"Whenever we have the baseball awards ceremony, then I know baseball season is coming," Strandberg said. "After a long, hard winter, the baseball awards let you know that Opening Day is coming and who doesn't love Opening Day in baseball? It's a great sign that baseball season is coming."
The 2003 Baseball Awards Ceremony took place last weekend at Webster School, with several youngsters receiving accolades for their achievements last summer.
The Ferullo Raiders received jackets for winning the championship of the Major League Cal Ripken baseball league, while the Giants earned jackets for winning the title in the Babe Ruth (13 to 15) division.
The jackets were presented courtesy of Mayor Richard Turner and the Township Council, who were on hand to make the presentations.
"I have to give credit to Mayor Turner and the council for all their support," Strandberg said. "It's not just in monetary ways. We couldn't be able to run this league without their constant support."
Strandberg was particularly moved by the awards ceremony for two reasons. One, it honored the team he coached, the Ferullo Raiders, who went through the Cal Ripken (12 and under) season last year without a loss, winning all 12 games and the playoffs.
Secondly, his son, Derek, was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player.
"It was very rewarding, not only to win the league championship, but to also share the year with my son, who played so well," Strandberg said. "That made it so much more rewarding. I've been coaching those kids since they were 5 years old, so this was the culmination of a great run."
The championship also marked the end of an era, because Strandberg has relinquished his coaching duties to concentrate on the responsibilities of running the league.
"I was able to end on a good note," said Strandberg, who coached in the league for 12 years. "I decided to take a step down and handle the other responsibilities."
Not only did Strandberg coach his son, but he also coached the league's batting champion, Andrew Nasti, who earned an award for his hitting prowess.
Jose Olivero earned the Rookie of the Year honors and Angelo Corredor was the Most Improved Player in the Cal Ripken Major League.
For the first time, the league's Sportsmanship award has been renamed as the Louis A. Ferullo Memorial Sportsmanship Award, in honor of the former the 1st Ward councilman and deputy mayor who died last year. Edgar Montilla was the recipient of the award.
In the Babe Ruth League, coordinated by Chris Verdon, the Giants were the league champions, coached by John Reilly.
It was another father-son combination, because John Reilly Jr. was named the Most Valuable Player in the Babe Ruth League. Sean Dorman was the Most Improved Player. Jack Montanile was the batting champion and the Rookie of the Year and Joey Poole was the recipient of the Ferullo Sportsmanship award.
After giving out all the hardware, it's time to get ready for another season. Opening Day ceremonies are slated for April 17, complete with all the pomp and circumstance. Teams can begin practicing on Wednesday, although Mother Nature is going to have a say in that matter.
"The snow might set back practices, but it won't stop Opening Day," Strandberg said.
Nothing ever does.
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