Introducing the East Rockaway Little League team

VFW Commander Joe McCarthy said a few words.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Village and town officials marched in the parade down Main Street in East Rockaway.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Town Councilman Anthony Santino spoke to the crowd at the John Street Complex

Susan Grieco/Herald

Town Supervisor Kate Murray addressed the East Rockaway Little League players.

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The teams, their coaches and families pledged their allegiance to the flag at the opening-day ceremonies.

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Vice President and Orioles Assistant Coach Tom La Barbera with his sons, Andrew, 11, left, and Matthew, 12 on opening day of the East Rockaway Little League at the John St Complex.

Courtesy East Rockaway Little League

Little LEaguers waved to the crowd as they marched in the parade.

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Players took a break in the Saturday sunshine after they arrived at the John Street Complex.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Little leaguers Christian Maltempi, left and Chris Perri led the parade with 1st VP Tom La Barbara and President Mike Cilluffo.

Susan Grieco/Herald

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East Rockaway now has its very own official Little League team — and they’re ready to play ball for the season. To celebrate, on April 21, the league and its coaches, families and supporters — cheered on by residents lining the streets — marched in a parade from Main Street to the John Street Complex where opening ceremonies were held.

“The goal of the baseball parents and coaches of East Rockaway has always been the same — promote, develop, and supervise the interests of the children of our great community,” said Mike Cilluffo, president of the league. “We are hoping to give these kids the building blocks necessary to allow them to become the best they can be, in all phases of life, not just baseball.”

  According to Cilluffo, a group of parents and coaches collaborated and set the wheels in motion to secure a partnership. The teams have been playing as a league, but they have now been granted a Little League charter, and official became East Rockaway Little League. And the main supporters are now on the East Rockaway Little League board of directors.

  “The Little League name is the most respected and recognized in all of youth sports,” said Cilluffo. “The affiliation gives the East Rockaway Baseball program instant credibility, and creates a myriad of opportunities for our coaches, players and parents. Guaranteed to result in a lifetime of great memories.”

The newly-minted team will now be eligible to participate in different tournaments against other Little League teams, such as Baldwin, Oceanside and Valley Stream. The league consists of instruction level (four-year-olds); T-ball for five and six-year-olds; Seven and eight-year-olds are Rookies; nine and 10-year-olds are the Minors, and 11 and 12-year-olds are the Majors.