Baseball Memories

FBLI's 2008 9 Yr. Old Greendogs

2008 Baseball Season

The FBLI Farmingdale Greendogs had a tremendously successful 2008 season.  They were runner ups for the RYO Blast Tournament, runner ups at the Labor Day Baseball Heaven Tournament, and took first place honors in the NJBL Summer League.  Congratulations to the entire team for a fantastic year filled with lots of excitement and fun. 

FBLI's 2008 12 Yr. Old Cooperstown Team Places Second at Cooperstown Baseball World and Brings Lots of Great Memories Back to Farmingdale

July 12th - July 18th, 2008

The FBLI Farmingdale Greendogs 12 year old Cooperstown team made their trip to the Cooperstown Baseball World Tournament last week. The team, managed by Vin Mavaro along with coaches Denis Donovan, Ike Galanoudis and Mike Lavista, was selected in February to represent our town against teams from all over the United States. The coaches and players trained hard for six months leading up to the big trip, and the results were obvious. The week started off on a great note when Anthony Bonilla won the home run derby during the opening ceremonies skills competitions.

The good feeling continued the next morning when in their first game the Greendogs overwhelmed the Mahopac Indians by a 13-1 score. Tape measure home runs from Denis Donovan and Mike Neglia were highlights of the opening game.  The team had the afternoon off and the boys and their families enjoyed a great trip to Cooperstown, with a visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.  On Monday morning the Greendogs continued to roll with 14-0 victory over the Flemington Thunder from New Jersey. This game featured a combined no hitter pitched by James D'Antonio and Kyle Watson.  In the afternoon contest the Greendogs faced the Golden Gate Hammerheads from Naples Florida. This opponent was a Florida State AAU championship team, but the Dogs barked their way to a 5-0 victory. Gold glove fielding by Paul Cohen, Joe Lavista, Josh Brandenburg and Jonathan Smalkin ensured the shutout pitched by Anthony Bonilla.

The next morning featured the closest contest yet, as the Dogs battled the Sports Academy Sharks, from Itasca, Illinois. The game was a back and forth slugfest, and the Dogs held on for a 9-8 victory, keyed by an Anthony Bonilla grand slam, and remained undefeated for the tournament. In the afternoon game, the Blue Jay's from Fort Washington Maryland, were the Greendogs next challenge. The Greendogs easily dispatched them in a 15-0 victory that sent the Greendogs into the playoff round of the tournament undefeated with seven traight wins. Hitting stars were Harrison Graf, as well as James D'Antonio and Anthony Galanoudis - both with huge and timely homeruns, and outstanding outfield plays by Vincent Mavaro, Joseph Lavista, Matt Ficcara, Mike Alonso and Patrick Lively throughout the tournament contributed to the victories.

In the first round of the playoffs the Dogs' again faced the Mahopac Indians, and the result was the same.  They continued to roll with a 10 -0 victory. The semifinal game featured a rematch against the tough Golden Gate Hammerheads. The game was well played on both sides, and the Greendogs were able to hold off the highly skilled team from Florida to win the game 8-5. Mike Neglia pitched a strong game to earn the victory.

The Greendogs made it to the Championship game undefeated and were within one game of grabbing the trophy that they had worked six months to achieve. It wasn't to be however as the Greendogs faced the undefeated America's Game Hornets, from San Jose, California. The Hornets grabbed the lead early and held on to get the victory. 

The 2008 Cooperstown Greendogs had earned a much deserved second place trophy against teams from all over the country. The boys worked hard for many months and were able to see their hard work pay off with well played, hard nosed baseball. They earned the respect of their opponents and brought back home memories that will last a lifetime. 

FBLI 9 Yr. Old GreenDogs win 2007 R.Y.O. Tournament  AND FBLI 10 Yr. Old GreenDogs win 2007 R.Y.O. Tournament

June 29th - July 1st, 2007  Ronkonkoma, NY

Congratulations to all the players and the coaching staffs of FBLI's 2007 9 yr. old GreenDogs (led by team manager Frank Franco) and the FBLI 2007 10 yr. old GreenDogs (led by team manager John Speelman) as both teams played real tough in Ronkonkoma this weekend and came home as tournament CHAMPIONS.  Both the 9's and 10's were champions in their respective age brackets in the R.Y.O. 2007 Tournament.

