Little League cultivates ‘sense of community’
Members of the Little League team sponsored by Cluck-U Chicken greet their mascot at Opening Day festivities. (Photo: Meghan Ryan)
By Katelyn Farago
Morristown This Week
Baseball is a family affair for the Monfalcone family of Morris Township.
Frank Monfalcone has been volunteering as a head coach in the Morristown Area American Little League for six years. His 12-year-old son, Niko, plays outfield and third base for the majors team, Longo Electric, and his 8-year-old daughter, Michailia, plays for the AA minors team, Frank's Big and Tall.
"It's fun," he said. "Every once in a while, you see one kid who picks something up, suddenly learns how to do something much better. That keeps you coming back."
The Monfalcones' story is not unique in the Morristown Area American Little League. Many of the players in the program have both parents and siblings involved — some of whom have a long history with the league.
Patrick Tierney of Morris Township played in the Morristown Area American Little League as a child and went on coach in the program for years. Now, he watches his two sons — Shane, 12 and Caden, 9 — from the stands. His daughter was involved in the league's softball program years ago, too, and currently plays for the high school.
Tierney describes the league as cultivating a "wonderful, great sense of community" and said lifelong friendships are made on the field.
The Morristown Area American Little League, an all-volunteer organization serving about 260 children ages 6 and a half to 12, recently kicked off the spring season with their traditional Opening Day festivities. In addition to introducing all 27 baseball teams, league representatives also announced the names of all of the 12-year-old players who are beginning their last season as Little Leaguers.
"It's a nice event," said John Mahoney, president of the league, explaining that he hopes the players gain a better understanding of baseball, an enjoyment for the game and a sense of teamwork through their participation.
This year, Mahoney said the league's coaches are making a special effort to emphasize the qualities of commitment, pride and respect with their players.
And the message seems to be resonating loudly with the children involved. As a member of the Longo Electric majors team, Ayaaz Versi, 12, of Morris Township said he has learned to respect everyone, and appreciates that his coaches put in all of the players — not just the best ones. His teammate, 12-year-old Andrew Mandel of Morris Township, said he has learned, "You win some games, you lose some games."
Andrew has been playing baseball for about six years now. His father, Brian, volunteers as an assistant coach, and his mother, Debbie, serves as a member of the board.
"I just wanted to have a positive impact on the experience for the kids," she said. "I think they learn a lot during Little League. It's part of the process of growing up."
Her husband, Brian, expressed a similar sentiment.
"I think it's one of those things that prepares you for life," he said, explaining that it teaches children to bounce back from disappointment and losses.
Matt O'Neill, 12, of Morris Township is in his last year as a Little Leaguer, but he plans to keep playing by joining the school team and a local travel team. A catcher, shortstop and first baseman for Bushes Landscape, Matt said he has developed great friendships through his participation in Little League, and has learned: "Be yourself. Don't be shy."
Rosemary Colangelo of Morris Township has been watching her 12-year-old son, Jimmy, play baseball for years.
"He loves it," she said, adding that he has met new friends and gained confidence. "(And) I just love seeing — throughout the years — how much better he has gotten."
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: An interleague game between Morristown Area American Little League and Morristown National Little League
WHEN: May 22
WHY: To give the leagues a chance to compete, and to collect items for the Interfaith Food Pantry
Katelyn Farago: 973-428-6630; kfarago@gannett.com