Despite the rain, Malverne Little League hosted their opening day ceremony on April 5 at Harris Field. The ceremony began with an introduction of all the teams in the league, which includes nearly 400 children from local communities according to Pat Rudden, Little League president.
“We’re looking forward to a great season, building up our fields and making it better for the kids,” said Rudden. “We’re putting a lot of time and effort into it, and we truly appreciate everyone’s support.”
Much of the improvements seen at Harris Field are due to the hard work of the US Navy Construction Battalion, who volunteered their time to improve the baseball field last season. “They came down and helped us do some field projects,” said Commander Anthony Huskisson, vice president of the MLL. “So they got some training out of it in preparation for their requirements, and in return they helped us redo the field, put the fencing up and do construction work.”
The League received a $20,000 grant for minor repairs from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, a foundation with the New York Mets. “We’re gonna put that into building up our fields and making everything better,” Rudden said.
The Andrew Macdonald scholarship was awarded to two players in the league, covering their costs for the season. Andrew Macdonald is a Lynbrook native who passed away seven years ago due to cancer and was heavily involved with the league.
“I wanted to do something in his memory and he loved Little League,” said Joyce Macdonald. “He played here as a child, he taught our children to play here in Malverne.” Macdonald and her son Scott awarded the scholarship during the ceremony.
They also joined Mayor Tim Sullivan and the Village’s Board of Trustee’s in throwing out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2025 Little League season.
A full day of baseball was planned for opening day but the games were cancelled due to the weather.