Franco's 9's went 4-1, getting the 3 seed, beating the Ronkonkoma Cardinals - 

and Speelman's 10's went 5-0, getting the 1 seed, coming from behind in the 6th with 3 runs to tie the game, and scoring the winning run in the 7th (extra inning)... to defeat last year's Little League State Champions, Levittown North. 

Farmingdale Baseball League is very proud of both of these clubs and wishes them continued success through the rest of their summer schedules.

   2007 9 yr. old

   GreenDogs

2007 10 yr. old GreenDogs

GO GreenDogs!!!

FBLI 2007 AAA All-Star Game

The New Ballfield at Pops Park - Merritts Rd, Farmingdale, NY - 6/24/07

Thanks to the steadfast efforts of many volunteers, the AAA All-Star game was a huge success.  The decorated ballfield and the picture perfect weather made for a great time at the ballpark for the coaches, the players, their families and fans.

FBLI 2007 AA Pops Park Classic

The New Ballfield at Pops Park - Merritts Rd, Farmingdale, NY - 6/22/07 thru 6/23/07

This year's AA Pops Park Classic was one of the finest in recent memory.  The newly installed grass infield was just one of the many new features at this neighborhood treasure.  The New Ballfield at Pops Park continues to be a work in progress as improvements are still underway. This year's games were fun and exciting, and the finale was capped of by a 20-pie pizza party hosted at the park by the Sabellico family as a continued tradition at the park that bears their name. 

FBLI 12U GreenDogs Place Second in Cooperstown Tournament

Cooperstown Baseball World - July 17^th – 22^nd, 2004 – Oneonta, NY 

The 2004 FBLI GreenDogs recently returned home to Farmingdale after participating in a successful, weeklong baseball tournament in Oneonta, NY where they have given a commendable effort while representing Farmingdale, as Farmingdale Baseball League’s 2004 12-year-old Cooperstown team. After playing nine exciting games in five consecutive days - playing teams from Jacksonville, Florida to Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Farmingdale’s GreenDogs proudly came away with a second place finish, and an enjoyable week of teamwork and fun... Full Story

FBLI 12 Yr. Old GreenDogs win R.Y.O. Tournament

"FBLI GreenDogs Win with Teamwork and Pride"

July 2,3,4 2004 - R.Y.O. Independence Day Baseball Tournament

Congratulations to the FBLI GreenDogs - Farmingdale Baseball League’s 12-yr.-old Cooperstown Team. The GreenDogs utilized fifteen talented baseball players to win two games, lose one and tie a lightning-shortened four-inning game. The GreenDogs banged out a superb victory on the Fourth of July and took first place, becoming this year’s champions of the RYO Independence Day Tournament in Ronkonkoma...... Full Story

FBLI 2004 Baseball Day

Saturday, June 12th 2004

There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and there were baseballs everywhere. One of the best Baseball Days in recent years. Everyone had a great time at Allen Park. There was plenty of food, fun and BASEBALL. Check out some cool pictures. More to come.... stay tuned.

Pops Park New "Memorial Wall"

Monday, May 31st, 2004

You might  have noticed the latest change which transformed Pops Park's appearance in recent weeks, as ongoing improvements continue at the park. The right field fence, adjacent to Dilly Dally Nursery School has been completely covered by a "field of greens". An artificial grass surfacing product has been tediously inserted into each opening of close to eighty feet of chain link fence, by a team of FBLI volunteers as part of a beautification effort and revitalization of Pops Park. The project was implemented and coordinated by "AA" League Assistant Director Ken Orobona. Work began on the fence back in early May, and continued for four consecutive weeks under Ken's careful supervision. The final strands of material were pulled up into the final section of fence using ladders and ropes today, Memorial Day 2004 - hence, "Memorial Wall".

Yet another phase of this project was the painting of both foul poles to improve their visibility from anywhere in the ballpark. The artistic talents of Kevin Brosnan were called upon, who meticulously took on this challenging aspect of the project. Several coats of high gloss Rustoleum Bright Yellow were applied, giving the poles an impressive and durable finish. 

