Syosset Baseball Association kicked off the 2005 intramural baseball season on April 9. The weather at the 9 a.m. games was a sunny, spectacular 60 degrees, inviting for a fun-filled day for exciting baseball.

Councilman Chris Coshignano started the day's games throwing out the first pitch for the Major League Division game between Dantona Industries, managed by Steve Checca versus Team USA, managed by Gary Grady. This opening game squeaker was won by Team USA 3 to 2. Prior to Coshignano's first pitch, both teams lined up on the infield lines facing the flag for the opening Pledge of Allegiance followed by Holly Rozelle signing our national anthem. Councilman Anthony Macagnone joined the opening day Major League Division game festivities.

Representing the Board of Syosset Baseball Association at this opening game were Major League Commissioner Rich Resnick, Vice President of Administration Jerry Wolkis, Vice President of Operations Joy Girardi and secretary Jay Schuster.

Other games throughout the day from the T-ball Divisions 5- and 6-Year-Old through our Major League and AAA Divisions, provided for equally competitive and enjoyable games. Starting at 9 a.m., the final games concluded around 6:30 p.m. that evening.

This year's opening day games provided a new look at the fields. With the assistance from Syosset Baseball Association Board members, Jim Levin, Rick Krouner and Art Johansen, a team of board members procured the fields at Stillwell starting at 7 a.m. raking the fields and lining them to provide a more professional look to the fields than was experienced in prior years. Stillwell baseball fields, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 all had this personal touch and a pleasant surprise to the attending players, parents and visitors to enjoy playing on throughout the day. Each week, the board will be committed to providing this enhanced playing conditions for our league's games.

Another enhancement to this year's season is the 5- and 6-year-old divisions in addition to the standard shirt and hat they've received as their uniform in the past, 5- and 6-year-olds have been outfitted with pants.

Additionally, all uniforms enjoyed a change from the sponsor's name on the hat moving to the shoulder sleeve on the shirt.

Information on Syosset Baseball Association's events, schedule, standings and calendar can be found on our website www.syossetbaseball.org.