Little League rallying after Irene’s damage

Three of the fields at the Sayrewoods South Little League complex in Old Bridge were under approximately 4 feet of water following Hurricane Irene. The Sayrewoods South Little League’s executive board knew that its fields and storage facility would suffer damage during Hurricane Irene last August. The complex is located on one of the lowest-lying areas of Old Bridge.

The members did not, however, expect the damage to be so severe. On the Sunday morning after most of the storm had passed, a few men visited the fields and were shocked by the extent of Irene’s wrath.

“When we went down the next day, we were lifting our chins up off the ground,” Gregg Sanko said. “We had a tremendous amount of water damage.”

The complex contains four fields, and three of them were under approximately 4 feet of water during the storm. The water washed away a significant amount of infield dirt and ripped up the turf and grass. Even some of the fencing around the fields had been ripped out of the ground.

But the damage extended beyond the fields. The water reached halfway up the parking lot, causing it to buckle in some places. The flood also reached the league’s storage facility, in which 4 feet of water ruined all of their uniforms, field equipment and playing equipment, including helmets, hats, bats, catcher’s gear and hitting tees.

“We had to gut-down our clubhouse to the concrete inside,” league President Tony Tannucilli said. “And 90 percent of our equipment was in there. We had to gut the whole thing because of mold.”

Within days of the storm, mold crept along the walls and ceiling tiles of the storage facility. Parents and volunteers, dressed in protective gear, emptied everything. Bridge Disposal donated two Dumpsters to expedite the process.

Tannucilli said the league has had to depend on community and volunteer support. Five fathers in particular — Tom Galante, Glenn Baker, Bill Fauci, Wayne Galazin and Billy D’Ambola — have donated a considerable amount of time and/or equipment in the effort to get the league back on its feet .

But the league has a long way to go. In submitting paperwork to insurance compa- nies and the municipal government, the damage estimates have been calculated to be over $100,000.

The league will first attempt at bridging their funding gap with a golf outing on May 14 at Bunker Hill Golf Course. Tee-off time is 1 p.m., and the registration fee is $125. It is the SWSLL’s second golf outing, but the first for such an immediate need.

The league’s board is also brainstorming other fundraising options. They are currently planning a tricky-tray event and are thinking about partnering with local restaurants to host a SWSLL Night, during which a portion of the checks are donated to the league.

For now, Tannucilli said members are focusing on getting the fields ready for play by April 1. If that doesn’t happen, Old Bridge officials have promised to make offsite fields available. Tannucilli understands that money is tight for everyone, but stressed the importance of team sports to a child’s development.

“Alot of memories are based on playing sports when you’re little,” he said. “Old Bridge has five different leagues, and this is a very neighborhood-type league. It’s a great way for kids to socialize and get better athletically.” Interested sponsors and individuals should call Sanko at 732-607-0401 or visit www.swsll.org for information about the golf outing and other events.

Contact Deanna McLafferty at DMcLafferty@gmnews.com.