Note: Managers, coaches and players;  we kindly ask that you discourage ball playing of any kind against this, or any section of fence at Pops Park. A lot of time and effort went into the fence project(s) and we'd like to request that you respect the volunteers who worked on them.  Thank you for your cooperation.

FBLI 'AAA" Division 2004 Spring Clinic

Saturday, May 8th, 2004

On Saturday, May 8th, Rusty Torres, Fred Cambria and Frank Tepedino - former Major League ballplayers and members of Winning Beyond Winning, conducted a baseball clinic for the young baseball players in Farmingdale Baseball League's AAA Division. They provided instructions in warming-up, hitting, base running, throwing and fielding to the players.  The photos below depict some of the players doing the various drills that Rusty, Fred, Frank were working on with them.  Rusty, Fred, Frank are also seen posing with the players, from the American League teams, whom attended the clinic.

FBLI Opening Day Parade - 2004

Sunday, April 25th, 2004

Farmingdale Baseball Officially Opens 2004 Season

By Marta Kane - Source: Farmingdale Observer

The Farmingdale Baseball League (FBLI) officially opened its 54th season of baseball in the community with its opening day parade and ceremony on Sunday. This year, the league honored Superintendent of Farmingdale Schools Dr. Roberta A. Gerold as grand marshall, for her and the whole district's support of the league. She was described as a "true friend of Farmingdale Baseball."

"It's quite an honor to be a part of this great American pastime" Dr. Gerold said, adding these words of encouragement: "All I have to say is... 'Play Ball'."

The 15th annual parade officially kicks off the start of the FBLI baseball season. Despite the on-and-off rain of the afternoon, hundreds gathered at Howitt Middle School and headed down Main Street and Motor Avenue to Ellsworth Allen Park for a ceremony commemorating the start of the season.

There are approximately 1,000 boys and girls ages six through 17 who annually participate in the league. Players and coaches were joined by elected officials and local representatives at the ceremony, as well as former NY Met Felix Millan and former NY Yankee Frank Tepedino. Fire departments, including the Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, East Farmingdale and North Massapequa Fire Departments; as well as the Our Lady of Good Council Band and the Nassau County Firefighters Pipe and Drum, marched in the parade.

During the ceremony at Allen Park, FBLI President Tom Sabellico presented Dr. Gerold with a plaque, as did Farmingdale Village Mayor George Graf. The traditional balloon launch (signifying the opening of baseball season) officially started the 2004 year of Farmingdale Baseball.

The league thanks the Nassau County Police Department, especially the Auxiliary Police, who were on hand to escort and assure a safe parade route for all marchers. Special thanks also go out to the Oyster Bay Town Parks Department and Mike Rauff, park manager, for their services. The FBLI board also thanks all the marchers and Dave Aitchison, as well as the entire parade committee, for their assistance in making this year's parade a success.

FBLI 11 yr. old Fall GreenDogs make Farmingdale History

Saturday, Nov. 15th, 2003 

The FBLI 11 year old Fall Baseball team (also known as the GreenDogs), are the first ever Farmingdale Baseball team to still be playing games in the month of November. The GreenDogs played the Oakdale/Bohemia Indians at Allen Park on Saturday, Nov. 15th. It was a brisk morning to say the least, but that didn't seem to affect the GreenDogs as they beat the Indians by a score of 24-3 in the first game of a double header. It looks like the Indians are used to somewhat warmer weather. Farmingdale lost the second game by a score of 14-6, but that didn't affect their spirit as they went on to celebrate a great season with plenty of pizza, soda, cookies and donuts in the community room.

* First Annual Thanksgiving Day Baseball Game

Thursday, Nov. 27th, 2003 

The GreenDogs were at it again as they played a split-squad exhibition game at Pops Park on Thanksgiving morning. The field required substantial infield surface preparation which was quickly addressed in the early morning hours by grounds crew veterans John Speelman and Ike Galanoudis.

Our field lining specialist, Dan Kornfeld, was also on hand prior to the game to prepare the foul lines and establish proper placement of the bases.

By game time, the field was ready to go as were the GreenDogs. The weather was simply magnificent and the boys all had a great time. Afterwards, the players and fans all went their separate ways to enjoy their Thanksgiving dinners with friends and family. What a great way to start the day.

