The Farmingdale Baseball League (FBLI) officially opened its 54th season of baseball in the community with its opening day parade and ceremony on Sunday. This year, the league honored Superintendent of Farmingdale Schools Dr. Roberta A. Gerold as grand marshal, for her and the whole district's support of the league. She was described as a Úquot;true friend of Farmingdale Baseball.Úquot;

Úquot;It's quite an honor to be a part of this great American pastime,Úquot; Dr. Gerold said, adding these words of encouragement: Úquot;All I have to say is 'Play Ball'!Úquot;

The 15th annual parade officially kicks off the start of the FBLI baseball season. Despite the on-and-off rain of the afternoon, hundreds gathered at Howitt Middle School and headed down Main Street and Motor Avenue to Ellsworth Allen Park for a ceremony commemorating the start of the season.

There are approximately 1,000 boys and girls ages six through 17 who annually participate in the league. Players and coaches were joined by elected officials and local representatives at the ceremony, as well as former NY Met Felix Millan and former NY Yankee Frank Tepidino. Fire departments, including the Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, East Farmingdale and North Massapequa Fire Departments; as well as the Our Lady of Good Council Band and the Nassau County Firefighters Pipe and Drum, marched in the parade.

During the ceremony at Allen Park, FBLI President Tom Sabellico presented Dr. Gerold with a plaque, as did Farmingdale Village Mayor George Graf. The traditional balloon launch (signifying the opening of baseball season) officially started the 2004 year of Farmingdale Baseball.

The league thanks the Nassau County Police Department, especially the Auxiliary Police, who were on hand to escort and assure a safe parade route for all marchers. Special thanks also go out to the Oyster Bay Town Parks Department and Mike Rauff, park manager, for their services. The FBLI board also thanks all the marchers and Dave Aitchison, as well as the entire parade committee, for their assistance in making this year's parade a success.