From spring into the summer months it is a common sight to see our children running around our parks and school fields clad in the uniforms of Farmingdale Baseball. More than a thousand children participate each year. As the various leagues finish their seasons we are used to recognizing their skills and achievements at special tournaments, baseball day and league playoffs and "world series." We are proud of all the children and how they develop their athletic skills throughout the season.

The goals of Farmingdale Baseball are not limited to the playing field and as the season draws to a close the Awards Committee goes to work. Many of the youth who participate in baseball also show a strong commitment to our community. Graduating seniors who play softball or baseball for Farmingdale Baseball and meet certain criteria are eligible to apply for the Farmingdale Baseball Community Service Award. All of our youth players and adult volunteers can be nominated for consideration for the Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship Award.

At the July monthly meeting the Community Service Awards are distributed. In order to be considered the applicant must be a graduating senior and submit a resume describing their various interests, activities, goals, community service activities and a brief statement about why they should be considered for this award. In addition, they have to have been an active participant in Farmingdale Baseball in three out of the four prior seasons as well as having played in the current season. It is remarkable to see how some of our young people can combine school, athletics, future planning and still give so much back to the community. We are very proud of all our applicants - they are truly outstanding young people.

The 2003 Farmingdale Baseball Community Service Awards were awarded to Andrea Bachman and Anthony Muhs. They were awarded $500 scholarships and plaques honoring their achievements and contributions to the Farmingdale community. They were joined by family, friends, the members of Farmingdale Baseball and several local dignitaries as they received their awards and celebrated with some coffee and cake. Joe Hammond, Lauren Friszell and Patrick Friszell, award winners from prior years, were also welcomed to the festivities.

Anthony Muhs spoke of his commitment to Farmingdale Baseball, going back to Tee-ball age, in his application. Along with his participation in FBLI, he also played both JV and varsity level baseball for the high school and played in several all star games and participated in Babe Ruth baseball: a travel league. Anthony was also involved in many school and community activities. His musical talents have been witnessed by many members of the community. His has also written, recorded, performed and composed evangelical music. Anthony is a member of the St. Kilian Youth group and has been involved as a youth minister and active in their music ministry. Members of this group participate in various community service activities such as food drives, visits to hostels and Christmas tree sale fundraisers. Anthony also was a member of SADD (Students Against Dangerous Decisions), the high school drama club and various music ensembles at the high school. He will be taking his many talents and leadership skills to the Franciscan University of Steubenville to enhance and further his musical career and to minor in education.

Andrea Bachman also has a remarkable history of activities and service. She has played softball for Farmingdale baseball since the fourth grade and also played tennis for the high school. The marching and concert bands at Farmingdale High School also benefit from Andrea's musical talent with the flute. Andrea has been doing volunteer work at St. James Church since she was in the fourth grade. She has made contributions as an altar server, choir member, youth group, a youth leader and now does recruiting talks and organizes dances and fundraisers. She has participated in food drives and retreat weekends. She has also worked in various positions while accomplishing her sports, music, studies and volunteer work. Andrea will further her studies at the Paul Smiths College in the Adirondacks where she will study baking and management. One of her future goals is to open her own cafe as a drug and alcohol free place for youth to go.

October is the month in which the Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship Awards are given out at the FBLI monthly meeting. This award was instituted in honor of Tom Fusaro who was a dedicated board member, coach and friend of Farmingdale Baseball. He passed away suddenly three years ago and is still sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and volunteering with him. These awards are open to all of the youth participants and all of the adult volunteers. Nomination forms are available to coaches, parents, players and all members of Farmingdale Baseball. The application says ... (in oart).

"Tell us about someone you have encountered ... always with a smile, a great attitude or who maybe did something remarkable and embodies the spirit of sportsmanship." The adult recipient is awarded a plaque and has his/her name on a permanent plaque displayed in the baseball shack. In addition the youth recipient is also awarded a $100 savings bond. At the October meeting they are also invited to bring their family and friends to join with the members of Farmingdale Baseball, and local dignitaries to celebrate with some coffee and refreshments at the award ceremony. Farmingdale Baseball also warmly welcomes the family of Tom Fusaro to this ceremony. Tom's wife, Fran, his mother, Thelma and his children, TJ and Alana all attended. Steve Thiem and Jeremy Brandenburg were also welcomed, as prior award winners. The 2003 Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship awards were given to Amy Donnolo, age 12, and to coach Tom Fesolowich.

Amy Donnolo participates in girl's junior level softball and has played for coach Andy Rabkin for several years. She was described as a "delight to coach ... takes softball seriously but has fun and shows respect." Amy does everything her coaches ask, is a team player and has only missed one game in three years of playing for Mr. Rabkin. Amy was awarded her plaque and bond in front of a group including her parents, twin sisters, grandparents and friends.

Selecting the winners of this award is usually a daunting task. This year, however, the choice of the adult recipient was unusually easy. The awards committee received exceptional nominations from several parents and players praising coach Tom Fesolowich. Tom was described as a special coach who truly knew the meaning of the word "coach." Some of the comments sent in were ... "a coach who is here to nurture our children, show no favoritism and have fun ... he never raised his voice ... helped the boys understand what good character, commitment and caring can do." One of his players in the boys Junior division describes Tom as always having "a positive attitude which made all the boys have one too." The youth further states that "if we made a bad play Coach Tom would just talk you through what to do if it happened again." Tom was praised for being calm and always giving a little extra. Tom was also joined at the award ceremony by his wife, children and friends.

Farmingdale Baseball would like to acknowledge local dignitaries who took time out from their busy schedules to help us honor these award recipients. Joining one or both of our ceremonies were Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Joe Muscarella, Greg Carman - representing Senator Charles Fuschillo, Rose Walker representing Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto and Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Anthony Macagnone. Thank you for all of your support and good wishes.

Farmingdale Baseball is very proud of the award winners and hope that these four recipients set positive examples for all those who follow in our upcoming seasons. Many congratulations and wishes for success in the future to our winners.