View additional player photos in 

the "photos" section of this site.

Farmingdale Baseball League's 

11 yr.old WHITE Team takes 2nd place in tough Super Series

Sunday, Aug. 3rd, 2003

L.I. Playmakers 2003 Super Series IV Tournament held at Cantiague Park, Hicksville, NY

National Qualifying Event

The Farmingdale Baseball 11 yr. old WHITE team, also known as the "Green Dogs" played their best ever this past weekend against such teams as the Long Island Owls, the East Northport Sharks and the Commack Indians. The boys all played hard despite the grueling heat and intense competition over at Cantiague Park. The Green Dogs made it into the final championship game against the East Northport Sharks. It was probably the most exciting game of the tournament, but the Sharks were able to overcome Farmingdale by a final score of 14 - 10.

We are all very proud of all these players and would like to wish them continued success throughout the remainder of their tournament season.

Farmingdale Baseball League's 

11 yr.old GREEN Team & WHITE Team Combined Car Wash  Sunday, July 27th, 2003

As you could probably tell from looking at the photos below, the Car Wash held by both 11 yr. old FBLI Tournament Teams was nothing short of a blast. The kids, as well as the coaches and parents, had a really fun day while washing cars and raising money to help offset tournament costs. Everyone exchanged stories about tournament games played, had we all had some laughs and spent the day together like one big "family". The whole day from start to finish was lots of fun.

The Car Wash itself was everything we all thought it would be. Aside from some early afternoon weather threats, the day turned out picture perfect and the Car Wash was an absolute success all around.

Farmingdale Baseball League, along with the coaching staff from both teams, would like to express their sincere appreciation to all the players and their parents for all their efforts, and for dedicating their entire day in the interests of these children.

Last but not least - my compliments to the chef :)    Thanks Bruce. 

Farmingdale Baseball League's 11 yr. old Tournament Team(s) Car Wash

"Thank You" Document

Click above

2003 Golf Outing at Bethpage State Park - Yellow Course

August 5th, 2003

Baseball is lots of fun, but golf is cool too. This year's golf outing was everything we all thought it would be. The best golf outing ever!  Everyone had a great time despite the rain showers early in the day. Special thanks to the Golf Committee who made it all possible, and to the "golf girls" who volunteered to help all day long. Everyone had lots of fun and lots of laughs. 

Farmingdale Baseball League's 

11 yr.old WHITE Tournament Team

Saturday, July 26th, 2003

The Farmingdale Baseball League's 11 yr. old WHITE team, nicknamed the "Green Dogs", has entered into some of Nassau and Suffolk County's premiere tournaments, some of which are considered to be difficult National qualifiers. Many of the teams which they have faced have provided stiff competition and the Green Dogs have met their challenge with some fantastic baseball. They are led by a terrific coaching staff who have dedicated many hours teaching and practicing basic baseball fundamentals, as well as more advanced drills with the players. All of these players are awesome athletes and we are very proud of all of them.

The FBLI WHITE team includes: John S., Hayden K., Derek V., James D., John G., Sal C., Chris L., Joseph K., Eric M., Glenn K., Andrew A., Chris N., Chris C. and Michael K. The manager is John Speelman. His coaches include Bob Kirk and John Venezia.

Congratulations to this outstanding team, their coaches and their parents.

Farmingdale Baseball League's 

11 yr.old GREEN Tournament Team

Monday, July 7th, 2003

The Farmingdale Baseball League's 11 yr. old "Green" Tournament Team participated in the Ronkonkoma Tournament over the July 4th weekend. The team took third place out of a field of twelve teams in the tournament, with a 2-1-1 record.

Josh M. pitched Farmingdale to a complete game shut-out in game 1 by a score of 8-0. Jake R. contributed 6 RBI's in three games with a game tying homerun in the sixth inning of game 3. He hit a two run homer in his last at bat which propelled Farmingdale into the final game against Smithtown. Johnny K. was a work horse on the mound and turned in the defensive play of the tournament when he threw out a runner at the plate with a perfect throw from right field.

Greg C. and Matt W. supplied many timely hits throughout the tournament. Defensive gems were turned in throughout the tournament by Chris L., Kenny R., Brandon V., and Billy W.

