Last Saturday morning, everything became wonderful again for approximately 500 Weehawken youngsters. The official rite of spring finally arrived. No need to check the calendar for the start date of the warm season. For the kids of the township, the first day of spring always coincides with the first day of baseball.
Opening Day took place for the kids who participate in Weehawken’s five leagues for boys and girls, ages five through 15. There is tee-ball for the little ones, and Cal Ripken, Jr. baseball for those ages seven through 12 in two leagues (the majors and the minors). There is a softball league strictly for the girls, although there are several young ladies who play in the baseball league as well.
Finally, for the teenagers (13 through 15), there’s the more advanced level and leagues known as Babe Ruth baseball.
Needless to say, five leagues with 500 kids – that’s enough to keep someone busy from April through July. That person is baseball coordinator Chris Verdon.
“From now until the end of the summer, it’s baseball, baseball, baseball,” Verdon said. “My family life turns into a hectic cycle. Luckily, my family comes down to games or I would never see them. It really is a lot of work.”
This marks Verdon’s second year as the township’s baseball coordinator. He feels like he’s more prepared for the duties this time around.
“Last year, it was all new to me,” said Verdon, who took over the reins as the head of baseball operations from Donald Jodice and Bill Kallert. “Although it went well, I had my rough moments. I was lucky to have two people like Donald and Billy to lean on. Now, with a season under my belt, I hope that things run smoother this year.”
After this weekend’s Opening Day festivities, the town will be buzzing with baseball and softball activities. More than 15 games a week are played at Arricale Field, with another six Babe Ruth games taking place at Weehawken Stadium.
Girls’ softball goes back and forth from Arricale to the Stadium. Tee-ball is also a movable entity.
“With all the kids and the games, it does take a lot of time and effort,” Verdon said. “Our league is very fortunate to have a host of volunteer coaches who are dedicated. Their time is more than well appreciated. We have some coaches who help out with two different teams.”
Added Verdon, “Baseball is what the kids seem to enjoy the most. It’s what they want and it’s the most popular activity in town. They all want to get involved.” Verdon said that the operations wouldn’t be able to run without the help of the individual league coordinators. Jodice and Donna Daly run the tee-ball league. Artie Standberg and John Dorman handle the Cal Ripken, Jr. League. Joe Light and John Reilly are in charge of the Babe Ruth League duties.
“We also have a lot of volunteer workers who also help,” Verdon said. “We can never do it alone. We’re all out there for the kids, looking to see them excel.”
Before the 2002 season could begin, the 2001 season had to be recognized, so the participants were honored at an awards dinner held in the Weehawken High School gym last month. More than 400 youngsters received some sort of an award in recognition for their hard work and dedication throughout the 2001 baseball season.
The 14-year-old Babe Ruth All-Stars were honored for their second place finish in the District 6 Tournament. Weehawken also participated in the 15-year-old state tournament as the host team.
Several other individuals were honored for their respective accomplishments, such as Most Valuable Player, Most Improved and Best Hitter.
“We get the one year over with and the other year begins,” said Verdon, who also keeps busy by coordinating the Weehawken Recreation football program.
Verdon said that the baseball season will keep him on his toes throughout the summer, as the town plans to host the 14-year-old state tournament this year, as well as the District 6 Cal Ripken for the 11 and 12-year-old All-Stars. The Ripken District 6 tourney will take place at Arricale Field in June, while the 14-year-old Babe Ruth state tournament will be held during the second week of July.
“It’s a different year, so I think things will run smoother this year,” Verdon said.
Verdon was also hoping for another difference this year – namely no rain on Opening Day.
“For the last six years in a row, we had rainouts on the first day,” Verdon said. “For a change, I’d like sunshine.” At press time Friday, weather reports called for scattered showers on Saturday. Some things never change. AWARD WINNERS
BABE RUTH AWARDS
BATTING TITLE Danny Lopez
MVP Joseph Light
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR John Reilly
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER Jose Blanco
SPORTSMANSHIP Chris Jodice
CAL RIPKEN AWARDS
BATTING TITLE Eric Eckhardt
MVP Jeff Ferrazano
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Derek Strandberg
CO-MOST IMPROVED PLAYERS Mike Perez and Brian Alava
SPORTSMANSHIP Kyle Morris