Valbrook hits all the basics

Young baseball enthusiasts have flocked to Firemen’s Field in Valley Stream in July to participate in one of the top sports programs available to kids on Long Island.

Valbrook Baseball Academy, under the direction of longtime high school teachers and coaches Tony Lombardo and Al Marazzo, began its 12th year of operation by attracting nearly 60 participants to each of its first two one-week sessions. The camp, open to boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 14, moves to Greis Park in Lynbrook for two additional sessions (July 22-26 and July 29-Aug.2.)

“We’ve developed a strong reputation and get a lot of kids coming back year after year,” said Lombardo, who’s approaching 25 years as an assistant varsity baseball coach at Valley Stream Central High School. “We pack in a lot of instruction, but in no way is it baseball boot camp,” he added. “We have a quality coaching staff and provide a perfect mix of learning and fun. We make it very enjoyable.”

Lombardo and Marrazzo, who just completed his 12th year as Lynbrook’s varsity baseball coach, have a combined 30 years in school classrooms and nearly the same amount of experience in coaching or working in various camps. Prior to starting Valbrook, they worked together for seven years at Buddy Harrelson’s Baseball Academy. “We took some of the aspects we learned at Buddy’s camp and added some of our own,” Lombardo said. “Baseball is a lot of repetition. Kids are going to get more swings and infield practice in one week here than they would in a whole season of little league. Parents will notice a difference between when they drop their kids off Monday and pick them up Friday.”

A typical camp day begins at 9 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. A half-day session ending at noon is offered for 5-6 year olds. Each day brings something different in terms of skill development, Lombardo said. Sessions are capped by parents or guardians of campers participating in a home run derby. “We’re family friendly,” Lombardo said. “The kids love watching their parents or an uncle or someone else they know take some swings.”

Nine-year old Matthew Wallach, of Valley Stream, has attended Valbrook since his tee-ball days. His mother, Michele, said she likes the balance of instruction and fun, as well as the positive reinforcement Valbrook’s staff provides on a daily basis. “Everything about it is so positive,” she said.

For more information or to register for upcoming weekly sessions at Greis Park, go to www.valbrook.com.