J.R. C. carried the load of the catching duties and did a solid job.

Patrick K. was limited to extra hitting duty, due to a broken nose injury suffered during the regular season. He is expected to provide the team with expanded fielding responsibilities in the upcoming August tournaments. Special thanks to Jo K. and Brandon R. who helped out the team on a limited basis.

The FBLI GREEN team includes: J.R. C., Gregory C., Patrick K., Johnny K., Chris L., Josh M., Jake R., Kenny R., Brandon R., Brandon V., Matt W. and Billy W.  Tommy M. was on vacation. Joseph K. was drafted from the FBLI WHITE team for the first day of competition as a guest player. The manager was Russ Castrogiovanni. His coaches include Greg Coppola and Bruce Warren.

Congratulations to this outstanding team, their coaches and their parents.

Farmingdale Baseball League's 11 yr. old GREEN Tournament Team R.Y.O. Skills Competition Winners  Sunday, July 6th, 2003

FBLI's 11 yr. old Green Tournament Team players won two out of three skills competitions held at the R.Y.O. Tournament.  Three players represented the FBLI Green Team in the skills competition held on July 5th immediately following the team's hard fought fourth game. A total of twelve teams were represented in each of the tournament's skill competition venues - throwing, batting and running.

J.R. C. took second place in the throwing competition.  J.R. pushed the level of competition to a head to head showdown between himself and the ultimate winner.

Greg C. won first place in the batting competition and received a trophy for earning the title of the R.Y.O. Batting Champion.

Jake R. won the bas running competition with a time of 3.09 seconds for a 60 ft. distance. Jake was awarded the 2003 R.Y.O. Running Champion trophy and title.

Congratulations to all three FBLI players for turning in such sparkling performances during this tournament and for their dominating competition results.

Farmingdale Baseball League's "AA" Division

3rd Annual Pop's Park Classic - A Weekend to Remember   Sunday, June 29th, 2003

On a beautiful sunny day at "Pops" Park,  the stands were filled with families, friends and fans of all the "AA" All Stars. It was the third day of the 3rd Annual Pop's Park Classic, a three day "AA" All Star Series at "Pops" Park which was very exciting right from the start. The first day (Friday), the game ended in a tie. On Saturday, we had a very thrilling game which was won by the National League. The American League team was threatening right up till the end, when the National League team made an unbelievable "triple-play" to seal their victory.

Today's game was just as exciting for both sides. The NL team was off to a quick and early lead, but the AL team played strong in the later innings which made for a terrific and exciting ending. The NL held on to win by a score of 16-10.

Pop's Park was dedicated to Farmingdale Baseball in honor of James "Pop" Sabellico by the Town of Oyster Bay on July 1st, 2001.

The game today was hosted by Farmingdale Baseball League, Inc. and The Sabellico Family, who held to tradition by donating cold soda, hot dogs and ice cream to all the players and their "fans".  The Sabellico's are proud to host this event every year and continue to honor the life of James "Pop" Sabellico, "A Life Dedicated to Family, Kids and Baseball".

Farmingdale Baseball would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, Town of Oyster Bay Councilmen, Tony Macagonne & Joe Muscarella, Nassau County Receiver of Taxes Charlie O'Shea. Family Court Judge Ken Diamond and Greg Carman (representing New York State Senator Fuschillo) along with all our special guests, who were on hand to help kick off the event.

Special thanks to "AA" Directors Paul Leo, Tom Langon, Ken Orobona and all the volunteers who made this weekend possible.

FBLI would also like to especially thank the Phillies' "hard hitting" Christopher Pendergast and the lovely and talented Elora Rosch for their tremendous performances before each game. Christopher, a 5th grader from Northside banged out God Bless America on his saxophone and Elora, a 6th grader from Woodward Parkway beautifully sang the Star Spangled Banner. 

Farmingdale Baseball Player headed for MLB 

Thursday, June 12th, 2003

Today, a former Farmingdale Baseball League player was picked #7 in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. Nick Markakis began playing baseball here in Farmingdale 14 years ago as a five year old tee ball player and went through all the divisions in FBLI. Nick still has family living in Farmingdale who are very proud of his accomplishments. He is expected to sign a contract soon with the Baltimore Orioles. We at FBLI are very excited about this news and are also very proud of him.

