Kelly Honored as Sinoway Baseball Opens 59th Season

The Max Sinoway Baseball League opened its 59th season at Montowese Field last week and it was a special day as many up-and-coming athletes took the diamond for their first games on a gorgeous afternoon.

Making the day even more special is that one of the program's founders, Fred J. Kelly, was presented with a plaque honoring his contributions to helping baseball grow in town. Kelly, Dominic Palumbo, and the late Bob Fers were instrumental in establishing Sinoway baseball in 1951 and since then the league has grown from 50 kids to more than 700.

"It was a wonderful day and I'm so glad to see how far the league has moved forward with such a great group of people running it," said Kelly, who was presented with the plaque by his great-grandson, Christopher, 12, a league player.

The day began with a parade led by the Northeast Firemen Color Guard and Landcraft Fife and Drum, followed by performances by the North Haven Brass Quartet and student Hunter Coughlin.

First Selectman Mike Freda and State Senator Len Fasano also were present-Freda threw the ceremonial first pitch and Second Selectman Tim Doheny's two sons made the official announcement, "Play Ball!" Third Selectman Steve Fontana, league President John MacDonnell, Vice President Mike DellaValle, and Opening Day Commissioner Pete Durante were also on hand.

"There was an energy in the air as everyone was excited about starting the season," said Durante. "These are the types of days we want the kids to remember for the rest of their lives."

"[This was] a tremendous tribute to a man who has dedicated over 60 years of community service to the kids of North Haven," said DellaValle.