American Softball League founder Randy Novick, of Howard Beach, helps one of his players to bat at the group’s last game of the season on Saturday. Hannah Sheehan/The Forum Newsgroup
Players for the American Softball League convened in Flushing’s Kissena Corridor Park for the final game of the season on Saturday. Since last spring, the volunteer organization has provided a non-competitive, social environment for adults with developmental disabilities to play weekly softball games throughout the summer.
Howard Beach resident Randy Novick started the league after a similar program shut down, leaving a friend’s adult son with limited options for accommodating recreational activities.
“The Special Olympics is just once a year, for one week – this is every week,” Novick said.
The softball league currently serves upwards of 40 men and women from group homes throughout Queens and Brooklyn, but Novick is hoping to expand his program with additional funding from the city so that more people can participate.
“They live for this,” he said. “They come in May and they’re so thrilled when they hit the ball and run.”
“It’s a great way for them to get exercise,” said Bayside residential program counselor Marie Policard.
Cecilia Hewitt, a counselor at Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York in Jamaica, agreed that programs like the American Softball League are extremely beneficial for her residents.
“The guys are getting out and having fun,” she said. “As many activities that we can get them involved in, the better.”
Hewitt said playing in the league also affords adults with developmental disabilities a rare sense of involvement and belonging.
“They watch the professionals on TV and they get to be part of it,” she said.
Angelo DiGangi of Richmond Hill, an attorney with the Community Advocacy Center, said “just watching the players enjoy the game” is reason enough to volunteer as the team’s general manager. The league relies on community volunteers like DiGangi and counselors from the participating group homes to coach the team and cheer the players on. League volunteer Fred Siles said “the fun and seeing their faces” keeps him coming back.
The American Softball League benefits adults with developmental disabilities from group homes throughout Queens and Brooklyn.
Services for the Underserved counselor Addison John said the players look forward to the game each week.
“By the time it comes around, they’re ready for that Saturday,” he said.
According to John, the positive experience of being involved in the league stays with his residents for days.
“They want to go home and do it in the backyard,” John said, adding that he and the other Services for the Underserved staff members now make an effort to bring their residents to a nearby park to practice during the week.
One player, Johnny, said hitting and catching are his favorite parts of playing in the league. Michael, another athlete, fondly remembers hitting five home runs this season, but said he enjoys everything about being on the team.
“I love the field, I love the bat, and the weather’s beautiful,” he said.
Saturday’s game was followed by a picnic lunch and an award ceremony during which Novick handed out trophies to his coaching staff and all participating players. General manager DiGangi briefly interrupted the proceedings to honor the organization’s founder.
“None of this would be possible without him,” he said.
By Hannah Sheehan
