By NANCY HILER
"Michael Muniz was the son of Hector Muniz, a Freeport coach and my close friend," said Jerry Marino, the Little League president. The 19-year-old Muniz was murdered around Christmas 2007, Marino said, adding, "The person responsible had been a close friend who was addicted to drugs."
In April 2009, a jury found Marvin Delarosa, 21, of Freeport, guilty of first- and second-degree murder, first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a weapon in the death of the younger Muniz. Delarosa was sentenced to 25 years to life without the possibility of parole, according to Nassau County District Attorney's Office records.
"The Munizes decided to start the Michael Muniz Youth Baseball Foundation in their son's honor to raise money for boys and girls from Freeport to play ball and hopefully turn into quality young adults we all can be proud of," Marino said. The league provided trophies and shirts for the tournament and donated all proceeds to the foundation.
Town of Hempstead Clerk Mark Bonilla came to the tournament to give out the trophies as well as award a certificate of merit to the Muniz family. The fund-raiser takes place annually over the Memorial Day weekend. Those interested in donating to the cause should contact Marino through the Little League
Comments about this story? NHiler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 203.
