Sandlot Day: Testimonials Archives

North Columbia Little League

"I love this idea. Over the past few years I have tried to "organize" a similar program during the summer when the Little League season ends. We call it pick-up night... Every Wednesday night during the summer anyone can show up to play pickup games. Typically, I would bring an equipment bag and bucket of balls and then we would let the two youngest players pick sides and play. Sometimes a father or two would play in the outfield if we are short players. I think my two sons look forward to this activity more than the regular season games."

Tim Ragosta (President)
North Columbia Little League

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West Corners Little League

"Grabbing all the kids in the neighborhood and enjoying an afternoon of baseball or softball in the backyard or empty lot is a fond memory for most parents, but happens less and less due to the hectic schedules of today's youth. SUNY Youth Sport Institute's "Sandlot Day" program is a great way to bring back the fun of kids being kids playing a game they enjoy. West Corners Baseball and Softball supports and participates in Sandlot Day".

Jim Silkworth (President)
West Corners Little League

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Solvay Little League

"I believe Sandlot day is a fantastic way to bring baseball back to the roots of why it's Americas Pastime. Just like it was when we were all growing up. No grownups to cloud the water. No "loud parents" making it about them. It's all about the kids. Show up, pick teams..... and PLAY.... Win or lose... guess what... play again...and again and again. We all played till our parents had to call us in for dinner. It was from sun up to sun down in my neighborhood. How about yours ? Now with video games, computers, texting among other distractions. The kids of today have gotten away from that.. Most of them never even did anything like this. So by creating Sandlot day... This may be the introduction to a great pastime that this generation needs. Great job guy's... keep up the good work. I can't wait to have ours... Time to PLAY BALL !!!!! Tell Mom were going to be late for dinner."

Rich Suchomski (President)
Solvay Little League

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Jesse Collyer Youth Sports, Ossining, NY

"When I was young and was roaming the streets of Queens NY with my friends looking to play a game of baseball, football, hockey amongst ourselves or a game with kids from another neighborhood. We were just having fun. It was about being together as a group leaving reality for a little while and play without anyone bothering us. Whatever sport was in season and we were pumped about getting up a game. We had our favorite sports teams and players and we would make believe we were those teams and players sometimes. I couldn't hit the ball two telephone poles long but Bobby Murcer could, so I would be Bobby Murcer or Mickey Mantle when I needed a big hit. Today its about the money and all the other nonsense that is part of the sports celebrity. We didn't think about that back then. I hope the kids today get a chance to feel the way I did, and can escape into that world for a while, the way I did, way back when."

Andrew Jimney (Vice President)
Jesse Collyer Youth Sports, Ossining, NY

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Philipstown Little League

"I truly appreciate the opportunity to go back. It fits into our theme this year of going retro. We're using all traditional uniforms from the 50's in our league. Sandlot Day is part of our roots. Baseball is a game that is played and is learned by doing it with your friends. I'm tired of seeing empty fields that we once filled with pick-up games. Sandlot Day may be a good start to filling up those fields again."

Eddie Barry (President)
Philipstown Little League

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Baseball Heaven

"It's great to see youth baseball played the way it should be, run by the players, for the players."

Michael D'Amara (Vice President of Operations)
Baseball Heaven, Long Island, NY

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Bear Country Little League

"My first year as a minor league head coach we set aside a practice date late in our season to be a Father/Son game - the kids against the Dads. The thing that made it the most fun for the kids was they set their own batting order and defensive lineup. It was a great break from the drills and practices we run all season, and gave the kids the chance to do what they liked most - play baseball. Another reason why I think Sandlot Day will be a draw to the kids: when we're sitting at the dinner table and we ask our son "How was school today?", without fail the first topic we hear about is the pickup kickball game at recess. I've had this conversation with other parents and it's a common theme. Kids love the idea of running their own teams, and are perfectly capable of doing so without adult intervention. When I ran the idea of Sandlot Day past the BCLL Board of Directors, it was enthusiastically received. We look forward to this being regular BCLL event each Spring."

Derek Rooney (Board Member)
Bear Country Little League

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Sandlot Day in Baldwinsville, NY

"I took Tim Donovan's "Sandlot" recommendation for Thursday's practice. My girls minor softball team (8-10 years old) took hitting practice for the first 50 minutes. Then spent the remainder of practice playing kickball, where they formed their own teams, made up their own rules and basically managed themselves with little adult interaction from the dugout. It was a huge success and a great idea! They weren't thinking about it, they just did it. Did they have fun ... YES! It was a nice change for them and they actually practiced their skills without being directed, like base running, stealing, etc."

Jim Kocik
Baldwinsville Little League

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