Page 15 - North Haven Magazine Issue 39 Summer 2025

er, it was the friendships that the chil-
dren developed with their teammates
and the unbreakable bonds that were
formed. Most importantly, it was the life
lessons they learned while playing for
the many volunteer coaches who gen-
erously spent hours upon hours teach-
ing their players the game of baseball. It
was the interactions that they had with
countless other adults of character and
integrity that left them with a strong
sense of community. Accordingly, when
they grew into adulthood, married, and
then had children of their own, it was
only natural that they decided to set-
tle in North Haven to raise their fami-
lies. And, when their children were old
enough to play little league baseball, it
was only fitting and proper that they
too would become volunteer coaches mitted to fostering a love of baseball in paraded onto the Babe Ruth diamond.
to pass on the lessons they had learned our community. With a shared vision of Town Officials, including First Selectman
to their progeny. creating a positive and enriching envi- Mike Freda and Representatives Dave
ronment for young athletes, the board Yaccarino and Paul Ciccarelli addressed
Ed Pepe was one of the more notable works tirelessly to organize events, en- the crowd, as did featured speaker Ed
men who volunteered numerous hours sure player safety, and promote team- Pepe. It was the community of North
to pass on the legacy of the Max Sino- work and sportsmanship. Together, they Haven at its best. I came away thinking
way Little League to the youth of North inspire the next generation of players, that baseball is alive and well in North
Haven. In my many conversations with building not just skills on the field, but Haven.
him, his words have echoed what has friendships and lasting memories off
been written above. Along with men it.” The board has even entertained the It has been 74 years since Little League
such as Tom Silengo and Butch Barry, idea of building a replica of Heaton Field baseball was established in North Ha-
whose own fathers were instrumen- at the Montowese Field complex. It is ven. During this time, it has provid-
tal in creating Little League baseball in only a dream at this point, but dreams ed thousands of young athletes with
North Haven, as well as individuals like sometimes have a way of coming true. the opportunity to learn the game of
Ben Chiari and Bill DeMatteo, they en- Just as the people who collaborated in baseball while simultaneously teaching
sured that the legacy of Max Sinoway establishing Little League baseball in them the values of teamwork, dedica-
Little League baseball would be passed North Haven in 1951, all it would take tion, respect, and good sportsmanship.
onto future generations. is a group of dedicated individuals will- More importantly, it has served to unite
ing to raise the needed funds to make it the people in town, giving them a strong
The current leadership of the Max Sino- happen. sense of community. The Max Sinoway
way Little League, led by President Ge- Little League truly is a North Haven in-
rard O’Connor and Vice Presidents A.J. I recently attended the opening day cer- stitution.
Wambolt and Steve McNamara, is well emony of the Max Sinoway Little League
aware of its rich history, and they are on May 3rd and was truly impressed
absolutely committed to enriching the with the grandeur of it. There was a
program. As stated on their website, beehive of activity. Music was playing,
“The Max Sinoway Little League Board townspeople were interacting, and then
of Directors is a passionate team of the players, 475 kids strong, actually
dedicated parents and volunteers com-

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