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In
addition to sending young athletes to baseball camps the Kevin Williams
Memorial Foundation has helped to renovate the Shoreham-Wading River High
School Varsity Baseball Field.
Kevin was a Hall of Fame shortstop for the Shoreham-Wading River Baseball
Team in 1994 and 1995. Fittingly, the last player to wear Kevin’s jersey,
#16, was his younger brother, Jamie, who played shortstop during the 1999
and 2000 baseball seasons. The number 16 has since been retired.
This magnificent field is a product of Priority Landscape’s (proprietors Jim
Varisano and Kevin Reilly) expertise, generous donation of time, and
dedication to perfection. The field has grown to earn the reputation of one
of the top-rated diamonds on Long Island. In the spring of 2003, it was
chosen to host the Suffolk County championship games and a New York State
Regional game. Also making generous donations to the field’s development are
DeLalio Sod Farms, Wading River Nursery, Thurber Lumber, Pots and Petals,
Lesco Inc. Maxwell Turf and Supply, and the SWRHS Buildings and Grounds
staff who maintain it with tremendous pride.
Along side the field can be found beautiful gardens of splendid color and
greenery. A Memorial garden sits at the base of a 40 ft. flagpole honoring
Kevin and all those lost on September 11th. Centered in the Memorial Garden
rests a large rock containing a bronze bust of Kevin, which reads:
Kevin
Michael Williams
A Great Athlete
A Great Student
A Great Man
A Great American
Never forget our fallen heroes
September 11, 2001
With the field’s creation of splendor and ambience, it is certain each
player that steps onto this field, and every spectator that cheers on their
team, will take a moment of their day to reflect on the significance of
September 11th, 2001.
The
Kevin Williams Memorial Field
Through the kindness of so many, and the untiring efforts of Jim Varisano,
Kevin’s high school field was beautifully renovated and dedicated to him on
August 24, 2002.
Special Flag
The flag raised during the dedication ceremony had the honor of flying over
some very special places. It began its journey as it flew proudly over the
United States Capital building, symbolizing the principles of freedom our
country was founded on, and the many lives lost preserving that freedom.
The flag then moved on to Boston College, Kevin’s alma mater, where it flew
at half- mast on Patriot’s Day during the running of the Boston Marathon –
reminding us of his drive toward excellence in academics as well as
athletics.
And then – it flew solemnly at Ground Zero – originally the place where so
many American dreams came true – then after September 11th, it was the place
Americans came together to show the world the true meaning of compassion,
perseverance and courage.
The journey would not have been complete had it not moved on to the place
Kevin dreamed of playing – The place that captured his heart every time he
stepped foot inside. So on the night of August 7th, as his Yanks defeated
the Kansas City Royals, the stars and stripes waved brilliantly, in honor of
Kevin.
So it is quite fitting that the final stop of this American flag is at the
place where Kevin developed those values that inspired his success – the
place where his passion for baseball first began – The Shoreham-Wading River
Baseball Field.
Through these events, thousands of dollars were raised for the Foundation.
None of us can change the unimaginable events of September 11th, 2001, but
your support at these events is allowing us to change things for the better
for many children.
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