The WFAN All-Stars Celebrity Softball Game in New Rochelle at the new Flowers (City) Park athletic complex set the scene for a tremendous turnout and great game. Former New Rochelle resident and NRHS graduate Craig Carton of the "Boomer and Carton" morning radio sports talk show was one of numerous celebrity players in a 9 inning slow pitch softball game which won’t be forgotten any time soon.
The red carpet was rolled up and out rolled the astro turf. Fans and dignitaries such as former state Assemblyman Ron Tocci, NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, County Executive Rob Astorino and County Legislators Shiela Marcotte and Jim Maisano all lined all sides of the ballpark for New Rochelle’s first ever “Celebrity softball game” on the newly renovated Flowers (City) Park Field. Proceeds from the event go the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Gift Fund to put towards the new athletic complex. “ It’s so great to be back in New Rochelle again and great to see such a terrific turnout” stated Carlton. Craig Carlton and former NFL great Boomer Esiason were honorably presented with keys to the City by Mayor Noam Bramson and City Manager Chuck Strome just prior to the first pitch being thrown.
Both teams hit the field with the WFAN All-Star team at bat. I asked former Yankee Roy White if he had any advice for some of the younger kids looking to pursue a dream in baseball what would that advice be? His response “ To keep doing well in school, stay focused and work very hard” Words of wisdom that surely have and will be passed on. While on the topic of wisdom. New Rochelle’s Celebrity Team was coached by the one and only Harold Crocker, former coach of Craig Carton. Coach Crocker, inducted into the New Rochelle Sports Hall of fame in 1994, has had a fabulous career having once taught in the City School District, been a coach and mentor to hundreds in New Rochelle and also served as an educational athletic consultant. Crocker was also a regional scout for the NFL’s New York Giants football team. He currently an Athletics Director with the College of New Rochelle. Some of the Celebrities on the New Rochelle roster included, Mayor Noam Bramson, City Mgr. Chuck Strome, Assistant Omar Small, Councilman Lou Trangucci and Barry Fertel, DPW Commissioner Alex Turgis, City Engineer John Clemente, UFFA President Byron Gray, PBA rep Chris Castiglia, Peter Campone, MIS Director, Former NR and Iona Quarterback Tom Proudian, Rutgers University head football coach Kyle Flood, NR Sports Hall of Famer Mario Scarano and Ron Blasie. WVOX’s Kevin Elliot, Team Phoenix Jonathan Harris, Team Beechmont Tavern James Tricaro, Team Ferrara Contracting Dan Ferrara, Rob Wagner Team Ball busters, Vince Marrone ( Kip Kliegerman) Team Vultures, Josh Duitz Team YINR, Dominick Colucci from Carlyn’s Cove, Evan Andermane ( Craig “Big Daddy” Kohn) team Blues, Tommy Anderson of Palmers Crossing, Glenn Pantore of Safeway Wreckers, Spectator’s Mud Hens Rob Kasara. Randy LoPachin of the Secor Boyz, Rich Langer (Seth Linzer) of team Casinos, Corey Keyes with Steiner Sports, Joe Williams ( Jerry Rangone) Spectators OBAAT, Mitch DeRaffele from DeRaffele’s Hustlers, Dori Pearson and Amanda Rivera CNR Trainer& Symmetry Physical Fitness, James Warren the team Scorer and Head Coach Harold Crocker.
First batter Boomer Esiason, former NFL icon stepped up to the plate for a great at bat while former Yankee and MLB favorite Bernie Williams waited in the “All –Star” lineup. Names on the Roster included former NY Met (Ho-Jo) Howard Johnson, MLB’s Ron Bloomberg of the NY Yankees, former Yankee Roy White, NBA star and NY Knick Anthony Mason, NBA’s Speedy Claxton, and NBA great Wally Szczerbiak, Presidentof Varsity Plumbing Bobby Bellini, Executive Vice President of Steiner Sports Steve Costello, Al Dukes, Jerry Recco, and Jeff Carton ( Craig’s brother). During the game, between innings I addressed Councilman Lou Trangucci saying “It’s great to see a piece of what this field can bring into New Rochelle, what do you feel about the field in its final form in comparison to what was presented to council three years ago? Councilman Trangucci replied "I think it’s everything and more of what I expected. The New Rochelleans should be proud to have top rated field and a top rated sports complex. Tonight’s celebrity event shows us the benefits we can get from this complex."
During the game, Beechmont Tavern, located near Iona College in New Rochelle on North Avenue served up hot food ,Wings, juicy burgers, fries and more. Refreshments and tents were manned by New Rochelle’s Youth Bureau and the Flowers (City) Athletic facility’s bases were covered. Some of the Super Event Raffle Ticket Prizes sold throughout the game included a WFAN Studio tour that included one hour with Boomer and Carton, NY Yankees Autographed Memorabilia from Joe Fosina, NY Yankees game Tickets provided by Transcare, A Golf Foursome at Wykagyl Country Club from GM, Rob Kasara, Ray Rice Autographed Football Merchandise from Steiner Sports, Four Iona Gaels Men;s Basketball Game Tickets from Iona Athletics, Two – $50 Gift certificates from Modern Restaurant & Pizzeria and more! Tickets will continue to be on sale through next week (August 10th). To purchase raffle tickets contact New Rochelle Parks & Recreation at 914-654-2087
As the game came down to it’s last inning and the New Rochelle Celebrity team brought in the winning run against the “All-Star Team making it a 8-7 win for New Ro, fans and players filled the field to mingle, get autographs and take pictures with the celebrity players. It truly was a moment to see that this city can now enjoy an Athletic Facility like we have now for years to come. A field to take pride in and utilize not only by the residents of New Rochelle but by Westchester County.
In closing, I had a moment to interview Boomer Esiason and ask him about his foundation. Boomer launched the Boomer Esiason Foundation in 1994 to help improve the quality of life for those suffering with the disease Cystic Fibrosis. The foundation is a collaborative effort to raise awareness, create relief for those who suffer with Cystic Fibrosis, and raise money to find a cure and is truly an organization to pay attention to. The foundation has raised over 85 million dollars to support research towards a cure and you can find out more at www.Esiason.org and make a donation of your own.
Photo Credit Jen Parente
