As sure as Spring arrives, Merillon Sports Association and New Hyde Park North Little League take to the streets every year to celebrate the league’s commitment to the community and to officially acknowledge that the baseball season is underway.
Neighbors and fans lined the streets on Saturday morning, April 22nd as this year’s parade commenced. Players, coaches, and parents met at Notre Dame Church on New Hyde Park Road and marched to the Merillon Fields on Marcus Avenue. All of the four to twelve year old players were in uniform as they marched and were joined by Nassau County Police and Nassau County Auxiliary Police securing the roads and directing traffic as the parade made it’s way. Escorts this year included New Hyde Park Fire Department and Garden City Park Fire Department and Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums. Drivers that found themselves held up at cross streets along the route were seen stepping out of their cars to smile, applaud and wave to the parade participants that included Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Parks Commissioner Kelly Gillen, 2nd District Councilman Peter Zuckerman, 4th District Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey and 16th District Community Liaison Christine Liu.
The ceremonies at Merillon Fields got underway with our National Anthem performed by Isabella Aguilo followed with God Bless America and America The Beautiful performed by Nassau County Firefighters Pipers and Drums. Merillon Sports Association President Tom Murphy hosted the festivities introducing our local dignitaries that also included Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello, and Town Clerk Ragina Srivastava. All of the guests made remarks commending the volunteers, congratulating the league’s longevity and
excitement of yet another season for all. Notably, Peter Zuckerman recalled his playing days on the very same fields as a little leaguer with Merillon.
Tom Murphy awarded the Volunteer of the Year award to New Hyde Park North Little League President Jonathan Lobdell for his coaching duties, varied endeavors, commitment to the league and five years as league President. Jonathan then awarded the Coach of the Year award to Chris Marcic, recognized for his dedication to coaching for the organization the past three years.
Supervisor DeSena threw out the first pitch to officially welcome the new season. With that, the players all enjoyed their free hot dogs and beverages which is always the big hit of the day. Families all enjoyed each others company as the players enjoyed their food and the Farms Division kids got themselves a pick up game going on field one.
Merillon Little League started serving the New Hyde Park community in 1951 on the Marcus Avenue fields where the league still calls home. The league name was changed to New Hyde Park North Little League at the beginning of the 2019 season as it was the only local little league that did not have their town name reflected.
