Rockville Centre Little League hosts awards dinner

Three nights after the San Francisco Giants won the World Series, the Rockville Centre Little League had its own baseball celebration. On Nov. 4 at the Coral House in Baldwin, league and local representatives honored players and board members during the annual RVC Little League dinner, which marked the end of its 60th baseball season in Rockville Centre.

“Tonight is a night to celebrate your success,” said outgoing Little League President Bob Tolan to the players and coaches. “We’re very proud of you all.”

During the festivities, the league honored those teams that finished in first and second place in their division, starting with Minor League Softball and ending with the Senior League. In total, 15 individual sportsmanship awards were handed out and four players received Most Valuable Player honors.  

Frank Keating, chairman of the little league board, received the Mort Geller service plaque commemorating his 31-year-involvement with the Rockville Centre Little League.

“I’m humbled to receive this award,” Keating said. “I’ve had many highlights over my years and 2011 will be a transition year for me.”

Keating, who managed the RVC Herald team in the Senior League during his final year did not hesitate to list the notable accomplishments of the village Little League since its inception in 1951. Among those accomplishments are 93 District Championships, 18 Long Island Championships and five New York State Championships.

This year, Rockville Centre had three district winning teams: the 11-year-old Williamsport All Stars, the 9-and-10-year-old Softball Williamsport All Stars and the 11-and-12-year-old Softball Williamsport All Stars.

Following its annual tradition, the league also invited New York Yankee relief pitcher David Robertson to be the guest speaker at the baseball dinner. Roberston, 25, was a member of the 2009 New York Yankees championship team.

“I’m honored to be here,” Robertson told the attendees. “I would love to play in New York for the rest of my career so I could come back to these dinners.”

When asked about playing to his potential, Robertson shared some advice with the young players who want to improve their baseball skills.

“Make sure to breathe and collect yourself,” he said. “It’ll help you to perform on the big stage like you should. But most importantly, have fun when you’re out on the field because baseball is meant to be played that way.”