The great Frankie Valli was singing to a sold-out house, ‘Our Day Will Come’ this past weekend in Staten Island. I think that day has come in New York’s 5th borough. Former All-Star major league Edgardo Alfonzo signed a contract to manage the independent professional team the Ferryhawks. Also, big-name players will be stopping off to play a few games with the Ferryhawks on their hopeful way back to the big leagues. We are talking about players like former Cy Young award winner Bartolo Colon.
Of the five boroughs, it seems that Staten Island could be where the action is.
The Independent team was purchased by WABC radio and Gristedes supermarket owner John Catsimatidis along with Yankee Global and New York Yankees team President Randy Levine also Pete Davidson of Saturday Night Live fame and David Markowitz along with some others.
Team President Eric Schuffler is welcoming the challenge of putting together a big-league operation. His first move was a terrific one when he brought over Staten Island resident and long-time Mets executive Gary Perrone as the first general manager in Ferryhawks history.
Eric feels that if Gary can continue to have the same success that he has had with the Mets then the Ferryhawks will be in good shape.
The two best signings that the Ferryhawks will ever make are when they brought in Longtime Minorleaguer and St. John’s immortal Eddie Medina to man the baseball operations post. Also, former Major league pitcher and television personality Nelson Figueroa who will be the pitching coach and with his great personality will be an excellent ambassador in the community.
During my last visit at the Ferryhawks Stadium, I sat in Medina’s office and was impressed by the names on the board of the players already signed to contracts. One name stood out. It was that of Kacy Clements, the son of one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history Roger Clements.
The thing that always impressed me about Roger was his passion for his children, so I’m sure Ferryhawk fans will get to see Roger in the stands watching Kacy pitch.
Eric has told me about the fact that improvements are being made at Richmond County Stadium, so I can’t wait to see how great this park will look. Let’s not forget that the home of the Ferryhawks already has baseball’s most spectacular view of any city .
In this case, we are talking about New York.
When I last sat down with Eric he told me that the venue isn’t just a baseball facility. It will also be used for all types of entertainment including concerts.
Wow, I can’t wait to see some great athletes and entertainment in front of that incredible New York skyline.
Go FERRYHAWKS!
