by Bea Peterson
Saturday, April 25, was as hot and beautiful as any summer day. The day was made all the more special with the start of the Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball season. The annual parade left Wood Park at noon. Youngsters in their team uniforms, coaches, parents and grandparents joined the march, headed by a police car and tailed by a fire truck, from the Park to the ball fields on Water St.
At the baseball field David Haar, President of the Town of Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball, welcomed everyone to the 2009 opening day celebration. He told the players, “This day, this season is all about you. You’re why we’re all here. Have fun, play hard. Learn some skills, push yourselves – but most of all have fun. You’re all now taking your own place in a long and strong tradition of youth sports in Hoosick Falls. Years from now, people in Hoosick Falls will be telling stories about you and your teams and the plays that you made this year. The hit you got. The catch you made. So get ready to play some ball!”
He said that launching a baseball and softball season is no small feat. “This year we have over 220 kids playing baseball and softball. We’re fielding more softball teams than we have in several years. Our grounds are in better shape than ever. And our organization is healthy, strong and well positioned to provide our kids with many awesome seasons to come. It is my privilege and great fortune to serve with the group of people who did the work that brought us to this moment and at this time.” He then introduced the Board of Directors – Roseanne Stowell, Mike Ryan, Gary Funck, Charlie Constantino, Ken Stephens, Andy LaBarge and Harold McClellan.
“Whenever you’re down here enjoying an exciting game of baseball or softball be sure to look around the grounds,” Haar said. “Everything you see here comes from the financial support of local business and organizations. It’s the generosity of these businesses and organizations that provide our kids with this great opportunity.” He thanked the sponsors for their continued support and asked those assembled to support them in return. He also expressed appreciation to Jim Hurlburt and the Village of Hoosick Falls Public Works Department which “always take great care to be sure these grounds are prepared year in and year out, before, during and after our seasons.” He also thanked Niel Stowell for all of his help and Jerry McAuliffe for his community service crew and the contributions they make to improve the appearance of this complex, Mark Hackett for the use of his tiller which was a huge help in preparing the infields and Hoosick Falls Central School for use of their fields and other support they provide.
He thanked the Youth Football program for loaning their concession trailer, McDonald’s for donating all the ice for the coolers today and Snack Shack attendants Jean Sargood and Carol Schwartz and Jim Lynch and Interface Solutions for their hospitality in hosting the annual major and minor league baseball draft, Steve Bradley for his many contributions which may be unseen but are no less important to the success of the season and Kevin O’Malley for the use of his sound equipment.
“The Board of Directors would especially like to thank our wives, husbands and families who put up with countless late night meetings and constant phone calls,” Haar said. “Last but not least I want to recognize the men and women who volunteer their time to manage and coach our children. Without any of you we would not be standing here today,” he concluded. Besides the named coach, every team has supporting coaches.
Softball Teams: 12 and Under – Denim & Deeds – Mike Ryan, 10 and Under – Bianca’s Pizza – Gary Funck, D&D Vending – Mike Merwin
Mini – Minors: Stewart’s – Becky Goodermote, Thorpe’s Pharmacy – Roseanne Stowell, Mahar’s Funeral Home – Kelly Haynes
T-Ball: McDonald’s – Bill Sparks, St. Stanislaw Society – Ed Atherton, Ice Kreme Kafe – Pete Gregory, Potter Hill Barn – Shawn Jones
Instructional: Eastern Castings – Bud Milliman, Falls Diner – Mike LaPorte, WCW – Jay Arnold, Curtis Lumber – Tom Bloomer
Minors: Kiwanis – Paul Hand, Man of Kent – Harold McClellan, Thorpe’s Pharmacy – Jimmy Decker, Oak Mitsui – Kelly Brogue
Majors: Delurey’s Sales and Service – Andy LaBarge, Interface Solutions – Jim Lynch, RM Bacon – Ed Wright, Tomasi’s – Charlie Constantino.
After the introduction of the teams and their coaches Haar introduced Mother Laurie Lyons who gave the annual invocation. Graduating seniors then recited the baseball pledge and raised the flag. Shari Hand sang the national anthem.
“In recognition for their phenomenal contributions to youth Softball we are honored to have Roseanne Stowell and Niel Stowell each toss a ceremonial opening pitch,” Haar said. “In spite of the fact that their kids are past playing age, Roseanne continues to serve on the Board and coach a mini-minors team and Niel puts in countless hours ensuring that our fields are among the best our kids play on no matter where they go.”
“And, for baseball,” said Haar, “in recognition of his long years of service – and abuseŌ behind the plate, we are honored to have George Villarini toss out a ceremonial opening pitch.”
Haar concluded by reminding parents that picture day is Thursday, May 7. “Your coaches have the schedule for when to be up at the skating rink. And in spite of what your kids tell you, gloves and bats are not required for the photos and we encourage you to leave them home so they don’t get lost!”
