by Jerry Burke
In past, baseball greats like relievers John Franco and Goose Gossage and starter David Cone have graced the stage, exciting even the parents who dedicate themselves to making baseball a worthwhile endeavor for the boys and girls.
But tonight, even the older crowd was going to end up being 12 years old all over again. Tonight's speaker was one of the best who ever played. And Bob Klein was a happy young man.
This is such a special year for us, said Klein on the occasion of the league's 53th Annual Dinner. We've had a great season, we had two district champions, we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of our 1978 World Series team, he said, referring to the New York State and Eastern Regional team that placed fourth at the Williamsport, Pennsylvania classic. And, of course, we're celebrating Pierre.
The presence of Pierre Madacsi, the committed coach who succumbed to stomach cancer at the age of 45 over the summer, was palpable on this occasion. Even though he was sick, he never stopped coaching, said Klein. He stood for everything we stand for: knowing that win or lose, we are there to have fun. Baseball is going to miss a guy like that.
Fellow coach and New York Mets vice president Dave Howard, in between giving direction to the guest speaker's caravan via cell phone, also spoke highly of Madacsi. He was one of our best coaches and served on our board. He was the best.
As the evening began, it was apparent the guest speaker, who remained a secret to all but the board and Madacsi's widow, Nadia, was running a little late. All I know is that, despite the fact he was a Yankee fan, Pierre would have loved to meet him, said Nadia, alluding to the speaker's standing as perhaps the greatest of all Metropolitans. To top it all off, the speaker was donating his fee to Nadia and her family, Matthew, 14, Rachael and Peter, 12, and Leah 8. I am honored and humbled by it. It's such a surprise.
Baseball was Pierre's life, continued Nadia. When we were first married, he played on five softball leagues. As each of our kids were born, he shed one league off his schedule. When his oldest Matthew came of age, Pierre dedicated himself to Little League. This year, he coached his youngest son Peter's team until his passing. The team came in a close second.
Also on hand for the evening's festivities were three members of the 1978 team: Mark Mokrzycki, Chris Carter and Tim Jansen, as well as manager Charles Jansen and coach Bob Glover. Manager Jansen, who now considers himself a spectator, was happy to see Little League still so active. With all the sports and activities available to kids today, it's tough, said Jansen. Kids are into everything. But it still remembers what it is all about: teamwork and fun.
Mokrzycki, now a doctor in Manhattan, remembered that championship season fondly. I was living out a fantasy. It's been with me forever. The team's starting first baseman said the things he learned in Little League always stuck with him. It's a great organization and it prepares you for life.
Finally, after a few missed turns on the rainy evening, the speaker had arrived. George Thomas Seaver, three time Cy Young award winner and the only Hall of Famer with a Met's cap on his plaque, was introduced by Klein, who reminisced about being at Yankee Stadium the night Seaver won his 300th game as a member of the Chicago White Sox. Even as a Yankee fan, you had to cheer him on, said Klein.
Before he spoke, Seaver graciously forwent his dinner and handed out the awards given to each team personally, including the 11 and 12 Year Old Baseball and 9 and 10 Year Old Softball Williamsport All Stars District 30 championship teams.
Seaver addressed the crowd, reminiscing about his days in Little League. I remember my first real disappointment in life was when I was eight years old and my coach told me I didn't make the team, he said of his days growing up in California. I went up to my room a cried for hours. Of course, it wasn't the coaches fault: I had lied about my age.
The crowd loved hearing about Seaver's experiences as he worked his way up into the majors, but he kept coming back to what Little League did for him. My first trophy on my mantle was the ball from a Little League game I pitched a perfect game with, said Seaver. And whenever I looked at it, I remember all those words you keep hearing tonight: teamwork, leadership, focus, hard work, dedication. It's those same things that get you through life.
Seaver then fielded a few questions from the crowd. When asked what was the one pitch he could have back if he could, Seaver grimaced jokingly at the young lady who asked it, pretending to be insulted by the insinuation that he even threw a bad pitch. One member of the audience shouted out, Jimmy Qualls, referring to the light-hitting Cubs outfielder who blooped a single off Seaver to break up his perfect game bid in the ninth in a 1969 game. Hey, buddy, retorted Seaver. Between you and me, we have 311 wins in majors! The crowd howled in laughter.
Before Seaver spent the rest of the evening signing autographs, Nadia
Madacsi came up to thank Seaver for coming. My husband absolutely would have loved to be here to meet you, said Nadia, who also thanked everyone for their support in this tough time. He loved baseball, and you guys knew it.
You know, we've had some great evenings here, said Little League Vice President Charles Cannone, who was stepping down after 13 years on the board. But this was really special. Rockville Centre is the best.
