Hertel North Park Youth Baseball League: Welcome

HNPYBL 

Hertel North Park Youth Baseball League

Welcome to the Hertel North Park Youth Baseball League (HNPYBL).  Our organization was established in 1954, and although the name has changed a few times, it is believed to be one of the longest, consecutively-running youth sports programs in Western New York.  The league is a non-profit organization operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors.  We are a financially self-sustained league, and receive no assistance from any government agency.  All home games are played at Shoshone Park which is located in the area of Main St. and Hertel Ave. in the City of Buffalo.  The park is a beautifully maintained complex with 8 baseball and softball diamonds, and a concession stand/storage facility built by the City of Buffalo in the early 1990s.  There were also public restrooms built around the same time.  The league provides the opportunity for approximately 950 boys and girls ages 4-21 to play baseball and softball.  The majority of the players are from the City of Buffalo, but there are also players from the surrounding suburbs.  No child that wants to play is turned away. 

The baseball side of the league is affiliated with the Babe Ruth Baseball League, which is a national youth organization.  The softball side is an independent organization.  Our league also operates travel programs for both baseball and softball.  All players are given an opportunity to try-out for these teams.  The travel program is financed by the players who make up each team (pay-to-play).  Although the City of Buffalo Parks Department takes excellent care of our facility, HNPYBL has the equipment to perform our own maintenance when necessary.  We strive to give our players the best possible playing conditions we can.  HNPYBL has hosted many prestigious baseball and softball tournaments over the years, including:  the Mid-Atlantic Regional Softball tournament in 1992 and 1995, the County Executive tournament (twice), along with many Babe Ruth District tournaments over the years.  This season, we will be hosting 5 Babe Ruth State divisional tournaments.  We also started a softball tournament 6 years ago which began with 5 teams and has grown to 18 teams with a waiting list.  In addition, our league is also a co-founder of the Buffalo Cup tournament.  This is both a baseball and softball tournament and is only for organizations that are housed in the City of Buffalo.  In conclusion, the Hertel North Park Youth Baseball League is a progressive organization, dedicated to providing our players every opportunity to be successful.

     The Hertel North Park Youth baseball league opened its 59^th season on Saturday May 12, 2012.  The skies were blue, the sun was shining and the temperature was in the high 60s. Mayor Byron Brown, Delaware district Councilmember Michael LoCurto, and County Legislator Lynn Marinelli along with league president Don Morris led the parade up Hertel Ave. from St. Margaret’s Church to Shoshone Park where the opening day ceremonies took place.

     Don Morris welcomed all of the approximately 850 people that took part; players dressed in their new, brightly colored uniforms, parents and other family members of the players. He thanked all of the coaches and assistants for the responsibility that they were about to undertake. Morris introduced the men and women of the league Board of Directors and also thanked the workers of the Buffalo Parks Department for the wonderful job they do with the upkeep of Shoshone Park. He encouraged the players to play hard but have fun. He also asked the players to thank their coaches for putting in the time it takes to coach. Mayor Brown also welcomed everyone and thanked the league Board and President Morris for what they do. He also described the league as one of the best anywhere and noted the new taller flagpole that the league had installed. Councilmember Mike Locurto, County Legislator Lynn Marinelli and State Senator Mark Grisanti also spoke.

     All of the dignitaries were then invited to the pitcher’s mound to throw out a ceremonial first pitch. They all threw strikes to three players dressed in their respective catcher’s equipment. Lynn Marinelli invited the team that she sponsors to the pitcher’s mound with her to throw out her first pitch. 

     After that the annual raffle was held with players from each team asked to select winning tickets from the box of numerous entries. Many nice prizes were given away including a 20.00 dollar cash prize donated by Senator Mark Grisanti. Then the national anthem was played and the throng of people was asked by league president Don Morris on the count of three to yell out the most important two words in baseball, “PLAY BALL!!!”     

     After the ceremony, President Morris said that this parade and opening day ceremony are a huge tradition in North Buffalo.  He further said that opening day is the most exciting day of the baseball season for him and that it really signals the true beginning of the summer season!

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