and the #1 fundraiser for 2010 was:
Michael Tancredi, who raised $2,735.00

Congratulations to last year’s winners!
Best of luck to this year’s participants!

May 25, 2010

• NET TV: Video
• Andrew Walker Photography: Photo gallery

May 24, 2010
Video report
Also cross-posted on BaseballDigest.com and PlanetHardball.com

May 23, 2010
Ed Randall’s Talking Baseball
audio clip (711 KB, MP3 format)

May 21, 2010

• 1010 WINS: Alice Stockton Rossini
• 880 WCBS: Catherine Cioffi

May 20, 2010
Queens Village Times, Jamaica Times & Little Neck Ledger
Article (text file)

May 5, 2010
Queens Courier
Article (text file)

April 22, 2010
Queens Chronicle
Article

April 20, 2010
Times Ledger YourNabe.com
Photo Gallery (Opening Day Parade)

Queens, NY.- Sleep was at a premium starting at noon on Saturday, May 21^st, when the 500 players of HBQVB AA (Hollis-Bellaire-Queens Village-Bellerose Athletic Association) participated in the 2^nd annual 24-hour marathon baseball game to be held at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Fundraising continues thru June 19th!  We are hoping to exceed last years fundraising total of $32,000.

This charity event raised over $32,000 last year for a variety of national, regional and local charities, and also to help support the HBQVB Athletic Association.  This year’s primary charity will be Fisher House, which is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need by providing housing on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times, during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

“Extra Innings” will began on Saturday, May 21^st, at noon and continued straight through the night until Sunday, May 22^nd, at noon.  Every baseball and softball player at HBQVB  participated in “Extra Innings” will play in the game.  The 24-hour roster featured T-ballers right through to our oldest players, who range in age from five to 18.  In fact, many of them have parents who played in HBQVB when they were the same ages.

The 24-hour game of a lifetime was, once again, be played at MCU Park, home of the New York Mets’ Class-A farm team, the Brooklyn Cyclones.

Event organizer and HBQVB Board member, Michael Otero, said “What a great 24 hours for HBQVB!  The smiles on the kids faces said it all!  What a great experience for everyone!  We built on the momentum gained from last year’s game and  this year’s game was bigger and better.  Everyone who participated last year, from players to coaches and parents, walked away with the memory of a lifetime and the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts helped benefit many very worthy causes. ”

As players raised funds they receive prizes, ranging from an official event T-shirt to the opportunity to attend, with a guest, lunch with 2 time World Series winner and former Met great Howard Johnson.  Lunch includes a question and answer session and a picture taking opportunity. The top overall fundraiser will win the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at the July 8^th Brooklyn Cyclones game.  There will also be team awards to encourage participation.

About HBQVB Athletic Association:

Hollis-Bellaire-Queens Village-Bellerose Athletic Association, Inc. (HBQVB) is a state certified not-for-profit baseball and softball organization.  It is a chartered member of the nationally known Babe Ruth baseball association.  HBQVB is located in central-eastern Queens, two blocks west of the Cross Island Parkway on Hillside Avenue, easily accessible from major NYC and Long Island highways.  In addition to the nine playing fields (known as PADAVAN-PRELLER FIELDS), there are batting cages, restrooms, an equipment room, a concession stand and a full parking lot.

The league was founded in 1954.  The first president of the organization was Bill Gallo, the well known Daily News cartoonist, who formerly lived in Hollis.  He, along with a few neighbors, started the league in his back yard.  In 1963, the membership parents, with the assistance of local politicians Fred Preller and Matt Troy, obtained the rights to the present general property on Hillside Avenue opposite the Creedmoor Hospital facility.  The first diamond, Fred Preller Stadium, opened in 1966.  Building continued through the 1960’s, again with the aid of local politicians, most notably State Senator Frank Padavan.  The last field was constructed in 1995.  HBQVB now has nine tailored ball fields and dugouts which cover 14 acres and which were all constructed by volunteers.  During subsequent years, the league was able to purchase the land from New York State for the exclusive use of youth programs.

