SportsNet New York, home of the New York Mets, has awarded the Bayonne Buddy Baseball League a $5,000 “Play Ball” grant for the repair and installation of a new backstop and fencing at the 11th Street Field.
SNY Play Ball supports youth baseball, softball, football and basketball programs in the New York metropolitan area through unique and comprehensive contributions. This season, SNY has teamed up with the New York Mets to award grants, donate equipment, conduct clinics at Citi Field, invite youth to a Mets game, and provide employee volunteers for a league project.
SNY will also honor the players of the Buddy Baseball League on television during SNY Play Ball Week in May.
Buddy Baseball is open to Bayonne residents ages 4 to 21. “Buddies” assist players according to their needs, which may include helping a player bat or field the ball, pushing a player in a wheelchair around the bases or simply motivating.
Opening Day for Buddy Baseball is May 7 with a parade, opening ceremony, and three games. Games take place in May and June at the 11th Street Field at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
Every player will receive a full baseball uniform. All equipments will be supplied by the Division of Recreation Teams will have 10 to 12 players and every player will have the opportunity to bat and play the field.
For more information on the Buddy Baseball League, contact Amadeo at (201) 858-6129 or bayonnerec@aol.com.