Thursday, October 1, 2026
After a long, lingering winter, Rockville Centre welcomed spring as hundreds gathered for the Little League’s 75th Opening Day parade, a tradition that once again brought the community together in celebration of a new season.
Families, players, and local officials assembled outside South Side Middle School on the morning of April 18 before stepping off along a route through North Park and Maple avenues and down Morris Avenue, ending at Hickey Field for opening ceremonies. Emergency vehicles led the way with lights flashing, followed by league dignitaries in classic cars and the South Side Middle School Marching Band. Dozens of baseball and softball teams marched behind them, their colorful uniforms and banners filling the streets.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year, aside from Championship Saturday,” said league chairman Mike Lawless. “It’s a great day that marks the start of the season—the kids are excited, and the community really comes together.”
At Hickey Field, Little League President Peter Klugewicz served as emcee. He was joined by Mayor Francis X. Murray, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, and Congresswoman Laura Gillen. Student Lucy Donahue performed the national anthem.
During the ceremony, Gillen announced $2 million in federal Community Project Funding to renovate Hickey Field and expand accessibility for the Challenger program. The funding, secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process and administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will support a comprehensive overhaul of the complex.
Plans include converting the grass fields to synthetic turf to improve playability and address drainage issues, along with upgraded lighting, erosion control, and new landscaping. The project also emphasizes accessibility, with ADA-compliant restrooms, repaved walking paths and an inclusive playground designed for children with varying mobility and sensory needs.
The improvements are expected to benefit the Rockville Centre Challenger League, a division founded in 2012 that provides adaptive baseball opportunities for players with physical and intellectual disabilities. Officials said current field conditions, including uneven surfaces and dust, can create challenges for participants and their families.
“The Little League told me, ‘Our kids deserve the best field, and we want to make it more accessible for our Challenger League,’” Gillen said. “We worked closely with the village and the league to make sure the application was as strong as possible.”
Village officials are awaiting final guidance from the federal government before moving into the bidding phase, with construction expected to begin once procedures are complete.
The day also included recognition of the league’s fourth Hall of Fame class. Inductees included Mort Geller, Art Schnabel, and Ed Maher in the coaching category, along with players Jay Pette, Kenny Schnabel, Matt Lemanczyk, Mike Lennon, Chuck Kniffin and Jack Finch.
Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Frank Keating said the class represents decades of contributions to the league. “To bring back the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 90s was a big deal,” he said.
One of the day’s most memorable moments came when Mike Lennon received his medallion from his father, drawing applause from the crowd.
“It’s just a very special day and an honor,” Lennon said.
The ceremony concluded with ceremonial first pitches by the Hall of Famers and a slate of three “National League” games, officially opening a milestone season for Rockville Centre Little League.
