Baseball and softball players from the GCAA Challenger Program and Garden City High School recently came together to share their love of baseball at the Second Annual Garden City Spring Swing. Approximately 35 athletes participated in the event which was also attended by local families, school administrators and community leaders. This community-building event, founded and organized by local residents Patrick Murtagh and Andrew Nagel, took place as a part of Global Youth Service Day. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities through service.
Garden City Spring Swing would not have been possible without the efforts of everyone involved. Appreciation goes to Anna Dragone, Al Vanasco, John Rakowski, John Sharkey, Coach Smith and Dawn Cerrone. A special thanks also goes out to Greg Bavaro at Garden City Pizza for his donation and, of course, to all the athletes for their participation.
“Going through all the years of baseball was worth it because of what the organizers of the Garden City Spring Swing put together today. I told my son that this event was an important day of his baseball career; a day that will not be forgotten by anyone who was there,” shared parent Joe McCadden.
“I want to thank you once again for organizing this wonderful day for our kids,” said parent Susan Lunney. “My son loves meeting new people and loves to play baseball. He had such a great time, as did I. I know you put a lot of work into this and I cannot tell you how much it means to our family. I hope as my son goes through life that he gets to meet up with more people like the boys he met today.”
—Submitted by
Garden City Public School District
