Number of Participants: 16
Hours Donated: 6
Value of Time Served: $811
Event Amount Raised: $800
Event Type: Veterans & Military Families
Activity: Baseball
School: Sayville High School
Date: May 14, 2025
Location:
Sayville High School
Brook Street, West Sayville
NY
About:
For over 45 years, Barry Fitzpatrick, affectionately known as “Coach Fitz,” has been a beloved and integral part of the Sayville Baseball Program. This year, his legacy was honored in a heartfelt and meaningful way as the Sayville Varsity Baseball Team hosted their Annual Salute the Troops Baseball Game on May 1, accompanied by a special field naming ceremony in his honor.
Coach Fitz, who now resides at the Long Island State Veterans Home in Stony Brook, has left a lasting mark not just on the field, but on the generations of players he has mentored. The newly named field stands as a tribute to his unwavering dedication and influence.
As part of the day’s events, a concession stand was run by the team and its supporters, with all proceeds donated to veterans’ organizations. The donations were distributed as follows:
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$200 to American Legion Post 651 in Sayville
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$200 to VFW Post 433 in Sayville
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$400 to the Long Island State Veterans Home
But the team’s commitment to honoring Coach Fitz did not stop there. When it came time to deliver the donation to the Veterans Home, the players wanted to do more than just drop off a check—they wanted to connect. So, an ice cream social was organized at Coach Fitz’s facility, turning the visit into a joyful afternoon of stories, laughter, and community.
Sixteen players attended the event, proudly serving as ice cream scoopers and toppings assistants in a spirited assembly line. The veterans, many of whom shared their own war stories and asked about the current baseball season, beamed with pride and appreciation throughout the event.
In tribute to both Coach Fitz and the day’s patriotic theme, the Sayville Baseball Booster Club designed custom American flag baseball jerseys. Each player wore a matching jersey and flag-themed cap during the game. The left sleeve of each jersey was embroidered with “Coach Fitz 24,” a touching detail that marked the field’s new name and Coach Fitz’s enduring presence in the program.
The day was filled with pride, camaraderie, and gratitude. The players left with full hearts, knowing they had been part of something truly special—honoring a coach who gave so much, while giving back to those who served.
