If you watched Scott Alberg coach his baseball team, you saw that he never focused on the thrill of victory. Instead, you learned about the joy of competition.
As an adolescent growing up, you watched in wonder as he helped build confidence in his players. As an adult with a child of your own, you prayed that your son would play for him. You knew, in the very least, that he would help build “character” in your child – and isn’t that really what it is all about?
“Year after year, generation after generation, as Scott walks up to the field with equipment bags in hand, I see the sparkle in those youngsters’ eyes as they run to Scott as if they were running to catch the Good Humor ice cream truck,” says Dr. Paul Alberg as he offered his most heartfelt congratulations to a fine brother and a most deserving candidate. “With open arms, Scott offers each and every player an affectionate hug and then reaffirms that warmth with a positive message and a confident grin.”
Alberg continued, “I see his players actually skirmishing with one another for the right to carry the equipment bags, all in an effort to win over Scott’s affection.”
“But that has always been the hallmark of Scott Michael,” said oldest sister Karen. “Scott has an uncanny sense for knowing what people need and miraculously coming up with it. He absolutely epitomizes the spirit of giving and does not even give you the chance to thank him.”
On Nov. 1, 2005, the prestigious Rockleigh County Club, Bergen Family Center honored Scott Alberg as the recipient of the very first annual Roberta Gelber Hirsh award. This humanitarian award honors individuals who foster values of caring and giving, promote diversity and tolerance of differences, exemplify dedication in community service and demonstrate compassion for others.
In their 107th year, Bergen Family Center created this memorial in memory of longtime BFC trustee Roberta Gelber Hirsh, who lived by these very same values. Roberta’s children, Janet and Josh Gelber, had the privilege of presenting this award to their former coach, whom they knew some 25 years ago.
“Scott always helped me to feel good about myself,” Josh explained. “He made me feel as though I could compete when, in fact, I really had no chance.”
Janet agreed, adding, “I remember the confidence he instilled in me, always reminding me how proud he was of my efforts.”
Scott is a graduate of Teaneck High School, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Montclair State University. The New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners licensed him; he works as a dental administrator with Park Avenue Dental in Weehawken.
In college, Scott volunteered in the Emergency Room of Hackensack University Medical Center. He went on to volunteer for, and is currently going into his 17th year as coach with the Weehawken Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League. The National Alliance for Youth Sports and the National Youth Sports Coaches Association have recognized Scott with back-to-back nominations as “Coach of the Year.”
One of Scott’s most cherished awards includes a plaque presented by the North Elizabeth Youth Baseball League as the “Voice of North Elizabeth” for his outstanding commentary and play-by-play game announcing of the 1999 State and District 6 Tournament games. Scott also received a special invitation from Babe Ruth Commissioner Greg Brunwasser and Newark Bears owner Rick Cerone to provide commentary and announce the 15-year-old State Championship games played at Riverfront Stadium in Newark that same year.
Additional accolades for Scott include an award winning presentation by the Rolon-Gonzalez family as the “2001 Role Model of the Year” as presented on behalf of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hudson County for his bountiful wisdom and gentle direction as a volunteer mentor of two disadvantaged youths.
In addition to working and coaching in Weehawken, Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner selected Scott as the “Master of Ceremonies” for the 2002 Grand Mayoral Inauguration. Scott’s most heartwarming contribution was a dedication by his 2004 All-Star team in honor and memory of 11-year-old Kenny Benkovic Jr., a young cancer victim from Emerson.
“Ken [Sr.] said his son gave him a lifetime of joy in only 11 years,” Scott explained. “Ken said his son was not only his best friend, but also his hero.”
The award During his acceptance speech for his most recent award, Scott thanked the more than 500 people in attendance who honored him with a standing ovation. In particular, Scott thanked his longtime assistant coach, Rich Greten.
“Rich never imposed his coaching style on me,” Scott explained. “He only offered useful suggestions. Whenever one of his suggestions had a positive impact on the game or a player, Rich would always make it appear as if the idea itself was mine all along.”
Scott added, “How do you thank someone who is always painting you in such a perfect light?”
Scott was bowled over when he learned that Weehawken Mayor Richard F. Turner was a surprise guest in attendance that evening.
