Farmingdale Baseball League (FBLI) presented the Fourth Annual Fusaro Awards during a special October ceremony. These awards were instituted in honor of Tom Fusaro who was a dedicated board member, coach and friend of Farmingdale Baseball. He passed away suddenly four years ago and is still sorely missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and volunteering with him.

The awards are given annually to an adult volunteer and a child playing in the league who exhibit the highest quality of sportsmanship.

"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."

This statement, taken from the nomination form, is the foundation that the awards are based on. The 2004 recipients could not be more worthy of the award and truly embody the meaning of that statement.

This year's winners were Ike Galanoudis and his son John. The first time that members from the same family have won. Ike, an Assistant League Director and Coach, also created and maintains the league's Website (fdalebaseball.com). He serves on their Baseball Day and Parade Committees and is always ready to assist the league in any way according to FBLI's President Tom Sabellico. Upon accepting the award the senior Galanoudis stated, "I would like to thank Farmingdale Baseball League for their consideration in presenting me with the 2004 Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship Award, for their offering me a chance to volunteer, and for the opportunity to give something back to an organization that has always been there for my family and me. I consider it a privilege to be involved with such a dedicated group of volunteers who continually devote so much of themselves and their time, to the youth of our community."

John Galanoudis, age 12, received the youth award for his consistent good sportsmanship, tireless enthusiasm and overall attitude. John, in addition to playing on the in-house team, was a member of the Green Dog Cooperstown Travel team that took second place this past summer.

"I am very honored to have been selected as the youth recipient of the 2004 Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship Award. I would like to thank the Farmingdale Baseball League for their instruction and the opportunity to play ball, my parents for their guidance and support, and all of my coaches - each of whom taught me to respect the game, and to have fun playing baseball," John Galanoudis said.

Farmingdale Baseball is very proud of the award winners and hope that they set positive examples for all those who follow in upcoming seasons.