Thomas Marino, a centerfielder for Garden City High School, went one-for-three, scored one run and drove in two in Nassau County's ultimate 15-16 loss to Suffolk in the recent Vytra Grand Slam Challenge, which featured an offensive display of 34 hits between the teams.

More than 1,500 fans came out to see this first-ever Long Island high school baseball all-star game, played at Citibank Park, home of the Long Island Ducks. For the past nine years, Vytra Health Plans has also sponsored the popular Vytra Cup high school hockey all-star game, which similarly showcases teams from Nassau and Suffolk.

Players were chosen by the sports staff of Newsday and were all members of Newsday's 2005 All-Long Island Team and had earned All-County status. The teams were managed by Newsday's Nassau and Suffolk Coaches of the Year: Kevin Schnupp of Sachem East High School, whose 2005 team won the Long Island Class AA Championship; and Tom Abruscato of Clarke High School, whose team won the Long Island Class A championship.

Radio stations WBAB and WBLI were also sponsors, in addition to Vytra Health Plans, the Ducks and Newsday. Proceeds benefited the QuackerJack Foundation, the charitable arm of the Ducks.