By Nick Buglione
Teaching the essential life lessons of teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship, the East Meadow Little League, now one of the largest on Long Island since its humble beginnings in 1952, is in many ways responsible for the transformation of this fledgling, post-World War II community into the bustling suburban town it is today.
In celebration of its golden anniversary, more than 300 members of the East Meadow Little League, as well as elected officials and community sponsors, gathered at the Chateau Briand in Westbury on Friday, Sept. 13.
"Planning this event was like having a baby, it started nine months ago," said Dominic Tinnerello, life member of the East Meadow Little League and organizer of the evening.
The event marked the homecoming of East Meadow Little League alumnus and former Major League Baseball pitcher Frank Viola.
Viola spent 15 seasons in the big leagues, winning a World Series with the Minnesota Twins in 1987 and a Cy Young Award in 1988. The 42-year-old has served as a beacon of hope for the thousands of East Meadow kids that one day dream to play baseball professional.
"It's always great to be back. East Meadow was a great place to grow up," said Viola, who now makes his home in Florida. "I'll come back every year."
Viola was among the four honorees of the evening, which included past commissioners Al Carpentier and Clement Grieco and 2002 Florida Marlins draft pick Tom Merkle.
Having also come up with the East Meadow Little League, the 21-year-old Merkle was selected in the 15th round of the draft on June 4.
It was only fitting that Viola, after accepting the golden player award commemorating his major league career, present Merkle with an honor celebrating his bright future in professional baseball.
"This might be major leaguer number two right here," Viola said. Merkle, who is admittedly more comfortable behind the plate than at the microphone, was appreciative of the award and the kind words from Viola.
"Frank Viola was one of my favorite players," he said. "This is a really great honor."
After playing 11 games with the Jamestown Jammers, the Class A, minor league affiliate of the Florida Marlins, the third baseman's season was cut short after he broke a bone in his left hand that had to be surgically removed.
"In my first game the adrenaline was pumping like crazy," Merkle said. "I was swinging at everything. I went 0-4 with two strikeouts."
Settling down, Merkle went on a tear hitting three homeruns in three consecutive games before his injury.
Still, those that have contributed off the field are just as much responsible for putting the East Meadow Little League on the map.
"We owe a lot to Al Carpentier, which is why he's being honored this year," said Gregory Peterson, the evening's master of ceremonies and former supervisor of the Town of Hempstead.
Involved with the East Meadow Little League for 42 years, Carpentier's biggest contribution was transforming the former barracks on Merrick Avenue into a complex of ball fields where the kids could play.
"I did that without a penny cost to the town or county," Carpentier said. "It's a matter of love. The more you give in life, the more you get."
In the lineup somewhere, on the very first day of East Meadow Little League games, was a young Clement Grieco.
"It was my first opportunity to play organized baseball and it was pretty exciting," Grieco said.
Remaining in the community, Grieco's children eventually played in the league as well. Starting out initially as a coach, he eventually joined the board of directors and finally served as commissioner for a 12-year term in the mid-1970s.
"We teach children the foundations of baseball--sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork--all qualities they'll use their whole lives. We might not turn out all Frank Violas, but we turn out some great kids."
With more than 1,400 children registered to play this year, the East Meadow Little League has over 100 teams, including four in the Challenger Division for the handicapped.
All the proceeds from the Sept. 13 anniversary event went toward the league, which is primarily funded through the sponsors of teams, fundraising and registration fees.
