Sunday, November 9, 2025
A turf field at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford was recently named in honor of the late Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini, who dedicated his time in office to championing park and infrastructure improvements for the town’s residents.
The dedication ceremony, held on the baseball turf field on Oct. 19, brought together dozens of friends and family of the late councilman to witness the event. In attendance were elected officials, Beyond the Badge NY, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce and several members of law enforcement. The Seaford Little League and the Seaford Broncos, a football and cheerleading organization that competes in the Nassau County Youth Football League, were also in attendance.
Carini’s wife, Danielle, and their son, Joey, unveiled the sign, which hangs above home plate and reads “Councilman Chris Carini Field.” Joey, 13, has played in the Seaford Little League and for the Broncos since kindergarten. Danielle called it “an honor” to have a field named after her husband and said she was happy to see the community come together to celebrate it.
“He’d be so proud of this turnout and that kids will be able to play on this field for years to come,” she said.
Carini, a Seaford resident, was involved with local sports, having coached both the Seaford Little League and the Seaford Broncos. Since 2020, he served as councilman for the town’s 5th District, which includes Wantagh, Seaford, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, Lido Beach and Point Lookout. He died unexpectedly on July 14, 2024, at age 49, while visiting family in Florida.
Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti hosted the ceremony, calling Carini a “dedicated public servant” who had an “immeasurable” impact on the community.
“Chris did so much for the Seaford community,” Ferretti said. “When kids and parents come here to enjoy America’s pastime, they’ll see Chris’s name, and his legacy of serving the community will live on.”
Carini played a key role in securing funding and advancing the Seamans Neck Park field upgrades, which broke ground in 2021. He helped obtain the $2 million investment through the town’s capital improvement program, citing an improved bond rating that allowed the town to borrow at lower costs and save taxpayers money. Carini also worked closely with Little League leaders to address drainage issues that had left fields unusable after rain.
“He helped make this happen,” Christopher Roth, Seaford Little League president, said of Carini’s accomplishments regarding the turf field. “He was an amazing supporter of the Seaford Little League.”
Councilman Chris Schneider, who was sworn in to fill Carini’s seat and won election to retain it last year, said the naming of the field was a “perfect” tribute to the late councilman.
“This is a place that he really loved being at,” Schneider said. “When I think of Chris Carini, I have good memories of him at Seamans Neck Park watching his son play baseball.”
Carini’s friend, State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who also attended the event, said providing safe places for kids to play was one of Carini’s passions as a councilman.
“To see this field — that he fought so hard to improve — dedicated in his honor is a fitting tribute to him,” Rhoads said. “It’s a reminder to all of us of what public service is about: making our community better.”
Carini held a long career in public service, including more than two decades in law enforcement with the NYPD, MTA, and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department. He was also involved in community safety, civic activities, and local quality-of-life initiatives.
After the dedication ceremony, the Little League held an exhibition game on the field, with Danielle throwing out the first pitch to her son. A memorial sign with a biography of Councilman Carini was also unveiled on the fence leading to the ballfield.
“Every time a child steps onto this field, and every time a family gathers here to cheer on a game, Chris’s legacy of public service and community involvement will live on,” Ferretti said.
