NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle school district’s baseball program has been recognized for attributes more important than runs scored. Its pride, enthusiasm and grace have earned it the Westchester Baseball Umpires Association’s inaugural Robert Clemens Sportsmanship Award.
The award is named for Robert Clemens, an umpire who has given 50 years of service to interscholastic baseball in Westchester. This honor was determined by nominations from a membership of more than 150 umpires. It recognizes a baseball program (varsity, junior varsity, freshman and modified) in Westchster and Putnam counties that best exemplifies the qualities of good sportsmanship on the field.
According to the Westchester Baseball Umpires Association, these qualities include: playing with positive energy and enthusiasm; showing pride in their effort individually and as a team; winning with class; losing gracefully; respecting the game and everyone’s contributions; and competing skillfully, guided by the letter and spirit of the rules.
“Your program has proven that while wins and losses are important, what’s more important is how the game is played,” Dave Greiner, Chairman of the Robert A. Clemens Sportsmanship Award Committee said in announcing the award.
“Your kids have stood out this season as fine examples of great sportsmanship, and we are proud to recognize it.”
NRHS Athletic Director Steve Young and the following coaches will be recognized at the Section One baseball championship game on May 27 at Renegade Stadium in Fishkill: Pete Annunziata, Head Varsity Coach; Michael Kirk, Assistant Coach; Claude Baillat, Assistant Coach; Paul Naclerio, JV Coach; Joe Williams, Jr., Freshman Coach; Anthony DeLuke, ALMS Coach; and James Schnaufer, IEYMS Coach.
The group will receive a plaque and a banner during the ceremony.