By Kim Spinelli, Special Writer
Almost 60 South Brunswick baseball and softball coaches got a chance to practice what they are always preaching during the fourth annual Coaches Baseball Game at Rowland Park June 16.
The first pitch was thrown out at 6:30 p.m. by South Brunswick High School student Sydney Sookerman, 14, who was recently injured after being hit by a car in the crosswalk in front of the school.
She tossed the ball over the plate to her dad, Jon.
John Sawyer, Coach of the Junior Farm Royals, led team Black, and Director of Travel Baseball, Victor Heutz, led Team Gold.
Both men have been managers since the beginning of the South Brunswick Athletic Association annual event, and this marks their fourth year as friendly rivals.
They warmed up with their teams and handed out shirts to their respective players an hour before the game began. They also sent out several informational emails detailing rules of the game, such as bat and attire specifics, and invited the players to practice at Sondek Park at designated times if they so chose.
Officials for the organization said the event instills a camaraderie among fellow coaches, and also gives the kids in the league a chance to see their coaches play, to witness them practicing the skills they’re teaching.
Mike Slover, member of the 10U Black Travel Team, had some advice for his coach and father, Mr. Tom Slover.
”Sometimes he demonstrates things that he’s trying to teach us,” Mike said. “He’ll tell us to do it a certain way, and I just hope he does it right tonight.”
”Our goal is to provide a family-oriented, community-based, interactive event that continues to grow,” Mr. Heutz said. “We hope everyone in attendance tonight, players and fans, has a lot of fun, and we couldn’t have gotten any luckier with the weather. It’s also great to see returning players along with new participants. Everyone’s welcome.”
Ed Young coaches the Senior Farm Royals and played for Team Black.
He said, “It’s always a good event the SBAA hosts- to come have fun with your family, enjoy the food, have some laughs, and of course, play a little baseball.”
The teams played an action-packed, seven-inning exhibition game, but at the end of seven, the majority of coaches wanted to keep playing.
At the end of nine regulation innings, Team Black beat Team Gold by a score of 10-9.
Pinch runner Robert Spinelli scored the winning run after stealing two bases.
SBAA League President Jim Cooney, and former League President and Travel Coach Kevin Moran, did the play-by-play for the audience.
There were no reported injuries, just a lot of high-fives and players joking in the dugout about how they were going to need some aspirin with their Father’s Day breakfasts the next morning.
For the kids, the festivities continued before, during, and after the game with upbeat music and a slew of activities available with the purchase of a $5 wristband.
There was a Rolling Hamster Ball Obstacle Course, a truck with 4D Ride and three large screen TVs with Interactive Video Games, a Sponge Bob Bouncy, Inflatable Speed Pitch, Circus Balloon Clown, and more.
”The kid games were smart and creative,” Matthew Lauri, 11, member of the Black 11U Travel Team said. “It was nice and considerate of them to hold two potato sack races so that more kids had a chance to participate and win. It was a great baseball game played by both teams. One key moment was when Arthur Lauri of Team Gold, my dad, tagged the guy out at home in a run-down, a player who was trying to score from third. He did a great job as Catcher.”
Rowland Park has nearly 80 acres of land, including lighted multipurpose fields, a playscape, concession stand, restrooms, covered pavilion and more.
For details, visit sbtnj.net, click on the “Recreation” tab, then “Parks and Recreation,” and scroll down to “Park & Trails (Developed).”
Mega 50/50 tickets are sold each year beginning at SBAA’s Picture Day, during the season at the Reicher and Rowland Park Snack Shacks, as well as before the drawing at SBAA’s Family Fun Night (winners need not be present).
Email [email protected] or [email protected] if interested in playing in next year’s Coaches Baseball Game, or visit sbaabaseball.com.

