By Charles McMahon

cmcmahon@seacoastonline.com

June 18, 2011 2:00 AM

RYE — Sometimes the most important plays in baseball aren't in the form of a walk-off home run or a perfect game. Eleven-year-old Colton Bullard is living proof of that.

As a catcher for the Cardinals in the Rye Little League, Bullard was recently honored for making one of the most important contributions there is in sports. Bullard was named the 2011 Little League Good Sport of the Year from Little League International, an organization that includes millions of youngsters playing baseball and softball in more than 6,000 leagues across the country.

In a letter dated June 10 from Scott Rosenberg, director of public relations, Bullard is recognized for his "spirited and dedicated commitment to the ideals and goals of the Little League program.

"You have been a shining example of all that is positive and beneficial through participating in Little League," Rosenberg wrote.

While the recognition may not be for his batting average or fielding ability, the honor was bestowed thanks to sportsmanship Bullard said he has learned while growing up with a solid family support system.

In particular, Bullard said it was getting a chance to play catch with his older brother that helped him not only improve his game, but also his attitude toward it.

Chandler Bullard, 34, said watching as his younger sibling has made a name for himself in Little League makes him a proud big brother.

While on the surface it appears Colton had a normal upbringing, Chandler Bullard said his younger sibling was forced to deal with the death of his father at a very young age.

Chandler Bullard said their father, who was an ex-Marine, died of a brain aneurysm when Colton was only about 6 years old.

Since the tragedy, Chandler Bullard said, guardianship of Colton has been shared between himself, his sister and an aunt who lives in Rye. The situation has led to a strong family support system that he said has helped Colton become a good and respectful person both on and off the field.

Colton couldn't be more deserving of this honor, he said.

Chandler Bullard also credited the local Little League community with creating a respectful and team-oriented environment.

"This award is a testament to the entire league and the Seacoast," he said. "There are tons of great kids that work hard and want to play great baseball."

When it comes to playing the game, Colton Bullard said he understands that team work and good sportsmanship can go a long way toward being successful.

"If someone gives up a lot of runs and they get down on themselves, as a team, we all need to help each other out," he said.

Regardless of whether it's a good play or not, Bullard said he always makes sure to encourage his teammates.

As the coach of the Cardinals, Derek Malila knows Bullard's good sportsmanship well.

"He's a hard-working kid," he said. "He's probably not the best baseball player on the field, but he's certainly a student of the game."

Malila said, no matter what happens, Bullard's good attitude always seems to shine through, along with his work ethic. He said he considers the 11-year-old to be perhaps one of the most important people on the team.

"You don't get a better teammate than Colton," he said. "He's truly an amazing kid with a big smile who is always making sure that everybody's loose before the game."

Malila said, whether it be through a look or words, Bullard is the type of player who always will pick up a person who's down.

"He'll pat you on the back if you commit an error or strike out," said Malila. "He's there for you and he understands the importance of being a teammate and the camaraderie that goes along with it."

Having coached youth sports for many years, Malila said players like Bullard are crucial for team success.

"I'd take 12 Colton Bullard's any day," he said.

Bullard and his teammates will be put to the test today when they square off against the Dodgers for the league championship. In order to claim the title, Bullard's team must win two games.

While he admitted he's still in shock from getting the national award, Colton Bullard said he's going to rely on what he loves most about baseball to hopefully bring home a championship.

"All things go out of my mind when I play baseball," he said.

Regardless of what happens on the field today, Bullard will get a chance to fly to Williamsport, Pa., for the 2011 Little League World Series. The trip is in August and will be all-expenses-paid.

Bullard will be recognized during an award presentation today at Flash Jenness Field as part of the league's closing day ceremony.