Syosset Baseball Association Memorial Day Barbecue Returns

Summer, baseball, giant ducks, endless junk food, and a ten o’ clock curfew?  Sounds like a kid’s dream. But yesterday’s marathon Little League game at the was no dream, it was the Syosset Baseball Association’s annual Brian Murphy Memorial Day Barbecue. 

The Syosset Baseball Association has held the day-long event for more than 20 years, combining all-star games from ages 8 to 18 with a barbecue that provides everyone at the park with an unfettered flow of hamburgers, hotdogs, soda, and sweets. SBA President Rob Jolson estimated about 2,500 people came to the free event which he said was as a public outreach effort for baseball as much as it was a celebration.

“Baseball is lacking in participation. We want to make sure kids keep playing because it’s still America’s past-time,” Jolson said. 

No one would have any clue judging by the mood at the barbecue. The kids who weren’t on the field throwing no-hitters, hitting home runs, and stealing bases were glued to the stands or shaking the fences in excitement while they rallied for their peers.

Before each game, the Air Force and Navy provided the color guard and talented  students like fourth grader Nicole Rampanelli sang the National Anthem, before a few very special guests threw out first pitches, including Long Island Ducks mascot “QuackerJack” and MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry, who Jolson said he pulled a few strings to get.  

Perhaps the most special guest was Deacon Richard Murphy who threw the first pitch for the 3pm game. Since 1992 the Memorial Day barbecue has been held in honor of his son Brian, a Syosset Little Leaguer who died of cancer at 10 years old. Brian would have been 31 today. 

“Brian and I made a deal that when he died we wouldn’t have a wake, we would have a party. And that’s what this is,” Murphy said.

Murphy said he and his family received immense support from the SBA coaches after his son’s death.

“We never want to forget who Brian was,” said Jolson, gesturing to the many reminders of a child who simply loved to play baseball.

Of the thousands of people coming and going throughout the day, most came in the evening for the Turnpike Challenge. For the past three years the SBA has invited its Jericho rivals to compete in the 9/10 division and 11/12 division for two trophies displayed at Phil’s Pizza on Jericho Turnpike until next year's game. Sunday,  Syosset was redeemed after last year’s loss with double wins against Jericho. 

The 9/10 division cleaned up with a shut-out victory against Jericho 15-0 and the 1/12 year olds came up 4-3. Kenneth Maser, coaching the 9/10 group said his winning strategy was to get ahead in pitches, put the ball in play, and put pressure on the other team’s defense.

“As competitive as Syosset and Jericho both are, we love to play against each other,” he laughed.