HBQVB programs begin with five-year-olds playing T-Ball, and a pitching machine Pee-Wee division for six and seven-year-olds.  The programs continue with the better recognized little league divisions of Midget, Minor, Major, Pony and Senior- representing boys and girls from the ages of eight to 16.  The older boys and girls play on full-scale baseball/softball diamonds. All divisions are open to children of all skills and experience levels.  Programs for 17 and 18-year-olds are offered on a limited basis, in addition to competitive travel and tournament teams in many age brackets.

The mission of HBQVB has always been to implant in the youth of the community the ideals and virtues of honesty, fair play, integrity and respect for the game, as well as good sportsmanship.  The HBQVB motto “We teach more than just the sport” drives the present organization into providing the highest quality programs and services to the community.

About Howard Johnson:

HBQVB is pleased to announce that Howard Johnson will be this year’s featured 24-hour game luncheon guest!  All players who raise $250 as part of our 24-hour charity baseball game will qualify to attend the luncheon with one guest where Howard Johnson will sign autographs, take pictures and answer questions.  Howard Johnson played in the Major Leagues for 14 years, with nine of those years spent with the Mets, including that magical season of 1986!  Many may remember the highlight clip of his jumping up and down in the on-deck circle, after the grounder that Mookie Wilson hit went through Bill Buckner’s legs in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series.  In his career, he hit 228 home runs and had 760 RBI and had a 30-30 season three times!  He was a two-time All-Star and ranks third on the Mets all-time list for home runs, RBI, doubles and stolen bases!!!

About Fisher House Foundation:

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times-during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990.

• Audio clip #1
• Audio clip #2
• Audio clip #3

Do I have to register and raise money to play in the 24 hour game?

No, you do not.  You will be playing WITH YOUR TEAM during the 24 hour marathon game whether you register and raise money or not.  This is a fundraiser for The Fisher House and for our league and we are providing you the opportunity to raise money and earn great incentive prizes along the way.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REGISTER AND RAISE MONEY TO PARTICIPATE.

When will my team play in the 24-hour game?

Your team will play for about an hour and a half of the 24-hour game. ALSO, every player will be invited back on to the field at Noon on Sunday, May 22nd to participate in the final out of this historic game!!! The final schedule will be announced in the middle of May and will be posted on this website. Who will get to play under the lights? Stay tuned!!!

Why a 24-hour game?

Last years event was fantastic and we wanted to provide the players and parents of HBQVB, and community at large with a unique and memorable event, one that will be remembered forever! In the process our players will have the opportunity to participate in one of  the longest youth baseball game ever played in New York City, and meet a major league great  !

Where will the game be played?

The game will be played at MCU Park (formerly KeySpan Park) in Coney Island. MCU Park is the home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, so get ready to play where the professionals play!!! MCU Park has a large parking lot, lights for the overnight, and is a safe and secure stadium. There will be both security and emergency teams present throughout the 24-hour game.

We are raising money for charity. What charities will benefit?

Fisher House is our billboard charity. Fisher House builds and maintains “comfort homes” on VA Hospital grounds and provides them to families who are visiting sick and injured soldiers.   ALSO, HBQVB Youth Baseball and Softball will benefit from the fundraiser as well.

How do I get to have lunch with the top celebrity?

Every player who raises $250 will be invited, with one guest, for a lunch and a question and answer session. The date and time will be determined after our 24-hour baseball game is over.

Are there any other prizes associated with the 24-hour baseball game?

Any player who raises $100 will win an event T-Shirt. Any player who raises $150 will win an event T-Shirt AND Hat. ALSO, the top individual fundraiser will win the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game.

I lost my player fundraising link! Where can I find it?

If you’ve registered you can find your player fundraising link at http://extrainningscharity.org/player-list.

Can someone donate by mail?

