Little League, village honor LaBarberaTree planting, plaque dedication held; Opening Day ceremony, games rained out

During a ceremony at Firemen's Field, a plaque donated by the Valley Stream Little League was unveiled near a tree that was planted in memory of LaBarbera by the Village of Valley Stream. Little League president John Faust led the 25-minute dedication, which was attended by LaBarbera's family and friends, as well as members of the Little League's family and representatives from the Central High School and Valley Stream communities.
LaBarbera, a Central junior, was taken too soon last Oct. 17. He had been taking part in a basketball clinic when at about 5:40 p.m., he dropped to the ground while jumping rope. He was rushed to Franklin Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. by emergency room personnel. Hundreds attended his wake and funeral to pay their respects to LaBarbera, who was described as an "all-around role model" by those who knew him.
In addition to remarks by Faust, LaBarbera's parents, Sue and John, accepted a baseball jersey in memory of their son that was presented by Central baseball coaches Rich Adams, Tony Lombardo and Chris LoPicillo, Little League Board member Bill Butler read a poem written by LaBarbera, and the Rev. Thomas Harold, Holy Name of Mary pastor, led the crowd in prayer.
"A Tribute to Johnny," which includes the dedication at Firemen's Field, will air on Indian Variety Show on Cablevision channel 20 on Saturday, April 15, at 11 a.m. Ajay Batra is producing. Visit www.ivstv.com for more information.
In the months since his sudden and tragic death, LaBarbera's basketball jersey, number 31, was retired by Central during a ceremony last February, and the John LaBarbera ICAN Memorial Scholarship at Central High School was created in his memory late last year. It will be awarded annually to a student who displays "integrity, character, altruism, and nobility," according to a letter that proposed creation of the scholarship received by Superintendent Dr. Marc Bernstein.
The Little League's Opening Day games and ceremony, heralding the start of the 49th season, were supposed to take place immediately following the tribute to LaBarbera, but were cancelled due to the rain.