By: Tom Jordan
In one of the annual rites of spring, Rockville Centre's Little Leaguers marched us all into spring. Last Saturday, on an unmistakably November-like afternoon, the miniature sluggers, wearing new uniforms, the greatest of all joys, paraded from South Side Middle School, past Village Hall, down Maple Avenue and to Hickey Field.
Dark skies, cruel winds and a chill rain claimed the game, but hundreds of rays of sunshine gave the opening day ceremony all the warmth it needed. Like seasoned pros, the proud ballplayers traced the lip of the infield during the proceedings. They knew just how to remove their caps and place them over their hearts for the singing of the National Anthem, sung by league vice-president Jim Tarpey.
As they marched, carrying banners and wearing caps that in many cases looked at least one size too large, parents and well-wishers waved and snapped pictures. Many walked arm-in-arm and some played that time-tested game, steal-your-cap. Four fire trucks let their sirens wail as the procession arrived at the ball park.
The chalk lines had been laid, the grass had been cut and red-white-and-blue bunting adorned the outfield fence. All that was needed was an umpire's shout to "play ball," but the edict never came. The field, which had soaked up the better half of a week's worth of showers, was not playable, despite the best efforts of Tony Brunetta, superintendent of parks and recreation. The decision to call the game was made in the morning, pushing the opening game instead to Tuesday evening.
"I think we would have been okay if we didn't get that last storm [Saturday] morning," league president Bob Klein said. He noted that if Brunetta couldn't get the field in shape in time for the game, then nobody could have. "He's everywhere, and he's great for our kids. You can find him raking the fields at 6 a.m. and shutting down the lights at midnight." But Klein buoyed himself with the thought of brighter days, both those of the past and those of the future.
"Welcome to our second 50 years," Klein said of the program, which celebrated its golden anniversary last year. More than 1,000 boys and girls, aged seven to 18 played last season. Yet the program still keeps its youthful charm.
"We measure our program not by the 74 championships we've won," he said. "We don't measure our success by our winning. We measure our success in our children."
Once a second baseman, always a second baseman, State Senator Dean Skelos reminisced about his days on the diamond. "Hickey Field brings back so many great memories for me, though that wasn't quite 51 years ago," he said.
Skelos played the second sack for the 1960 New York district champions and now sponsors a team of 10-, 11- and 12-year-olds aptly named the Senators.
Also on hand were Nassau County Legislator Joseph Scannell, Mayor Eugene Murray, Deputy Mayor Wayne Lipton and village trustees Mary Bossart, Bud Cosgrove, and Jack Matthews.
The lure of the game touched them all.
Mayor Murray, with his own cap pulled over his eyes, thanked the program's many sponsors and coaches. Cosgrove, finishing his final months as a trustee, threw out the ceremonial first pitch -- a perfect strike.
Lipton and Matthews, standing in the middle of the infield, couldn't resist sharing their own memories. Matthews remembered that he was a solid third baseman. Lipton was a left fielder, though he admitted his diminished range would probably limit him to first base if he were to lace 'em up today.
In anticipation of another fine year in the sun, Klein reminded parents of the importance of attending their childrens' games. "In Little League," he said, "every kid is a star at least once. Don't miss it."
On Saturday, they were all stars.
