Montclair Little League Field Named For Late First-Grader, Sports Fan

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Despite his young age, Terry Demming left a lasting impact on the Montclair community. And it will be remembered at the Little League field at Glenfield Park that bears his name.

Last week, family members and community leaders gathered at the newly enshrined “Terry Lawrence Demming Little League Field” to remember its namesake, a 7-year-old Montclair resident who lost his life in 2018.

“This is an honor that is beyond comprehension,” his mother, Kathryn Weller-Demming, said at a dedication ceremony.

“To have a hometown field named for him next to facilities named for other great people who have given so much to the community,” Weller-Demming said. “This shows our children how important they are and to be okay with who they are.”

A plaque that explains more about Demming’s meaning to the township begins with a quote by Yogi Berra: “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”

The plaque continues:

“Terry Lawrence Demming was an exuberant and outgoing 7-year-old who quickly made friends with whoever he came in contact. He was loved and adored by all; those who knew him described Terry as the “funniest boy in class and a great friend” and as an “energetic, smart, beautiful and charismatic little boy.” Terry was involved in many activities in Montclair: singing in the Youth Choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church, playing Little League baseball with the Bulldogs and learning lacrosse in Montclair’s recreation program. Despite his young age, he could be seen helping out at events hosted by the Montclair Democratic Committee and at Toni’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen that assists the homeless and less fortunate. Tragically, Terry was taken from his family, friends and the community that adored him in 2018. We remember Terry – the energy he brought to anything he did and the unique way this vibrant first grader connected to everyone – by naming this Little League field in his honor.”

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