Last Saturday was a beautiful day just perfect for the Merillon Little League to celebrate its 50 years of success with a marvelous parade.

The parade halted its journey, after winding through the streets of New Hyde Park, at the Merillon Little League Field on Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park, where the festivities began under the direction of Merillon President Doug Gerowski.

At the outset of the program, Merillon Chairman-of-The Board Tony Camilleri came forward to give a brief history of how Merillon started 50 years ago.

Camilleri said, "As we celebrate our 50th birthday it is hard not to reflect a little and go back to the fall of 1951 when a group of parents spearheaded by a man named John McDonald got together to form a youth baseball association."

He went on, "Their first meeting was held at the Merillon Fire House, now the Garden City Park Fire Department Fire House on Denton Avenue. Today those same people would be very proud to see what they started continues to provide a venue for the boys and girls of our community to enjoy the beautiful game of baseball."

Camilleri continued by describing that as a result of the meetings it was agreed to apply for a formal charter from Little League Headquarters in Williamsport, PA. Consequently, a charter was granted in 1952.

It was decided to call the new league Merillon after the firehouse meeting place; Merillon is the family name of one of the original settlers and developers of New Hyde Park.

Forming a new league was not an easy task. It required fund raising for uniforms and equipment, organizational planning, picking managers and coaches and administrators.

Camilleri said, "The foundation the charter members built assured the survival of Merillon. Their dedication to the youth of the community set the example for the volunteers that would follow; ensuring continuity from generation to generation."

"As we praise our founding fathers let's not forget those dedicated people who have continued to give of their time and effort so that the league will continue to survive."

Camilleri concluded, "As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary let's congratulate everyone who has volunteered his or her time so our children will have a place where they can play baseball and softball in a safe and healthy environment. We dedicate 2001 to all of you. Let's also hope that this tradition will continue for the next 50 years."

Camilleri then turned the program over to Merillon President Doug Gerowski who introduced the talented Natalie Fabian, of New Hyde Park, to sing the National Anthem, (Natalie took the time out from her starring role in the Herricks Community Players version of Annie). After her beautiful performance New York State Senator Michael Balboni commented that never before had he heard the National Anthem sung so clearly or so well.

The program continued with the Sea Cadets Color Guard and performances by the New Hyde Park Memorial Marching Band, the New Hyde Park High Romanettes and the Twirlers.

Gerowski introduced the dignitaries including: Senator Michael Balboni; North Hempstead Town Councilpersons Doreen Banks and Angelo Ferrara; Angela Powers, representing Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta; Kaye Garvey, an original founder. She came to the meetings because her husband worked at night and couldn't attend; Dr. William McDonald, son of the original founder, the late John McDonald; Jenny Biondo, wife of an original founder, the late Franklyn Biondo, who has a field named after him; William "Buddy" Sheehan, son of late William J. Sheehan, who started a scholarship in his father's name.

Head of the Instructional Program Jack Kelly received the Joe Roy Coach of The Year Award presented to him by Ruthanne Roy.

The program ended as the coaches were trying, in vain, to hold back the youngsters from the hot dog stand where they all received hot dogs and drinks and then went on to "play ball."