Six-year-old William Rodriguez loves playing baseball because he can “hit it high.” While he admitted last week that the only place he’s hit a home run so far was at his cousins’ house, he hopes that will change now that he’s moved up from t-ball into the big leagues – or rather, Little League.
The West New York Little League began a new season last Saturday amidst hundreds of excited players, parents, coaches, politicians, and one very special guest.
The first pitch was thrown out by Jeff Nelson, a former relief pitcher for the Yankees with four World Series rings. Nelson signed autographs while he spoke to those hoping to become the next Derek Jeter.
“This is where it starts,” said Nelson. “You have a great field, great opportunity; just have fun.”
Vincent Kenney, 9, predicted his team will be victorious this year because they have good players. His teammates agreed and said they’re going to work extra hard this year to come out on top.
“It’s good for team spirit. It makes them feel good about themselves.” – Giselle Abraham
________
Robert Morgan, 8, has been on the team for two years and prefers to be on the other side of the ball, as a pitcher. The curveball enthusiast is not concerned about becoming a professional one day. “I just want to have fun,” he said.
Giselle Abraham, a West New York resident, has two sons on the team, 9-year old Christopher and 6-year old Nicholas, who keep her at Saturday afternoon games and practices twice a week.
Abraham said it’s a positive influence for her sons. “It’s good for team spirit,” she said. “It makes them feel good about themselves.”
Stats
The West New York Little League program is affiliated with the Little League Baseball organization based in South Williamsport, Pa. Founded in 1939, the organization is one of the oldest youth baseball programs and the largest organized youth sports organization in the world.
Approximately 350 kids from ages 5 to 12 take part in the West New York program on 18 teams, each of which has a different sponsor. Sponsors include the Police Department, private companies, and each town commissioner sponsors his or her own team.
There is no cost to the kids to participate, and the program is fully funded by the city.
Each season is coordinated by a group of volunteers who serve in various leadership positions. They are responsible for ordering uniforms and equipment. Several of them admitted to spending more time on the field with the kids than they do at work.
Little League President Victor Tapia, who has been involved with the league for 15 years in various positions and has been president for five years, was excited to kick off a new season.
“I feel really good,” he said. “That’s the reason I do this – to see everyone here, everyone happy.”
Girls can play, too
Commissioner Lawrence Riccardi’s team is led by Lori and Henry Saurborn (who is also the Little League treasurer and helps run the all-star team). They co-coach a team ranging from ages 6 to 12. Their own sons, Hunter, 7, and Jordan, 9, are also on the team.
“We have the best team,” said the team in unison, proud of the fact that a few years ago they won two years in a row.
The team is one of a few co-ed teams in the town. Jeanina Cannao, 9, is one of two girls on her team and is also the only girl on her recreation football team.
While she said she likes football more because she gets to tackle, Jeanina said she enjoys all sports because she simply enjoys playing and having fun.
The regular season is approximately 13 to 16 games, then they hold tryouts for an all-star team which has the opportunity to advance to districts, sectionals, state, regional, and eventually (and hopefully) the Little League “World Series.”
The last time the West New York team was a U.S. finalist was in 1966.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.