Crowds filled Flowers (City) Park Athletic Complex in New Rochelle to enjoy an action packed All-Stars Celebrity softball game hosted by WFAN’s radio hosts Boomer & Carton. New Rochelle native Craig Carton, co-host of the WFAN Boomer & Carton show, organized the second annual All-Star Celebrity Team playing against a full New Rochelle roster. Both teams took to the field in a 9 inning slow pitch softball game to contribute to raising funds in support of the New Rochelle Flowers Park Athletic Complex.
The All-Star line up included sports greats like NFL’s Boomer Esiason, Dwight (Doc) Gooden, NY Ranger Adam Graves, Wally Szerbiak, Al Dukes, NY Jets Antonio Garay, MLB’s Frank Catalanatto, Broadway and American Idol Star Constantine Maroulis just to name a few. The game kicked off at 6pm and College of New Rochelle Athletic Director Harold Crocker sent Team New Rochelle onto the field. The New Ro roster graced the fields with outstanding players from Queen City like Councilman Lou Trangucci, City Manager Chuck Strome, DPW’s Alex Turgis, County Legislator Jim Maisano and the list went on. Mayor Noam Bramson made a brief presentation offering the “Key to New Rochelle “ to Craig Carton, well, actually while laughing he suggested the key goes to Craig’s wife so he wouldn’t lose it like the first one.
Players were in attendance from Spectators, Modern Pizzeria, Monroe College, NRPBA, Acura of Westchester and from all over New Rochelle As balls flew into the outfield and both teams rounded the bases, Beechmont Tavern manned the food and beverage court surrounding the field putting smiles on faces with good old ballgame eats. The Boneless wings from Beechmont are a must have and washing them down with a bottle of Body Armor Super Drink – A perfect combo.
While pitches came over the plate, the All-Star celebrity players took time to autograph balls and t-shirts for excited fans of all ages. The fans were warmly welcomed and the entire game was a big hit even between innings. In a statement made by Bill Zimmerman, Commissioner of New Rochelle Parks & Rec, “We want to give a special thanks to WFAN staff and all our event sponsors, especially New Rochelle’s Craig Carton for a wonderful game event with “Friends of New Rochelle Parks” . This is a truly great event and it benefits our entire park program”
Music and sound were set up by the one and only Sound Associates of Yonkers and kept the Park and the players humming the entire game. A big sponsor and supporter of the event were Body Armor, supplying all the players and fans with a huge range of energy drinks that hit the spot during the game. Raffle tickets including a big 50/50, are still being sold offering amazing prizes that include a WFAN Studio Tour which would give one lucky winner 1 hour with Boomer & Carton in the studio. Other prizes include Yankees game tickets, Autographed Yankee Memorabilia, Ray Rice autographed NFL Merchandise are on the raffle prize list. and more. Lucky winners could win exciting Iona Gaels MBB Game tickets, a $50 gift Certificates to Beechmont Restaurant and also gifts from Modern Pizzeria, you could win yourself Full twin bed & frame from Hero’s & Legends or Round trip Taxi service to LGA, JFK or HPN from Green team Taxi Co. and other prizes are on the list, just inquire within the new Rochelle Parks & Rec. Prizes are being announced one week from post game. Raffle tickets are being sold through July 4th, and the drawing is July 5th. To inquire about raffle ticket sales and where the drawing will be held, contact NR Parks and Rec at 654-2087 or via email fbernabei@newrochelleny.com and or wzimmerm@newrochelleny.com
New Rochelle’s Celebrity Softball game was an obvious success and friends and fans from all over had a chance to experience a fabulous night watching some of the best of the best play ball for an amazing cause. All the funds raised will go to the New Rochelle Park & Recreation Gift Fund with proceeds specifically earmarked for the new athletic complex at Flowers (City) Park.
See coverage of the Celebrity game online at www.BobsBlitz.com, See the article by the very popular online sports aficionado Bobs Blitz.
The City of New Rochelle put out a statement on July 3, 2013:
WFAN All-Stars Celebrity Softball Tourney Draws Hundreds to City Park
Event Merchandise and 50/50 Raffle Concludes July 5The second annual WFAN All-Stars Celebrity Softball Game was a home run on Thursday June 27 as the New Rochelle All Stars prevailed against the WFAN Celebrities in a nine inning exhibition game at the newly-renovated Flowers (City) Park athletic complex.
The event pitted former New Rochelle resident and high school alum Craig Carton of the “Boomer and Carton” morning radio sports talk show against the New Rochelle city team. The superstar lineup for the All Stars included Carton, Boomer Esiason, Antonio Garay of the New York Jets, former MLB Players Dwight Gooden and Frank Catalanatto, NY Ranger Adam Graves, Former NBA player Wally Szcerbiak and American Idol star Constantine Maroulis. The City team coached by College of New Rochelle Athletic Director Harold Crocker featured Councilmembers Lou Trangucci and Barry Fertel, City Manager Chuck Strome, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann, city staff, players from the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Adult Softball League Program and local community and business leaders. Mayor Noam Bramson threw out the ceremonial first pitch and Sarah Fortinsky sang the National Anthem.
An event merchandise/50-50 raffle was held to raise funds for the “Friends of New Rochelle Parks” Gift fund with dedicated proceeds specifically earmarked for City-wide parks. Tickets are still available at the Parks and Recreation office and will be sold at the Spark the Sound Fireworks at Five Islands and Hudson Parks. Drawing will be held on July 5. For more information contact the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Department at 654-2087.