by Bea Peterson
On Saturday, April 24, Wood Park was filled with uniformed boys and girls and their families ready to start another Hoosick Youth Baseball and Softball season, and some Tee Ball, too. They walked from the Park to the fields, ready for action. On the major league field this year there is a new dirt infield and a new scoreboard in the outfield. The softball field also received a face-lift with an electronic scoreboard and some much needed improvements to the steps and stands.
Maggie McAuliffe, one of the major organizers this year, said she is so happy to be raising her kids in Hoosick Falls. “I simply cannot express my gratitude to everyone who makes this work,” she said. “Without the help from the Village guys, the community and our sponsors there wouldn’t be a league.”
She, and the entire Board, especially wanted to thank the Hand family and the Hoosick Fire Department for the new scoreboard. Donations were made to the Department in memory of Joan Hand and the funds were used for the board.
McAuliffe said the Ed Carknard Memorial Fund has contributed $15,000 in the last five years to sponsor children whose families do not have the money for baseball, softball or soccer registration and uniforms. The Fund has sent youngsters to summer camp as well. “Every bit of the money they raise goes back to youth,” she said. “That’s why this year we have four major league teams.”
“It’s impressive what this community does for the kids,” said McAuliffe. “And the turnout is always great.”
Gary Funck, another organizer and Board of Directors member said he, along with the Hoosick Baseball/Softball Association, “would like to give a big heartfelt thanks to the following individuals and organizations for donating time and support to our children and families.” He said, “A special ‘tip of the hat’ needs to go out to the following people for going way above and beyond to make our Opening Day a complete success – Jerry McAuliffe, the Village of Hoosick Falls, Hoosick
Sand and Gravel, the Hoosick Falls Police Department, the Hoosick Falls Fire Department, Hathaway Electric, Bonded Concrete and Warren Fane Inc.”
“In addition to the many sponsors mentioned in the previous Eastwick article the following organizations supported our league this year through team sponsorships or donations: Artistic Hair Design, Blue Flame Gas Co., J.A. Bradley & Sons, Charity’s Hair Design, Doug’s Oil, Fall’s Apartments, Hathaway Electric, Hoosick True Value, Nickelback Redemption & Pennies Propane, and VPS Control Systems, Inc. Thank you all!”
