Syosset Baseball Association held its annual Memorial Day All-Star games for ages 8-17 this past Memorial Day Saturday, May 27. Always one of the flagship events that SBA holds, this day was no different than past years....or maybe it was.

This year, with the addition of the 90' multi-purpose turf field behind the pool at Syosset Woodbury Community Park, the Senior League, ages 13-17, was invited to be apart of the festivities with their All-Star game as well as being able to enjoy the complimentary barbeque. There was also a moon-bounce, dunk tank and water balloon area for the younger kids ages below 8 to enjoy the day as well.

The Syosset Woodbury Park's crew, as always, did a spectacular job in manicuring the fields, getting them ready for the games, which kicked off with the 8-year-old division at 8:45 a.m. This traditionally is the first year that our kids have an opportunity to play on the fields at the park, keep score and have umpires. These kids played their hearts out with all teams having a great time. Schuster/ Starr, managed by Jay Schuster and Brian Starr defeated Gandolfo/ Puccio, managed by Chris Gandolfo and Mike Puccio, 11 to 4. Both teams played strong baseball with Gandolfo's team making a 5th inning rally of 4 runs in the bottom of the 5th to break the shutout, led by Jordan Heller's single, bringing in 2 of the 4 runs. Schuster/ Starr's team was led by Jake Starr going 3 for 4, Gregg Schuster going 3 for 3 and Dominic Sciove going 2 for 4. Jake Starr was awarded game ball and Gregg Schuster team MVP.

Special thanks and appreciation to the team at Bagel Master, Alex and Vadim, for providing complimentary bagels and coffee for all those attending the early, 8-year-old division games.

Besides the game highlights, the opening Pledge of Allegiance was led by Peter Meyer of Cub Scout group 168, presenting the colors to both fields and National Anthem being sung by Holly Roselle. Holly will be attending the 1st ever American Idol camp this summer and with her talent and coaching, hopefully, Syosset will be home to an American Idol. Ceremonial first pitch was given to our very own long-standing Board member, Bill Lewis who has served the community for over 20 years. The new 90' field at Stillwell is named in his honor.

Quackerjack, the Long Island Ducks mascot, arrived to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in the 9-year-old games which kicked off at 11 a.m., just as we were serving up our first hamburgers to the families of the 8-year-old Division after their great exhibition of games just played. Colors were presented by Cub Scout pack 168 John Antonelli, followed by the National Anthem from Syosset's Sara Ross. Highlights reported by manager Mike Malone with coaches Mitch Weiner and Effie Zak was a 12 to 1 final. Multiple hits and RBIs were the order of the day for this game by many players with Nick Elardo being awarded team MVP with a single, triple and 4 RBIs for his day's efforts.

The Major League division games are always the highlight of the day and send a special message to our community, remembering Brian Murphy, son of Deacon Richard Murphy, who played for Syosset Baseball Association, and after a long, hard-fought fight, lost his battle to cancer. It's this day and these games that we give back to him, with all games in his honor and memory, as every player wears a jersey, "Brian Murphy Memorial All-Star Games". We additionally, extend the honor of first ball throw at the Major League Division games to Deacon Murphy, which he has graciously accepted over the years, and this day was no different...never throws a ball...only strikes! The National Anthem was sung by members of the AP Willits Chorus, Jordan Freedman, Emily Rockitter, Kristina Montoro, Austin Ash and Jennifer Herrmann. Colors were presented by Cub Scout Pack member John Jaroslawski. Team Laine, managed by Frank Laine defeated Team Kehne, managed by Dennis Kehne 8 to 4. Reported highlights were a 2 run homer from Jake Laine and a 3-run homer from Ryan Baymack, coupled with solid pitching by 5 different pitchers over the 5 inning game. Team Miecuna, managed by Joe Miecuna, defeated Team Greenspan 9 to 4. Reported highlights were Aaron Schuster's triple up the hill in left and 2 innings of relief to seal the victory for team Miecuna. Schuster was awarded team MVP.

The Senior division kicked off their All-Star games on the turf field just around the same time as the Majors. Red Team, managed by Rich Happel, enjoyed outstanding pitching from 5 different players as well as solid hitting and fielding. Tom Nocella was awarded team MVP.

In the 10-year-old division games, AA Division enjoyed the honor of World War II veteran, Gus Scutari, throwing out the ceremonial first ball. After National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, the Blue Team, managed by John Persichilli and Rich Presteguard defeated the Red Team, managed by Andy Lowitt and Mitch Reiter 12 to 4. Lowitt's team jumped out to a 3-0 lead going into the 3rd. Persichilli's team scored 5 in the 3rd and 2 in the 5th to take a commanding lead and close out the 12-4 final. Jack Ferreira was named Red Team MVP for the game for his 2-3, RBI day.

The festivities ended with the AAA Division games, starting at 5:45 p.m. with Gus Scutari again throwing out the first balls to each game. Team Lipstein/ Johansen, managed by Mike Lipstein and Artie Johansen defeated Team Keenan, managed by Ed Keenan 18 to 10. Reported highlights of this game were Brandon Haffer's grand slam, Sean McArdle's 3 hits and Adam Shapiro's catching, picking 2 runners stealing as well as his 3 hits.

Throughout the fun-filled, action-packed day, there were 2 events going on of special significance. Jordan Ott, player in our Senior League, had sent an e-mail to the entire league encouraging anyone who had used or new sports equipment and apparel to bring it to the park to donate to the Dominican Republic. Jordan's efforts, "Homerun Hopefuls" is a project in conjunction with Nike to get this equipment to players less fortunate in the Dominican Republic. Thanks to everyone who shared in this event as the dumpster donated to Jordan by Gateway Industries, was completely filled by day's end to make it's way to the Dominican Republic. The other event going on throughout the day was the Syosset representatives of this year's Cooperstown team, throughout the day selling 50/50 raffles, candy and graciously and appreciated donated tickets for the New York Mets and New York Yankees respectively. All money raised, goes toward sending this team to Cooperstown New York to play in a 96-team tournament to be held July 21-16, right before the induction ceremonies for this year's inductees, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gywnn. These 12 players in our 12-year-old group have been playing together for the past 5 years and enjoyed the opportunity to play in last summer's NJBL league, which they won the Championship with. They have been tuning up for this event since January and have already played in several highly competitive tournaments to gear up for the level of competitive play they will be facing. Team Manager, Joe Miecuna and coaches Frank Laine, Dennis Kehne and Chris Burrei have been working with the players to make sure they'll be ready come July.

Additionally, throughout the day, Mary Kehne, sister of Kevin Kehne, Cooperstown-bound player, set up a face-painting booth for the kids to get their faces, arms, legs etc. painted with all proceeds being donated to her brother's team.

As the intramural season comes to a close with playoffs going on until Champions are crowned in each of the Divisions A through Majors, the summer brings up a new season for our summer travel and fall travel programs, culminating with our upcoming Annual Awards Dinner to be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club, Monday November 5. Mark your calendars, as details will be forthcoming, as we get closer to that day.

As always, www.syossetbaseball.org will update a calendar of events and information.