Little League starts 66th season

Mother Nature would not give up her icy grip on the streets and fields of Rockville Centre on April 9. In the interest of the safety the players and their families, the Rockville Centre Little League had no choice but to cancel its traditional opening day parade and ceremonies at Hickey Field.

Another, newer tradition continued unabated though. For the sixth consecutive year, the league brought hope for many people in need, as the Opening Day Food Drive was moved indoors to the Recreation Center. Every league family was asked to bring an item of food for the needy. The tables were staffed by members of the Little League’s Board of Directors, kids from the Youth Umpire Corps and other local student volunteers.

This year, the league managed to collect more than 2,000 items of food. It was shared with food pantries run by the Vineyard Church, St. Agnes Cathedral Service Center/Outreach, the Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Central Synagogue of Nassau County and the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, all of which provide food to those in need in Rockville Centre.

“In the five years since the opening day food drive was begun, the league has collected over 15,000 pounds of food for our neighbors in need”, said this year’s food drive coordinator, Tommy Maher. Also contributing to the cause was the Rockville Centre Lions Club — which provided King Kullen gift cards for each of the receiving organizations.

Although the traditional ceremonies at Hickey field were cancelled due to the cold, league president Tom Bucaria took time at the Rec Center ceremony to acknowledge three very special honorees. This year’s first balls of the season were to be thrown out by past league President Tom Galluccio and Paulette Joyce, the wife of past Vice President of Softball Rich Joyce, who passed away earlier this year. Paulette was joined by her daughters Lauren and Caroline, both former Rockville Centre Little Leaguers.

Highest honors were saved for this year’s honorary Grand Marshal, William Jack. Will is a Little Leaguer and is currently battling cancer.

“The entire Little League community is behind you, Will,” said Bucaria. “If there is anything that anyone can do to help, we will be here for you and your family.”

Little League games will begin this week and continue until mid June.