Asbury Park Little League Opens Season Under the Lights
First game on newly upgraded field Asbury Park Little League President Danny McKee (right) listens as former player Tyrone TC Asia speaks about perseverance and the success hes had since his days playing in the Asbury Park Little League. |
By TOM CARDINALE
After months of doubt and controversy the Asbury Park Little League officially began their season with the league’s first ever night game under their newly installed lights at the city high school.
The opening night ceremonies opened with speeches from various league officials, including league president Danny McKee who stressed the importance of involvement to the crowd of parents on hand.
“I must appeal to everyone who is here today to become involved in the little league,” he said. “There are ways in which everyone can share the load being handled by just a few.”
McKee was instrumental in facilitating the renovations that have taken place at the field, including the lights which were the subject of much controversy between the league and the school district’s fiscal monitor, Mark Cowell. Initially McKee was told by Cowell that the league could no longer continue their renovations because the field belonged to the school.
Eventually, McKee was given a list of requirements that needed to be fulfilled before the field renovations could continue. This included things such as insurance forms, a list of people who would have access to the field, and a soil test to determine if the ground could support the proposed lighting structures. The soil test was a major point of contention, as McKee contended that the lighting company had already determined that the ground was suitable and a soil test would cost nearly $10,000 and the league could not afford that extra cost. Finally, after months of negotiation, a compromise was reached that allowed the lights to be put up last week, just in time for opening day.
In addition to the lights, the field was renovated with a new scoreboard and storage shed. The field itself was also improved to offer the best possible playing surface for the city’s little leaguers.
McKee also took time to thank the many supporters who not only donated money but also time to the league during the period where the completion of the renovations was in doubt and there was even talk of moving the field to the city’s Intermediate School.
McKee also announced that, thanks to donations, 21 of the league’s players will be sent to a baseball camp in Pennsylvania this summer; an announcement that was met with resounding applause.
Finally, McKee recognized three players who raised over $1000 for the league during their fund-raising.
Sharod Gilliard, Willie Speller, and Tyrone Speller were each awarded plaques commemorating their contributions to the league through their tireless fund-raising efforts.
Former league member T.C. Asia was the evenings keynote speaker, offering an inspirational plea to the children and parents in attendance.
“Just keep the faith and press through,” Asia, who now works for the Department of Defense, said. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
“I grew up on the west side and everyone just wrote us off over there,” he continued. “But I want to tell you: no one can write you off. You can be anything you want to be but you have to do your homework and put in the work and make sure everything is positive in your life.”
Following the speeches the lights were turned on for the first time and everyone in attendance enjoyed a barbecue and live DJ before the Marlins and Phillies took the field for the first night game in Asbury Park Little League history. It was a moment and a night that, just a few months ago, seemed like it may never come.
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