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Overcast Revamped baseball awards night a homerun
With a host of new partnerships, the Valley Stream Baseball League, formerly known as the Mail League, held its annual awards night on Sept. 11 at the VFW hall.
One player from each of the three upper divisions was recognized for their good play and good sportsmanship. Bob Inzerillo, president of the league, said that the recipients were chosen by the coaches. “We picked one player from each division that we feel best represents our league,” he said.
For the Firemen’s Division –– formerly the Mattingly division and recently renamed for the field where a majority of games are played –– the award went to 9-year-old Jake Byrnes of the Nationals. It was presented by Valley Stream Fire Chief Antonio Nuzzi and First Assistant Chief Joe Fernandez.
The Mantle Division Award, named for Baxter’s Sport Shop, went to 12-year-old Liam Dougherty of the Mets. “Liam is an all-around good player,” his coach Steve Oliveri said, adding that Liam always gives 110 percent.
The Seaver Division award, named for Valley Stream Mayor Ed Cahill, was presented to Jeffrey Lantigua. His coach, Chris Vesely, lavished praise upon his star player. “With his type of talent, sometimes I felt that he was coaching me,” Vesely said. “He plays 100 percent. He’s going to have a lot of success in the future.”
Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce President Debbi Gyulay presented the coach of the year award, now named for the local merchants’ organization. The recipient was Russ Brodsky.
Inzerillo said that Brodsky did all the little things to make the league work such as making phone calls and helping to re-schedule rainouts. Brodsky also remained very devoted to his team. “He’s family to them, and they treat him just like that,” Inzerillo said.
The final individual honor for the evening was the Valley Stream Herald Outstanding Contributor Award. It went to Richard DeAngelis, an eight-year member of the league and former president. DeAngelis said he was surprised by the honor. “I’m just happy I brought my wife,” he said.
