Sayville Baseball Honors Military on Support Our Troops Day

This article was written by Linda Mittiga/Sayville Schools. It was post by Judy Mottl.

On the third annual SUPPORT OUR TROOPS DAY, Sayville Baseball honored active and former military personnel and veterans with a presentation at “The Swamp” before the home game.

This traditional fundraiser, organized by Varsity Baseball Head Coach Ryan Cox and the Sayville Varsity Baseball team, does double duty. First it honors our Veterans at home (Coach Cox’s father is one) who have served in past conflicts, as well as our troops, including some Sayville Alumni, who are currently serving here and abroad to defend our country.

It also helped, through sales of camouflage t-shirts, baked goods, and refreshments sold by High School clubs, classes, and Baseball Booster Club, to raise money for a specific charity—this year, the total proceeds of $1,000 was donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Presenting our nations colors, the Color Guard from VWF Post 433: Eric Rivera, George McEwen, Michael Alcabes, Joan Furey, Ron Bergmann, Richie Ford, Andy Henning, and John "Chief"  Demmers marched to second base.

Guest veterans, representing various branches of the military from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as active military personnel, joined the Sayville Baseball team on the third baseline, where all stood respectfully for the National Anthem, sung beautifully by Sayville Senior Denise Natoli.

The ceremony ended with the first-pitch, thrown by Baseball Assistant Coach Barry Fitzpatrick who was spotlighted for his military service.

Coach Cox launched the Support Our Troops Day tradition not only because he so admired the qualities of character, honor, integrity, and loyalty, which his father demonstrated during military service, but also to instill in his players respect for these values.