PLAY BALL
BARKAI YESHIVAH HELD ITS 2ND ANNUAL NAOMI HOULLOU A”H YOUTH BASEBALL TOURNAMENT IN EARLY MAY. IT WAS ORGANIZED BY BARKAI PARENT & BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER STEVEN J. GINDI, AND 2ND THROUGH 5TH GRADE BOYS, THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY, WERE INVITED TO ENJOY A SPRING AFTERNOON PLAYING BASEBALL.
The day was planned for the children and parents to come together, spend time outdoors and have fun on the field. Participants were given jerseys and the goals of the day were simple—get the children excited and moving, bring the community together in a safe organized environment and raise money for an amazing yeshivah. With gratitude to our wonderful generous sponsors, the entire program was offered free of charge to participants who were able to contribute an optional donation.
The children filed into Gravesend Park with smiles on their faces eager to get onto the field. They greeted familiar faces, made new friends and listened to a few words from Mr. Gindi about the importance of sportsmanship and teamwork before getting started. Split into four teams, the boys sported their custom jerseys representing popular breakfast cereals—Cocoa Puffs, Fruit Loops, Cap’n Crunch and Frosted Flakes. Paired with strong parent coaches— Abie Azar, Jack Esses, Raymond Esses, Saulie Cohen and Michael Soloman—the teams worked together to encourage one another, help each other and have a good time. Spirits were high and smiles were all around during each game as sportsmanship was a key component to the success of the day.
The sounds of the batters making contact with the ball, catches being made by fielders and players encouraging one another were incredible. “The pitches and refs were good. It was fun to play and I hit a home run!” expressed one player.
To the action we go: Frosted Flakes coming in as the heavy favorite, were shell shocked by the stifling Loops defense in the semifinals. In the other matchup, the heavy underdog Cap’n’ Crunch bunch, nearly pulled the upset of the day. In the bottom of the last inning the Puffs walked it off sending squad coocoo heading into the finals.
Led by captain Marc Azar, the Loops defeated team Cocoa Puffs (who looked all puffed out), in a lopsided finale. Team Fruit Loops took home the glass championship trophies! Congratulations to the winners and Coach Azar for taking home the win!
As the event came to a close, awards were distributed and a raffle drawn. Congratulations to Jamie Harary on winning an authentic Jacob Degrom Mets jersey! Awards were given to those who portrayed the very best in their field. The Gold Glove Award went to Sammy Shamah, the Most Valuable Player trophy was given to Elliot Shammah and the Slugger Award went to Daniel Waingort. Congratulations to Nathan Salem on taking home the Sportsmanship Award.
Thank you to our sponsors without whom this day would not have been possible. Thank you also to the many volunteers who assisted with all the details which made the day so wonderful for the attendees.
