Yorktown Kids Cop an 11-7 Victory Against Police in Charity Game

The 3rd annual charity baseball game in support of families with a child who has a life-threatening illness saw a scrappy team of 11-year-old and under players, named Yorktown Sluggers 11U, pull out an exciting victory against members of the Yorktown Police Benevolent Association. With the score tied 7-7 heading into the sixth and final inning, the aptly named Sluggers rallied to score four wins and emerge victorious.

"It was a grueling duel to the finish," reported Sergio Esposito, vice president of Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, lead sponsor of the contest. Local pediatrician Dr. Rodd Stein works with Esposito to host the "Yorktown for Camp Sunshine" fundraiser baseball game, now in its third year.

Proceeds from the event are used to pay for a family's week-long stay at the Maine retreat for a week of counseling, recreation and rest. It is the only place of its kind in the United States.

This year's event brought in more than $12,000, said Esposito, which means four or more families can be sponsored. Among donors was New York Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and CCM of Westchester, sponsor of the annual Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro, whose co-founder Tommy Pomposello and Grand Marshal Mary Capoccia presented a check at the pre-game ceremony.

One of the beneficiaries this year is the Bento family of Mohegan Lake. Five year-old Mia Bento is in remission from leukemia. She was on hand at the fundraiser to through the ceremonial first pitch.

Held at the lighted Route 202 ballfields in Yorktown Heights on Saturday, June 23, the silver-tongued game announcer was quick-witted Yorktown Police Chief Bob Noble, who wasn't left speechless for one second. The versatile Chief Noble provided color commentary as well as play-by-play.

Also on hand were Lakeland High sophomore Grace Morgan, Miss Italia New York Teen, who sang the national anthem; Yorktown Supervisor Ilan Gilbert; Yorktown Chamber of Commerce chair Aaron Bock and president Eric DiBartolo; Yorktown PBA president Larry Paniccia; Yorktown Judge Gary Raniolo, who was base umpire; Yorktown Councilman Ed Lachterman; and Gary Gione of Yorktown martial arts school Elite Defensive Tactics, who was plate umpire.

An enthusiastic crowd of spectators blanketed the hillside overlooking the three-diamond ballpark. Maria's Pizza and Rita's Ices were on hand, along with barbecue and beverages, costumed characters, bagpiper Brian Ahern, DJ music and vintage cars on display. The event is free.

Next year's Camp Sunshine charity game is scheduled for June 8, 2019. For more info, go to https://www.facebook.com/yorktownforcampsunshine/ or https://www.gofundme.com/yorktown2018