By Andrew Hackmack
Alas, play won't begin until next spring, after the new grass has a chance to put down roots, but that didn't stop the Valley Stream Little League from celebrating last Saturday. The league entered into a partnership with Valley Stream District 13 to create its first regulation home field.
"We didn't use any school tax money," Little League President John Faust said. In fact, it took 10 years, four presidents and a lot budget-watching for the league to raise the $220,000 needed to construct the field. It also took an effort to find the perfect location.
District 13 Board of Education Vice President Debra Evans said that everyone worked hard and exhibited admirable patience as the league and the district worked out an arrangement that was beneficial for both. "This is absolutely one of the best things that I think any school board could be involved in," she said. "It's a fantastic project to see come to fruition."
Evans noted that the field is ecologically friendly. "We even used recycled dirt to level the field," she said.
Saturday morning's ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Little League and school district officials, local politicians, coaches, parents and dozens of players. The children who will use the field are looking forward to the upcoming season. "It looks like a major league baseball field," said Erik Dietz.
Tyler Eckles attends Howell Road School, so he gets to see the field every day. He appreciates the partnership between the league and school district officials to turn the dream into a reality. "They worked really hard, and they were really dedicated," Eckles said.
Up to now, Valley Stream Little League teams have played many of their games at the village's Firemen's Field. Because that field does not meet Little League regulations, however, the league has been unable to host any tournaments.
The field has 60-foot baselines and a 200-foot outfield fence. There is also a warning track, safety fencing and dugouts for the teams.
Michael Barone, a player in the league, attended Howell Road School and is now in Memorial Junior High. He said the best feature of the new field is the outfield fence, something lacking at Firemen's Field. He looks forward to launching a home run over the wall in the spring.
Faust and Chris Viggiano, a past president of the league, were honored by County Legislator John Ciotti - a Howell Road alumnus himself - for their leadership of the project. Ciotti had two simple words for the players: "Play ball!"
Several grants helped fund the project, including one for $55,000 from State Sen. Dean Skelos and one for $20,000 from the Town of Hempstead, which Councilman James Darcy helped secure. Faust said the money from the town will be for uniforms, which will allow the league to spend its usual uniform allocation on the field.
Viggiano thanked all the members of the league's executive board, who worked behind the scenes to get the deal done. He said that while many of them do not have children who will benefit from the project, they remained dedicated to it just the same.
Howell Road Principal Frank Huplosky threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Saturday's event. The ribbon-cutting took place at home plate, and the celebration ended with the players taking a few trips around the bases.
Although the field's inaugural season is months away, many young athletes are already brimming with anticipation. "I can't wait," Little Leaguer Steven Gotkin said. "We finally have a nice field - our own field."
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Photos by Andrew Vardakis/Herald
