When you think about role models in today's world, you can look no further than our own backyard. They're usually the quiet people who volunteer their time and make a difference in the life of someone. King Umberto's restaurant was the scene where Elmont South Little League's major league team Alfano's Avalanche had their end of season dinner where they celebrated their championship season. It was also a time where parents in the league, players and community members thanked a volunteer for his years of service to the team - Coach TJ Dangerfield. Dangerfield has coached in the league for six seasons and led his team, Alfano's Avalanche, to titles in back to back years.

Unfortunately, that has now come to a close as Dangerfield readies to leave for Florida with his family and brothers this coming January. He has one season left to coach with the Elmont Cardinals Football League and he will be assisting the New Hyde Park football team this fall. By day, he's working toward a teaching degree and serves as community liaison to Assemblyman Tom Alfano. In the evenings, you can see Dangerfield putting his teams through the rigors of practice in baseball, football and GYO's basketball program.

The evening kicked off with Assemblyman Tom Alfano leading tributes to Dangerfield not only as a coach but as a member of his staff for four years. "TJ is a role model for young people. The heroes aren't the guys who play football and baseball and make the million dollar salaries, they're the guys like TJ who teach you and make you into the fine young men you are today. I'm proud to call him a friend." The team, which Assemblyman Alfano sponsors, had one of its best seasons to date. They beat teams from Garden City South, Cambria Heights, Malverne, Carle Place, Valley Stream and West Hempstead. Next week, the Avalanche begin practice for a tournament in Queens.

During the dinner, the 13 and 14-year-old players stood up and thanked their coach for having confidence in them. Biondis Vasquez, a pitcher and second baseman on the team said, "TJ was my first real coach who taught me how to field the ball and fixed my hitting." Brian Williams, a pitcher and first baseman, who has played for Dangerfield's teams for four years added, "He made us work hard and he helped make me the player I am today." Tyshawn Mack said, "Thank you TJ, you made me a better player and I learned a lot from you."

Perhaps the most poignant moment in the evening happened when outfielder Sebastian Clerge stood up and said, "You taught us to take control of the game. You were tough. We practiced hard and when we made a mistake you told us, but you also supported me and told me I did a good job. We always felt we were a team."

Parents added their thoughts as well and took turns talking about the season and the impact the coaches had on the children. Sharing the coaching duties with Dangerfield over the years has been Andre Ward, Scott Cushing and Maurice Terlonge. Lita Gilkes, choking back tears said simply, "We're so proud of you TJ and thank you for caring for our children." Sue Williams added, "I've seen you grow up with these kids TJ and I'm proud of you and grateful for what you've done for these boys."

When the speeches concluded, the moved coach and mentor thanked his players, parents and fellow coaches and told them he was proud of them. The evening concluded when the coach brought the team into a circle and said, "on three ... 1, 2, 3, and the team yelled, 'Elmont' " And, he reminded them they had practice on Monday for their tournament team.