At the ceremonies, following the Annual Merillon Little League Association Parade, Chairman of the Board, who has been in charge for more than 30 years, Tony Camilleri said, “It is truly a milestone when an organization can say we are celebrating our 60 anniversary especially knowing that the founding fathers and members only wanted to provide a place where the children of the community had a place to play baseball. Softball came later. I don’t know if they thought that we would still be around but they did seat a solid foundation for use to follow.
“I am happy to say that I have spent more than 30 years in the service of Merillon but there were many before me who sacrificed their time. Such men as John McDonald, the founder, Marv Morrison, Franklyn Biondo and the many hundreds of volunteersl that have followed since to ensure that the children always have a place to play baseball and under the best conditions.
“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to walk the field on a Saturday and see the boys and girls playing, laughing and having a good time.
“This is what it is all about. Not to mention the many positive comments from you and the parents, it means a lot to all of us.
“This organization is very llucky that we have always been able to attract dedicated volunteers that sacrifice much of their time especially in the spring and summer so that we can provide the very best environment for the children. I want to especially thank them, because without them there would be no program.
“So, Merillon Athletic Association, Happy 60 Birthday and may you enjoy many, many more.”
Tom O’Connell – Coach of The Year
The 2010 Joe Roy Coach of The Year Award was this year presented to Tom O ‘Connell by Merillon President Joseph Renta who said,”Tom O’Connell started his Merillon career in 2003 as many of us do coaching his son Ryan in the Instructional.
“Since then he has coached teams in every division in the Merillon progam and is currently a coach in the senior division with boys 13 to 15 years of age.
“In 2006 Tom was elected to the Merillon Board of Directors as a Player Agent. In 2007 he was elected the league’s Safety Officer. In 2009 he was elected Equipment Manager, the position to which he now serves. All three positions are very demanding and requires a lot of personal tim.
“In addition to his duties, Tom volunteers for many projects such as preparing the fields before games and raking and cleaning after games. He is on several committees that oversee many of the league’s operations. He is the consumate volunteer who is truly deserving of this award.
“He also created a safety plan for the league that was so well written otehr leagues in the area use it as guide.
“On behalf of the league, I want to personally thank him for giving so much of his time to our community.
“I also want to thank his wife Carol and his son Ryan.
Coaches Achievement Award
This award is presented annually to a manager or coach who best represents his or her division in sportsmanship, the ability to improve the performance of a team or individual and demonstrates respect for officials, opponents and parents, and fellow managers, coaches and league officials. These are annual awards from each of the following divisions or leagues. They are:
Challenger – Drew Carrick, Kenny Richards
Instructional – Vince Carreca
Boys Lower Farms – Mark Wasserman
Boys Upper Farms – Jim Schanter
Boys Minors – Don Kilcullen
Boys Majors – Lou Messina (posthumously)
Girls – Ken Patrey
The Merillon Mission Statement
The objective of the Merillon Athletic Association is to implant firmly in the youth and young adults of the community, the ideas of good sportsmanship, honestly, loyalty, courage and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier; and will grow to be decent, healthy and trustworthy adults.
Our goal as an organization is also to teach the game of baseball and make it an enjoyable and memorable experience for ball payers of all skill levels and ability.
