Coaches Bartend for Syosset Cubs Fundraiser

Though the score on the dozen or so televisions at read 45-3 in favor of the Patriots Monday night at the Syosset Cubs guest bartending fundraiser, the night was far from a loss for everyone involved. 

The second annual Cubs fundraiser drew a bunch of support from the community, with many coming out to the restaurant and all tips going directly towards the Cubs 2011 trip to Cooperstown on July 16 - 22, where they'll compete in the 108-team tournament. 

"It's just a great opportunity to support the local kids," said the team's manager and guest bartender for the night, Frank Balogh. "We have a great bunch of kids that deserve this opportunity; it's an honor to coach these guys."

Some of the specials of the night included $2 beers, half-priced draft beers and half-priced appetizers. 

In addition to the tips going towards the fundraiser, money was also raised in several ways: A 50/50 raffle, a $20 gift card for local businesses and a generous 10 percent match by the restaurant's owner and former coach, Mike Elardo, were just a few ways. 

"He just said, 'pick a day'. We saw the game between the Patriots and the Jets, and we just said okay! We're very thankful for the hospitality of Christiano's," said coach Jay Schuster. 

"They definitely deserve it," said Elardo, who said he has only owned the restaurant for the past 16 months and whose son went to Cooperstown last year. "We had a feeling it would be a big game, but things just fell into place perfectly."

Though kids couldn't participate at the bar, they were far from left out on the night: players walked around and successfully sold some of the $20 gift cards for their fundraiser, and talked about how excited they were for the tournament.

"This could help us buy new bats, definitely," said John Nelson, 12, the teams third-baseman. "Also for the hotel we stay at, and the bus ride. We just want to get there."

Though they were eliminated in the first round last year as the number 42 seed, the boys said they like their chances this season. 

"We've put together a pretty good team," Nelson said. 

Players in attendance said they will start their training this winter for the July tournament at a local sports facility called "Hitters Club". 

"We'll hit the batting cages, have our pitching coach help us, and take some ground balls," said Kyle Rosen, 12. 

The Cooperstown tournament will also feature a ton of cool events for the kids - a home run derby, skills competitions such as the "Golden Arm" and "Road Runner" contest.  Those contests are just a couple of ways the kids will be able to showcase their talents to parents and fans. 

"The fields, the stadium, the atmosphere, it's all just really great," said Balogh.  

Monday night's event was a great head start for raising funds for the trip. Though the hometown team on the television got their tails whooped Monday night, people left the bar with their spirits high. 

"The turnout is definitely better than last year," said Elardo. "And the kids are getting really excited for the tournament."

For more information on future fundraisers for the team and how to donate, please contact Jay Schuster at JayCaraar@aol.com.