Free Youth Baseball/Softball Clinic with Legendary Line-Up of Former Major League Baseball Stars at Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and NYS Senator Mario Mattera have teamed up for the second year in a row to present a free event for male and female youths. On Sunday, August 27th, at Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park, the annual Field of Heroes Youth Ball Clinic will feature a legendary lineup of former MLB players and softball giants, including Art Shamsky, Frank Catalanotto, Fred Cambria, Kevin Baez, Frank Tepedino, Don DeMola, Oreste Marrero, Sal Agostinelli and Charles Galiano. The not-for-profit organization Heros 4 Our Heroes will be donating all proceeds towards renovating the Community Living Center courtyard at the Northport VA Medical Center.
Children ages 6-18 are invited to hone their craft with former Major League Baseball stars and local school coaches from 10:00 AM through 1:15 PM. A complimentary lunch for families, participants and guests will be included. Registration for players is required ahead of time. Parents can register children online at: https://FieldofHeroesBaseballClinic.eventbrite.com
“This event has become a very special annual opportunity to pay homage to our Veterans while giving families an unforgettable experience. This year we are working with Heros 4 Our Heroes who will be fundraising to renovate the Northport VA courtyard, giving our local Veterans the space to enjoy leisure time with friends and family outdoors. I also want to thank Senator Mattera, his staff, the team at Parks, Buildings and Grounds, Smithtown Recreation and all of our schools, sports leagues and coaches who have devoted their summers to delivering a truly memorable event for the community. This was the dream for Flynn Memorial… and I think it’s so fitting that we come together every year to honor our heroes and inspire younger generations at the ballpark named after my childhood friend and legendary athlete who gave his life in defense of our nation. I think Danny would approve… I’d highly encourage families to register their kids for this unbelievable occasion before registration fills up.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Major League Baseball legends will coach and inspire youth players at various stations throughout the day. Participants will have the chance to get their baseball/softball signed by MLB stars, and make their very own baseball/softball playing card. The opening ceremony will pay tribute to our American heroes on the field named in honor of Daniel J. Flynn, a member of the 725th Military Police Battalion, C Company, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. All proceeds from the event will go towards the renovation of the Community Living Center courtyard at the Northport VA Medical Center.
“I am thrilled that Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and myself are able to host this baseball/softball event for a second year running. This year, our partner Heros 4 our Heroes is donating all proceeds from sponsorships to build a beautiful new courtyard for our Veterans who reside at the Northport VA. I am ecstatic to spend the day with families from our community, as children hone their craft with the help of former major league players while we pay respect to our great first responders and Veterans for their service.” - NY State Senator Mario Mattera
Registration for this free event can be found online via Eventbrite at https://FieldofHeroesBaseballClinic.eventbrite.com
Flynn Memorial Park is located at 29 Old Commack Rd. in Commack, NY 11725
About the Project:
Heros 4 Our Heroes has begun fundraising efforts to rebuild the Nursing Home’s outdoor courtyard located at Building 92 on the Northport VA campus. Tentative plans for the courtyard include a peaceful waterfall, picnic area, park benches, decorative lighting and a brick hero walkway, which will adorn the names of local Veterans. Every year, Heros 4 Our Heroes hosts Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner distribution efforts at the Northport VA. The courtyard project was born during a tour after last year’s Thanksgiving meal distribution. Heros 4 Our Heroes hopes to raise enough funds over the course of the next year to begin the process of renovating the courtyard.
About Heros 4 Our Heroes Foundation:
The day after 9/11, the Panicos wanted to do something to aid our rescue workers, so they loaded up a mobile catering truck full of food from their market in Smithtown and drove to Ground Zero. They cooked for ten straight days at the World Trade Center site and continued to provide free meals to first responders and frontline workers for the next 21 years. Every September 11th, Heros 4 Our Heroes prepares and gives away over 3,000 heroes to firefighters, policemen and veterans. During the holidays, Heros 4 Our Heroes distributes turkey dinners on Thanksgiving and ham or turkey dinners for Christmas at the VA Medical Center. Since September 11th, 2001, the Panicos have served as an inspiration to the people of Smithtown by serving thousands of complimentary meals to frontline workers at hospitals, nursing homes, veterans facilities and dozens of other entities, in honor of the thousands of heroes who serve us every day.
To learn more, visit: www.heros4ourheroes.org