We hope Nick and his family will keep us posted on his progress.

Farmingdale Baseball League would like to wish him all the best, always. 

NICK MARKAKIS

Markakis was one of the nation's top JC players in 2002. He's a two way star with lots of talent both on the mound and at the plate .455-17-74 as a college freshman. Drafted by the Reds twice, including in the 23rd round of the 2002 Draft.

Article by Roch Kubatko
Baltimore Sun Staff

Fathers Of Farmingdale Baseball Save the Day

 Sunday, June 8, 2003 

You've probably seen them before but not really given it much thought. You've seen them come and go at strange hours, carrying various lawn & garden tools and equipment. They leave crisp and clean and come home sweaty, covered in a strange mud like substance. Your street has dirt tire tracks, and the cars coming and going from the house look like they have been off-roading. These individuals belong to a strange group. They do their deeds individually, in small clutches and on rare occasions, assemble as a group.

They are the Fathers of Farmingdale Baseball League (FFBL). They are the ones you see leaf blowing and pumping water off baseball fields at all hours of the day and night, throwing forty pound bags of speedy dry (kitty litter like absorbent) over school fences, pulling heavy metal drags across infields, digging, raking, shoveling and cleaning fields. Their occupations are as diverse as their talents. Policeman, carpenters, company vice-presidents, business owners, engineers and countless others, working together for one common cause.

While they don’t dance to YMCA like the Yankees ground crew, these fathers do beat to a different drum. Their music is the sounds of the kids playing baseball. And they want to see the kids play ball.

This group goes about their deeds during the baseball season mostly unnoticed (it’s by design), they don’t want accolades or notoriety, they just do “what has to be done” to get the fields ready for game time.

But on June 8, 2003 this group of anonymous fathers pulled off a truly amazing feat. Because of this accomplishment, they now must be “brought out”. They took a field that was basically unplayable (due to heavy rains the night before) and made it playable. "Big deal", one might say, who is far removed from the world of youth baseball, but to the over one hundred 9, 10, and 11 year old All Stars, who were looking at possibly having their All Star games cancelled for the second straight weekend, It was! The FFBL was not going to let the All Star players down.

And indeed they did not. While most of Farmingdale slept, Russ Castrogiovanni, was at POPS Park (Merritts Road Park) using a gas generator to pump the water from the field. A vital step, which if not done, would have prevented all the rest from happening. He was then met by Ike Galanoudis, John Speelman, Joe Rachiele, Vinny Martello and Anthony Canavaciol at 6AM. It included Rob Finochio, who on his way home from work, saw the commotion on the field and stayed to help. By 7AM the other Fathers (see group picture) had arrived in SUV’s pulling trailers, carrying lawn mowers, spreaders, lime, lining machines and red, white and blue bunting. They dug, raked, spread speedy dry, and dragged that field for hours.

Transforming an unplayable field into a beautiful all-star field. The best it's ever looked, by some accounts. In all honesty, it was a remarkable achievement and a heart warming sight to see this group of volunteers working together for the love of the game.

Then, the fathers quietly disappeared. Some reappearing to manage or coach at one of the games, some going on to coach another team at a different field, some coming back to watch, and some going home to be with their families (not having any children playing on that day). Three exciting All Star games were played that day. The kids had their day in the spot light, received their trophies and made some memories that will last their lifetime. All thanks to the Fathers of Farmingdale Baseball League. 

The Fathers Of Farmingdale Baseball  (see Group Photo)

Left to right are:  Joe Rachiele, Russ Castrogiovanni, John Speelman, Jim Darcy, Dave Aitchison, Dan Kornfeld, Tony Nardi, Anthony Canavaciol, Tom Feslowich, Ike Galanoudis, Dan Napolitano, Bruce Warren, Frank Notarfrancesco

Front Row are: Paul., & Pete Layden.

 Missing from photo are: Vinny Martello, Vinny Valinoti, Rob Finochio, Ed Matson, Fred Zamparelle and Kevin Brosnan

F'dale Baseball's Boys Jrs. Division All Star Games

Sunday, June 8th, 2003

The 2003 Boys Jrs. Division All Star games were held at Merritts Park / "Pops" Park after being re-scheduled from Sunday June 1st.  Both the 10 yr. olds and the 11 yr. olds played excellent games, both games were won by the National League. The score of the 10 yr. old game was 6-5,  and the score of the 11 yr. old game was 3-1.  The talent level on the field was awesome. The players had a really great day and so did the fans.

