The Fifth Annual Fusaro Awards where presented by Farmingdale Baseball League (FBLI) during their January meeting. 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 five 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 2005 recipients could not be more worthy of the award and truly embody the meaning of that statement.

This year the adult recipient was Bob Hassett, while the youth award went to the members of the Girl's 12U travel team (the first time that a team has won the award). Hassett serves as an assistant director for the AAA (9-year-old) division and volunteers his time as coach in multiple divisions.

"Bob is always the first to lend a hand, assist on the field and do whatever is in the best interest of the kids", according to FBLI President Tom Sabellico. "He is certainly keeping in the tradition of past winners and is a perfect representative of what Tom Fusaro was all about."

Upon accepting the award Bob Hassett stated, "I would like to thank Farmingdale Baseball League for their consideration in presenting me with the 2005 Thomas Fusaro Sportsmanship Award, I am honored to receive the award and be in the same group as the past winners. While I did not have the pleasure of meeting Tom Fusaro, I have heard so much about his dedication to not only FBLI, but PAL and the youth of Farmingdale."

The members of the girl's 12U travel/tournament team received the youth award for their consistent good sportsmanship, tireless enthusiasm and overall attitude. The team, which never played fast pitch, entered the inaugural NJBL league, finishing third and then was one game away from the finals in the East Meadow summer tournament. The team was coached by Andy Rabkin and Mike Bachmann. Throughout the season the team received compliments and accolades from their opponents and tournament officials for the their sportsmanship and overall attitude - win or lose. Rapkin thanked the league for their continued support and for recognizing this "special group" of girls. The team members were: Marissa Boccio, Sage Creamer, Lisa Duddy, Kristie Farrigan, Lauren Foschino, Kelly Ann Keenan, Joanna Klein, Victoria Kornfeld, Angie Mavaro, Megan Meritz, Kristie Simmus, Jennifer Sweeney and Julie Teller. Farmingdale Baseball is very proud of the award winners and hope that they set positive examples for all those who follow in our upcoming seasons.