“I was both surprised and honored when I saw the mayor.” Scott said, “Of course, Mayor Turner has always been good that way.” Scott explained. “He is always there to support those who volunteer their time.” Englewood Mayor Michael J. Wildes was also there congratulating Scott for support of his many worthy causes and his hard word in helping those in need.”
One of the most heartbreaking moments of the evening came when Scott thanked the parents of deceased little leaguer, Kenny Benkovic Jr., for sharing their son’s strength of character with his players.
“Kenny taught our players about compassion and humanity. They learned about generosity and goodwill.” Scott explained, “I will never be able to thank the Benkovic family enough. They are truly champions in the game of life.”
Scott also thanked the parents of various athletes he coached over the years. In particular, he thanked Chris Jodice, Kevin Kallert, Victor Barone, Danny Lopez, and Alex Montanile, all members of the 1995 10-year-old District 6 Championship team. Scott pointed out, “These were all top athletes who possessed a wonderful sense of fair play and gamesmanship. As such, I would like to thank the parents for the privilege of coaching such fine young men.”
Finally, it was Scott’s “thank you” to his own family that clearly hit home.
“I want to thank my three incredibly warm and affectionate sisters,” he said, “Karen, Vicki and Michelle, who gave me so much love and encouragement growing up, and so wonderfully inspired me to do my very best.” Scott continued, “My upstanding brother, Paul, who always guided me and instilled confidence in me along the way.”
Scott explained, “Of course, my wonderfully generous and unconditionally loving parents, Ursula and Max, who taught me that while it is nice to be important, it is more important to be nice.”
Batter up It was an unforgettable evening that included a silent auction with the proceeds going to this BFC non-profit organization. Among some of the items being auctioned off included vacations, boat cruises, and four (4) $3,650.00 per person “Mets Fantasy Camp” tickets. Scott, himself offered two hours of his time for professional batting instruction along with a $259.00 gift certificate to “The Sports Authority,” which Scott so generously donated.
The event was sponsored by Verizon Wireless, North Jersey Media Group, Northern Valley Suburbanite, MSE Corporate Security, United Water and Weiser LLP.
Entrance lobby entertainment included “The Latino Heritage Club Dancers” from Dwight Morrow High School of Englewood, N.J. Cocktail entertainment was conducted by “The Paterson Strings” from Public School 7, Paterson.
Other honorees included Brenda Thomas as the recipient of The Bruce LsSala Community Award, Dr. Richard Segall, and The First Presbyterian Church of Englewood.
The highlight of the evening came when Scott was presented with a plaque from the New Jersey General Assembly on behalf of Assemblywoman Weinberg and Assemblyman Johnson, signed by the speaker of the General Assembly, Albio Sires, and the Clerk of the General Assembly, Christine Riebe. It read:
“The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey is pleased to joining the Bergen Family Center in Honoring and saluting Scott Michael Alberg, who is highly esteemed in his community, as the recipient of the Roberta Gelber Hirsh Award.
“This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon Scott Alberg in grateful recognition of his heartfelt community service throughout many years; and, as a volunteer coach wit the Weehawken Cal Ripken Youth Baseball League for sixteen years, an acclaimed play-by-play commentator, and a mentor for disadvantaged youth, Scott Alberg is known and respected for his exceptional generosity, his wonderful sense of humor and his uncommon wisdom and perception in feeling people’s pain and problems and helping to alleviate them.
“The people of the State of New Jersey are genuinely indebted to hardworking and inspiring citizens, a personified by Scott Alberg, whose time and energies are devoted to improving the effectiveness of their communities and the quality of life for their neighbors.
“Within all the spheres of his life and work, Scott Alberg has established a model to emulate and set a standard of excellence toward which others might strive…”
Final words With regard to his success in coaching, Scott was anxious to share what he’d learned. “The trick is to help a child feel good about himself intrinsically,” he said. “If I can help a youngster feel he can compete regardless of his physical stature or level of play, then I have opened a window of opportunity that may not have been there previously.”
Scott added, “The kids give me so much in return. They also keep me young, and these days, I need all the help I can get.”
Perhaps Mibs Wagner, Director of Development at BFC, summed it up best when she said, “We at Bergen Family Center would like to take this opportunity to thank someone who is not looking for thanks, to recognize a man who shies away from recognition but so truly deserves it – Scott Alberg.”