BCAC’s Opening Day!

By Dan Guarino

Skies were clear, the weather was warm, and excitement was in the air as hundreds of young Broad Channel Athletic Club baseball players, along with their families, neighbors and friends came out to celebrate the BCAC’s Opening Day on Saturday, May 3.

Rain had postponed the annual community event from the previous weekend, and extensive roadwork left Cross Bay Blvd. pitted and unsafe for the traditional parade from 17th Road. However, the youngster’s energy was high as they assembled in their colorful new uniforms at the BCAC Memorial Field by 10 a.m.

The enthusiastic crowd grew larger as more and more players arrived before the start of ceremonies. Parents, some with uniform shirts matching their kids, tied shoes, adjusted baseball gloves, and chatted while children swarmed the field’s playground, met friends and made new ones.

Even the smallest players exchanged hugs. “Hi!” “Hi!,” two bouncing blue-shirted players exclaimed. “We’re on the same team!” Kids also enjoyed multiple turns on two huge tropical-themed inflatable slides.

Once all were gathered on the field shortly after, BCAC President Joe Traegler led the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the day’s guests. “This is such a wonderful family,” said Councilwoman Joanne Ariola, noting that her own grandson has played with the BCAC.

“It’s a beautiful day!” exclaimed Broad Channel Civic Association President Dan Mundy Jr., who also threw out the first pitch. He thanked all at the BCAC and its former presidents, adding “This organization has hundreds of kids playing multiple sports every year.”

A short time later, Mundy and Ariola would both be on hand at the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department’s ceremony marking the signing of the contract to build their long-awaited new firehouse on Cross Bay Blvd.

Invited to say a few words, a reporter for The Rockaway Times thanked all the families standing behind their young players, who made it possible for them to be there, and all at the BCAC “for what you do for our Broad Channel community all year round.”

Next, former BCAC president Jim Mangan presented a plaque honoring fellow former president Jack Allen. “He’s a big reason all of this is here,” Mangan said. The plaque read in part “Your efforts have made a world of difference to the youth we serve.”

In closing, President Traegler thanked Broad Channel’s Lisena Garden Center for maintaining and preparing the field for play. Lisena is also one of the many local businesses’ team sponsors. Additionally, he asked for a round of applause for Marty Feeney and the field concession stand crew. Longtime member, Feeney, also organizes the BCAC Shamrock Summer Shootout basketball program for players ages 5-12.

After the ceremonies, teams paired off, spreading across six of the field’s baseball diamonds. Each team then took turns hitting and fielding.

Coaches and helpers then took their teams, ranged by age, to separate playing areas to get in some games along with pitching and catching practice and learning some of basics. For the youngest players, this included a volunteer for each child to help the little ones learn skills like batting and running in the right direction towards the bases. Two of the youngest teams enjoyed a guided round of high-fives with each other after their game.

As Opening Day wrapped up, Mangan, Traegler and Allen recalled their own early days with the Broad Channel Athletic League. As Allen noted, “Lifelong friendships are built right here on this field.”

Photos by Dan Guarino.