By Zack Richner
Rockville Centre belongs to Little League District 30. This past season, five RVC teams won their age group's District 30 championship. In baseball, the 10-year-old, the 11- and 12-year-old, the 15- and 16-year-old Senior League, and the Big League Williamsport tournament teams were all champions. In softball, the Junior League girls dominated their age group.
Star pitcher Hillary Hirsch led the softball champions, receiving the 15-/16-year-old softball MVP honors at the dinner. Hirsch pitched a shutout against Island Park in the championship game to bring home the title for the team. Amanda Tarpey won the 15/16 sportsmanship award.
The baseball MVP award for 16-year-olds went to Will O'Grady and the 16-year-old sportsmanship award went to Phil Linder. Both were members of the Big League champions.
Rita Etienne became the first female to win the Mort Geller Service Award. She started the Rockville Centre softball program in 1994. Amidst tears, she said, "This was the most important thing in my life," referring to the founding of the league. Etienne had played little league as a child and was always one to have her voice be heard.
The excitement of the night did not end at the awards. Each year a major leaguer makes an appearance to sign autographs and gives the keynote address. This year, it was Yankee great Rich "Goose" Gossage greeting the crowd. In a 22-year career, Gossage established himself as one of the best relief pitchers in the history of baseball. He ranks third among the Yankees' career-saves leaders, and is 11th on the all-time list. When it comes to game appearances, Gossage is sixth among all-time pitchers.
During his tenure with the Yanks, he compiled a low 2.14 ERA, and carried them to a World Series win in 1978.
Looking out across a sea of kids, Gossage emphasized the need to play the game for fun. "Nothing warms the cockles of your heart like these kids do," said Gossage. "This is what the game is all about."
Gossage grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle and said he never imagined he would one day make it to the majors. He commented on the outrageous salaries of today's players, saying, "I would have played the game for nothing."
Gossage added, "It still isn't about the money. I know the game has changed, but you play it with a passion; you play it for the love of the game."
The speech was inspirational and nostalgic. "I can honestly say that the memories I have from Little League rival all of those all-star teams I was selected to and the big games I pitched in.... Nothing rivals the memories I have of baseball growing up."
He concluded, "It isn't life or death; it's a game, and it's an awesome game. Have fun and don't be afraid to make a mistake out there... Don't let anyone ever tell you you can't do something.... Above all, I just want to say have fun! The game is an awesome, awesome game."
