Syosset Baseball Association recently held its Annual Memorial Day All-Star games and picnic at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park.

The day started off with warm temperatures and blue skies. All games played this day provided an opportunity to remember Brian Murphy, a Syosset Little Leaguer who passed away. All players wore a Brian Murphy Memorial All-Star game shirt as well as a cap with "2004 All-Star Game."

Each division from the 8-Year-Old Division through the Major League Division featured two games being played at the time.

The day kicked off with the 8-year-old All-Star games at 8:30 a.m. Highlights from these games were from the team managed by Jerry Hoffman, which won 6-0 with Josh Shapiro providing a double and Steve Jaroslawski striking out the side in the first. Gary Parke's team won 7-6 in a tight game with Stephen Ryga doubling to tie the game and Anthony Carchietta knocking in the winning run. Great pitching from Austin Parkes, Daniel Maj and Hunter Grec. First pitch honors were extended to Town Groundskeeper Frank Panetta for his crew's continued efforts in providing great field conditions for this game and last year's All-Star games that couldn't have been played without their dedication, commitment and love of their jobs.

The 9-Year-Old Division followed with Buddy Rosenblatt's team defeating Mike Greenspan's team 19-2. Highlights from this game were great hits from Michael Engrassia, Aaron Schuster and Tyler Zubin. Aaron Schuster closed out the game with a strike-out in the sixth inning to seal finish the game. The other 9-Year-Old game pitted Chris Burrei's team against Jeff Tanen's team. This team, too, ended up in a 24-1 runaway with Tanen's team victorious. Highlights of this game - Jason Steinberg, Kevin Kehne and James Schlesinger pitched a combined five innings yielding 1 run. Kevin Frobey had three hits, including two triples to lead the attack. Long Island Duck's Mascot, "Quackerjack" threw out the first pitch in both of these games and remained at the park mingling with the crowd both at the fields and barbecue area.

Our featured Major League Division games pitted the 12-Year-Olds from this elite group of players, managed by Bob Gulmi versus Bill Glasgow. Glasgow's team won this nip-and-tuck game, 7-6 with pitcher Reed Bisca closing out the side in the bottom of the sixth to seal the victory. Glasgow's team was down 6-0 and fought back in to claim the win. The other major league game featured the 11-Year-Olds from this group against themselves, managed by Joe Girardi versus John "Corky" Cohan. Girardi's team won this nail-biter 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth inning with the game-winning hit from Sam Vecker, crossing Nick Girardi over home plate with the game-winning run.

Deacon James Murphy, whose son passed away and in whose name these games are played in memory of each year, was extended the honor of first pitch for these Major League Division games.

The 10-Year-Old Division enjoyed a tight contest with Mike Parenti's team defeating Alan Rapfogel's team 7-4. Mike Parenti led off the first with two runs and never looked back. Bobbie Albanese closed out the game three up/three down to complete the 7-4 win. In the other 10-Year-Old Division game, Matthew Vetucci's team defeated Bruce Graber's team 12 to 8, with both teams going head-to-head providing for exciting baseball for players, coaches, managers, viewing parents, family members and guests. Councilman Chris Coschignano was given honors of first pitch for these games for his support to Syosset Baseball and the communities of Syosset and Woodbury.

The AAA Division games concluded the day's events with former Major Leaguer and New York Yankee Rusty Torres throwing out the first pitch. Rusty has been working with Syosset baseball in helping the managers' and coaches' teaching skills with the fundamentals of the game and bringing these skills to the field to help the kids. Rusty also worked with the 7-9-Year Old Divisions on June 6 in a series of clinics. Commissioner Rick Resnick congratulated all players, coaches and managers selected to the All-Star game. Game one featured Harry Lewkowitz' team versus Jeff Sosna. This game was a hard-fought battle with Sosna's team winning 7 to 4. The game was well-played with great defense, fantastic pitching and hitting going back and forth in a competitive game. Game two featured James Levin's team versus Bob McArdle's team. There was a great effort from all players making contributions in outstanding defense and pitching. A valiant comeback effort by Bob McArdle's team provided for the 5-4 final with Levin's team prevailing.

While all these games were going on throughout the day, the Syosset Baseball Association Board of Directors manned the grills with hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, munchies as well as drinks and watermelon. Grills started to heat up at 10 a.m. and didn't die out until 7 p.m. that night.

All games featured both teams lining up on their respective sides on the field to salute the flag with Pledges of Allegiance provided by Councilman Chris Coschignano, President Rob Jolson and VP of Operations Joe Girardi. The National Anthem and God Bless America throughout the afternoon were sung by Holly Rozell, Sara Ross, Jessica Condorous, Caitlyn Girardi and Alexandra Girardi.

Syosett Baseball Association would like to thank all those attending for making this day a fun and enjoyable day for all players and guests who attended, and look forward to next year's games. It's now time as our spring season draws to a close, that we start focusing on the upcoming playoffs for the 9-12 Year-Old Divisions and upcoming year-end dinner in November.