As an MAA Volunteer for the recently completed New York State Little League Championship Tournament held at the Willis Avenue Fields, I had the best perspective, figuratively and literally, for the five-game series. From my perch in the announcers' booth, I could observe the camaraderie of the volunteers, the relentless desire of our public works department, the team spirit of the competitors, the honesty and integrity of the umpires and Little League officials, the energy of the fans and the unending feeling of community by all who participated. At no other time in my 13 years as a Village of Mineola resident did I feel greater pride in how a group of individuals could come together sacrificing time and effort to put forth a shining example of our town. It is with this sense of emotion that I pen my thoughts on a fulfilling week of baseball.

From the first pitch of Danny Almonte's 15 strikeout no hit shutout on Saturday, the facility was the star. Never have we had our primary baseball field in such spectacular condition. The grass was newly mowed, the infield neatly groomed, the bases spotless and the batters' box geometrically configured like none other. This did not hold up for one game but the entire four day extravaganza. Village Superintendent of Public Works Tom Rini, Mayor John Colbert and Field Coordinator Robert Maloney should be saluted for a job well done. All four teams, from their first visit on Friday evening to the last game on Tuesday night, raved about the professional quality of our diamond. Do not think for a minute that the tremendous play of these 'Tweens was not a result of the tip-top shape of the playing surface. Shea and Yankee Stadiums could not hold a candle to Mineola on this weekend.

Most said the buildup for this tournament was for the kids. After witnessing what may be the best five games of ball I have seen in some time, I feel quite the contrary. I have not seen a finer array of our national pastime than what I saw firsthand between the 28th and 31st of July. This includes what I have seen on television this year. This was a clinic. MVP Almonte adds 6 hits to his résumé including three home runs, six runs batted in, four runs scored, a win and a save in a weekend to remember for the Rolando Paulino squad from the Bronx. Donny Moscatelli of Massapequa has the memory of a monster home run to center field on a 3-3 day at the plate to rally his troops from elimination. All in attendance will remember for years to come Andrew Buyea's leaping catch in the gap for Orchard Park in their semifinal match as probably the best play ever by a youngster. And on any other weekend, East Greenbush's Chris Boudreau's off speed stuff would have provided a better fate. Virtually every game outcome remained undecided into the late innings. A week after the games have been completed, I still cannot believe these players were 11 or 12 years old.

Finally, this spectacle could not have been possible without the timeless involvement of key individuals of the Mineola Athletic Association. Tournament Director Ken Weiss went above and beyond the call of duty to see that this tournament went off without incident. Among his duties and responsibilities: field specifications in accordance with Little League rules, raising needed funding, media relations, coordinating team accommodations and entertainment, snack stand regulation, volunteer delegation and the most political of jobs - handling the politicians. Without Ken's unending commitment to success, this tournament does not happen. Other members of the MAA are due equal praise. This fantastic event occurred under the careful watch of the current President of the organization, Fred Wachter. Fred was constantly around and about to ensure the MAA was held in the highest regard as well as being a gracious master of ceremonies. This also proved baseball is not dead in Mineola primarily due to the desire of co-presidents of MAA Baseball and lifelong residents of the Village, Steve Siwinski and Ted Englis. Many others in the MAA participated including the snack stand Moms and the 50-50 raffle Dads. All in all, the MAA is alive and well as the athletic spirit of our community.

In closing, I only wish that others would have had the opportunity to behold the glory of the game that we were fortunate to be a part of. Newsday gave a fine opening article on Friday and then failed to show until prompted to the championship. Likewise, local TV and radio stations did not find it compelling enough to report - even with our South Shore brethren in the final. For me, with nothing but a love for the sport and the pomp and circumstance, this was something I will hold with me for some time. Good friends, great competition and spirit of community. Mineola should hold their heads high and fly their flags proud! You did a marvelous job!

(The author, Tom Winters, is one of the Mineola Athletic Association's dedicated volunteers. Tom kept score of every game in the tournament was tremendous in providing statistics and getting official scoring from all the teams. He also operated the scoreboard at times and announced from the booth. He has undergraduate degree in journalism and is a lifelong baseball fan.)