Playball

WARWICK — They made the right decision.
The annual Warwick Little League parade and ceremonies, postponed one week because of a poor weather forecast, took place on Saturday, April 14, under bright sun, clear blue skies and mild temperatures.
The traditional parade, led by a Warwick Police motorcycle escort and a color guard, headed down Main Street and then to the ball fields at Veterans Memorial Park for ceremonies to celebrate the opening of the 2018 baseball season.
Following the recitation of the Little League and Parent Pledges, the joint American Legion and VFW Color Guard marched to the center of the field.
Warwick Valley High School senior John Roca then gave a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." And he received a well-deserved round of applause.
Later in the program he also sang "God Bless America."
League Parade Chair Barry Cheney served as emcee for the day and introduced officials present.
Town of Warwick Deputy Supervisor James Gerstner and Mayor Michael Newhard each praised the members of the Warwick Little League, stressing its importance to the community and wishing everyone a great baseball season.
During the ceremonies Bart Amatetti, president of Warwick Little League, announced that after eight years he was stepping down and turning over the reins of his office to the new President, Rich DiCostanzo. However, Amatetti added that he would still remain active with the League. He also dedicated the 2018 season to the late Bob Faulls and his family.
Town Park Field Supervisor Roger Showalter also praised Faulls, who worked as a heavy equipment operator for the Department of Public Works, for all the assistance he gave to the League. He then quoted Faulls' favorite saying, "I'll tell you what," along with the words spoken each year by the late Orange County Legislator Ben Winstanley, "Play ball!"
The ceremonies concluded with Deputy Supervisor Gerstner tossing in the first softball to Eva Garofalo and Mayor Newhard throwing out the first baseball to catcher Justin Acosta.
All the players, parents and guests then headed over to the food concession stand for hot dogs and other refreshments served by Little League volunteers.
- Roger Gavan