Sachem Little League Kicks Off With Opening Day Player Parade, Field Dedication

Sachem Little League held its annual Opening Day Parade on Saturday, April 18, a ceremony that featured a field dedication in memory of former league vice president Rich Becher and plenty of action under sunny, blue skies at PAL Sports Complex in Holtsville.

From T-Ball to the Majors to the Challenger Division team, teams of all ages marched into PAL Stadium for the Opening Ceremony before heading out to play the first games of the year.

Additionally, the league also dedicated one of the fields in memory of Becher, who died last year from injuries after being struck by a ball while pitching batting practice. His wife, Sue Becher, and children, Nicky and Hannah, were on hand to dedicate the field with a plaque that reads, “This field is dedicated in loving memory of Rich Becher. Coach, VP and Friend of Sachem Little League.”

Nicky and Hannah threw out the first pitches to get the season started.

In addition, Modell’s donated several safety helmets for coaches to wear while on the field as a special request by the league. Sachem Little League supports the Richard Becher Memorial Foundation for Safety in Sports. More information on the foundation can be found at www.richardbecher.org.

Former league president Fred Forgione served as master of ceremonies and Brookhaven Town Councilor Kevin LaValle addressed the crowd, thanking them for supporting the Sachem community.

During games, the league ran a grill stand and auctioned off more than 30 baskets of prizes donated from local businesses and families, raising money for league operations and equipment.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day, especially after last year’s parade was cancelled due to weather. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out and supporting Sachem Little League, especially our managers, coaches and others who volunteered their time to give the kids such as positive experience,” said Mike Rubinstein, league president. “And I’d like to thank the Bechers for coming out and helping us make sure that Rich’s legacy lives on.”

To see more Opening Day photos, visit Sachem Little League’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sachemllny.