Kids Have a Ball at SYAG Annual Opening Day

The Sachem Youth Advisory Group (SYAG) held its annual opening day and ceremonies on Saturday afternoon.  The cloudy skies, wind and cold couldn't dampen the spirits of the children and coaches eager to see the little league baseball and softball season get underway.

The parade was a sight to behold.  Residents stood outside their homes to cheer on the players who were dressed in their team attire, and wielding colorful, homemade banners.

The parade began at and ended up at Smith Field adjacent to , where a contest for the top banners took place during the ceremony.  It was judged by Long Island Ducks mascot, Quackerjack.

"This was our maiden voyage from Cayuga.  I didn't know what to expect with traffic issues; it worked out well," said SYAG baseball/softball commissioner Bob Cummings.

Cummings spoke about what makes their organization such a positive experience for all involved.

"What's good is it's an in-house program geared strictly for the kids to play ball.  We like to call it instructional.  We like the kids to have fun," said Cummings.  "The volunteer directors do a lot of work.  It's all strictly volunteer.  We have five fields.  They work really hard.  We have over 100 teams; putting it together is very time consuming."

There are over 1,000 children that participate in SYAG sports.

Gary Schor, who manages 11 and 12-year old softball, was thrilled to be able to get outside after a long winter, and spend some quality time with his two daughters in the league.

"We're just looking forward to playing softball and keeping the kids busy, running around, away from the computer," said Schor.

Many of the teams got really creative this year.  Eight-year old baseball team, The Dragons sported green paper boxes atop their heads, which the kids designed themselves to spell out the team name.  Dragons coach, John D'Ambrosio came up with the innovative idea.

"We tried something different.  Everyone does banners; they get tired of holding it.  This is nice and light," said D'Ambrosio.

"It's going to be a great season," said Todd Daddario, a Dragons assistant coach.  "We had two practice sessions.  They're already really fired up to play."

The Dragons are certainly off to an auspicious start.  Thinking outside of the box really paid off for the team.  They came in first place in the baseball banner contest, followed by The Snappers in second place and The Sharks in third.

In the softball contest, The Pink Panthers came in first place with their pretty poster adorned with pieces of pink felt, decorated with each team member's name.   They were followed by The Sweethearts in second and The Green Machine in third.

The first place teams were awarded ribbons and  gift cards for each child.

SYAG was incorporated on Nov. 1, 1966.  In addition to baseball and softball, it offers basketball, lacrosse, football and cheerleading; as well as seasonal

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko showed his support for the youth organization by speaking at the ceremony and throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to get the ball rolling on another spectacular SYAG season.

"This is the best organization, with the best participation, and obviously the kids have a ball.  I love seeing all the banners, seeing who wins; it's really creative, really fun," said Lesko.  He reminded the players, "Play hard, play fair.  It never gets any better than this — playing little league."