The field looked absolutely perfect in every way. It took a monumental effort by many dedicated managers, coaches and parents who volunteered their time the night before the games, as well as in the early morning hours prior to the first game of the day.

Saturday's rain seemed to have made the playing field at Merritts virtually unplayable for Sunday's games.  But there were several determined volunteers who made sure that the players would get their well deserved chance to play in the All Star Games. Everything went absolutely perfect, the field looked better than it ever did. A total of four games were played on that field thanks to their combined efforts.

On behalf of all the boys who played in the All Star Games, Farmingdale Baseball League would like to express their sincere appreciation to the dedicated "grounds crew" who made it possible.

F'dale Baseball's AAA Division All Star Game

Sunday, June 8th, 2003

The Farmingdale Baseball AAA Division All Star game was filled with excitement and fun.  All the players, as well as the fans, had a great time at Pop's Park.  The weather was terrific and it was a great day for baseball all around.  Once again, we'd like to thank all the volunteers who did such a fine job getting the park ready for this annual event.

F'dale Baseball's Annual Baseball Day at Allen Park

Saturday, June 7th, 2003

The 2003 Baseball Day celebration was hampered by the threat of rain from the onset.  With a tremendous effort from numerous volunteers, everything went very well despite the light rain.  All the players had fun and they all did really well at the competitions. Trophies, medallions and ribbons were given out to the participants at the end of each event.

Unfortunately, all events were cut short by heavier, persistent rain in the early part of the afternoon.

Nassau County Legislator (14th District) Sal Pontillo and Greg Carman (representing NY State Senator Fuschillo) were on hand to help hand out the trophies. We'd like to them both for taking time out of their busy schedules to come out and support our league.

Farmingdale Baseball League would also like to express their gratitude to all the sponsors who were able to attend as well as our friends from WBAB radio who provided music in the afternoon.

 Special thanks to:

for their continued support of Farmingdale Baseball

Farmingdale Baseball's 11 yr. old Tournament Team Carvel Fundraiser

Tuesday, May 6th, 2003

The 11 yr. old Farmingdale Baseball Spring Tournament/Travel Team held their first fundraiser at Carvel on Hicksville Rd. in Plainedge (corner of Boundary Ave.). The event turned out to be a huge success and the players had more fun than they could handle. The managers, coaches, players and fans would like to thank their hosts, Vinny & Sandy, for their generosity in sponsoring the event and contributing the store's receipts back to the team to help offset various team expenses.

The tournament team will be playing through the 2003 spring season, two games every Sunday and could use your support. Come out and enjoy a game and root on your favorite players.

For further information, game times and locations, please contact Manager Russ Castrogiovanni at the Farmingdale Baseball Shack 516.249.7375

Farmingdale Baseball Annual  "Opening Day Parade"   Sunday, April 27th, 2003

The Farmingdale Baseball League's 14th annual Opening Day Parade and celebration was a huge success.  The weather was absolutely perfect, and from the looks of things, everyone had a great day. Farmingdale Baseball League would like to thank all the volunteers who worked so hard behind the scenes making sure everything was perfect for Parade Day.  We would also like to thank everyone who was able to take time out from their busy schedules and participate in the parade.

Finally, we would like to thank all the directors, managers, coaches, parents and fans who continue to support Farmingdale Baseball and helped make the day fun for all our children.

Congratulations to the Boy's Jrs. Cubs who won the opening game against the Royals by a score of 6-3.  The Boy's Jrs. Athletics vs Red Sox opening game at Merritts "Pops" Park ended in a tie, and will be continued later this season.  Both opening day games were very exciting and we'd like to thank all the players who played in these two great games. 

We look forward to seeing everyone again on Baseball Day - June 7th, 2003 at Ellsworth Allen Park.

Please feel free to submit any newsworthy FBLI Baseball events or stories

with your contact info to:

webmaster@fdalebaseball.com

"The two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen."

- Bob Lemon