching, dedication, and a commitment to player development,” he said. “The coaches and volunteers in our softball program genuinely care about helping these athletes grow, both on and off the field, and their
hard work continues to show in the success of our teams. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built together.”
As all three teams have opened the state tournament with victories, Burkett has a rare chance to come away with an unprecedented three state championship banners in the next few weeks.
Mike Vigneux can be reached at Mikevigs@gmail.com
