The Uniondale All Stars Little League celebrated its 15th anniversary in style on Saturday, kicking off the new season with a community parade and ceremony for Opening Day.
“This celebration isn’t just about the past, it’s about the future,” parade organizer Theudia Chambers said. “This is a coming together of the Uniondale community in support of our youth.”
The Little League is a volunteer-run, nonprofit baseball and softball program for boys and girls ages 4 to 14, who play at local fields, including Uniondale Park, Cedar Street Park, Smith Street Park and more, according to league registration materials.
Chambers added that the program caters to 30 kids.
About eight players walked alongside the Uniondale School District’s various marching bands, dancers and service members, all of whom marched down Uniondale Avenue, from Cedar Street Park to Uniondale Park.
The league relies heavily on volunteer coaches, umpires and field workers throughout the season, according to Assemblyman Noah Burroughs.
“Being someone who understands the importance of both family and sports, it’s important to acknowledge the amount of people who do work behind the scenes,” Burroughs said. “As a former athlete, I’d like to thank all the family members and community members that put the hard work into putting on our youth sports.”
One of the prominent figures behind the scenes of the Uniondale All Stars Little League is President Ronnie Williams, who has been instrumental in the organization’s success.
“It’s been a long journey with a lot of work, but I don’t mind, because it’s for a good cause,” Williams said. “Everything counts for these young people.
“That’s why I keep doing what I do,” he added. “To show them that there is a future for them, and it starts right here — inside the baseball diamond.”
The league serves as a valuable outlet for the Uniondale community’s youth, who are interested in learning about “America’s Pastime.” For Williams, the league allows him to interact with the sport that he always loved.
“I played football and basketball, but baseball was my true first love,” Williams said. “It’s a thinking man’s game. There are so many components. It’s almost like playing chess.”
As president, he also sees the baseball diamond as a place to develop the necessary skills that won’t just aid the children in being successful on the playing field but also help them by building traits and qualities that they will carry throughout life.
“Sometimes these players experience failures, but just like in life, it isn’t always going to be easy,” Williams said. “What matters is that you put your best foot forward. If you make a mistake, that’s okay. That doesn’t mean that you are a failure for life.”
Music filled the air throughout the parade, as the bands from the Academy Charter School, Lawrence Road Middle School and Turtle Hook Middle School marched and played with pride en route to the final ceremony.
The event serves as a source of community pride for many, with local schools and organizations remaining steadfast in support of the league.
“It’s always amazing to see the support that the Uniondale community provides to our children,” Chambers said. “These children always love the experience of being able to march in a parade, and to see the entire community supporting them.”
The parade and ceremony concluded with U.S. Army veteran Mike Cappello, who serves as commander of American Legion Post 1487 in Uniondale, throwing the honorary first pitch.
To Cappello, the joy and togetherness that comes with an event like this is incredibly important to the community.
“This is one of the best things in the world,” Cappello said. “Environments like these are full of teamwork, camaraderie, and discipline — all things that are so important to surround the youth with.”
The opening day ceremonies meant much more than commemorating the league’s 15th anniversary — it represented the unity within the community, organizers said. And it will run until
“The more you get the community involved, the stronger it’s going to be,” Williams said. “No matter what, (Uniondale) is where we live, and we want to see the community thrive.”