Yes they can. They can print this form and mail it to the address listed. http://extrainningscharity.org/wp-content/uploads/MailForm.pdf

How quickly are donations credited to my player fundraising page?

Online donations are credited immediately. Mailed-in donations can take up to a week to be credited.

When will I get my incentive prizes?

You will receive your earned incentive prizes at the event.  If you earned an incentive prize at the $100 and $150 level but are not attending the lunch we will make other arrangements to get them to you.

What do I do with my player fundraising link?

Once you’ve registered and you have your player fundraising link you can send the link to your family and friends by including it in an email, or posting it on your facebook or myspace pages. Your friends and family have the option of donating online through our secure PayPal account or mailing in a donation to the Extra Innings address.

¿Es necesario registrarse y obtener dinero para jugar en el juego de 24 horas?

No, no. Se jugará con su equipo durante el juego de 24 horas de maratón si usted se registra y recaudar dinero o no. Este es un evento para recaudar fondos para La Casa de Fisher y para nuestra liga y le estamos ofreciendo la oportunidad de recaudar dinero y ganar grandes premios de incentivos en el camino. USTED NO TIENE QUE REGISTRAR Y RASIE dinero para participar.

¿Cuándo entrará en el juego de equipo en el juego de 24 horas?

Su equipo jugará durante aproximadamente una hora y media de juego de 24 horas. Además, cada jugador se le invitó de nuevo en el campo a mediodía del Domingo, 22 de mayo para participar en el último out de este histórico juego! La lista definitiva se dará a conocer en el medio de mayo y será publicado en este sitio web. ¿Quién va a llegar a jugar bajo las luces? Estén atentos!

¿Por qué un juego de 24 horas?

evento del año pasado fue excepcional y queríamos ofrecer a los jugadores y padres de HBQVB, y la comunidad en general con un evento único e inolvidable, uno que será recordado para siempre! En el proceso de nuestros jugadores tendrán la oportunidad de participar en uno de los juegos juveniles de béisbol más largo jamás jugado en Nueva York, y conoce a una las grandes ligas grandes!

Cuando el juego se puede jugar?

El partido se jugará en el Parque MCU (anteriormente KeySpan Park) en Coney Island. MCU Park es el hogar de los Ciclones de Brooklyn, así que prepárate para jugar donde juegan los profesionales! MCU Park cuenta con un amplio estacionamiento, luces de la noche a la mañana, y es un estadio seguro y seguro. No será a la vez la seguridad y los equipos de emergencia presentes en todo el juego de las 24 horas.

Estamos recaudando dinero para la caridad. ¿Qué organizaciones de caridad se beneficiará?

Fisher House es nuestra caridad cartelera. Fisher House construye y mantiene “casas de placer” en el Hospital VA motivos y les proporciona a las familias que están visitando a los soldados enfermos y heridos. TAMBIÉN, HBQVB Juvenil de Béisbol y Softbol se beneficiarán de la recaudación de fondos también.

¿Cómo puedo llegar a tener un almuerzo con la celebridad?

Cada jugador que levanta 250 dólares serán invitados, con un invitado, para un almuerzo y una pregunta y respuestas. La fecha y la hora se determinó después de nuestro juego de béisbol las 24 horas se ha terminado.

¿Hay otros premios relacionados con el juego de béisbol de 24 horas?

Cualquier jugador que levanta 100 dólares va a ganar un evento de camisetas. Cualquier jugador que levanta 150 dólares va a ganar un evento de T-shirts y gorras. Además, la recaudación de fondos individuales arriba va a ganar la oportunidad de lanzar la primera bola en un partido de béisbol Ciclones de Brooklyn.

He perdido mi enlace de recaudación de fondos de jugador! ¿Dónde puedo encontrarlo?

Si te has registrado puedes encontrar tu enlace de recaudación de fondos jugador en http://extrainningscharity.org/player-list.

¿Alguien puede donar por correo?

Sí que pueden. Se puede imprimir este formulario y envíelo por correo a la dirección indicada. http://extrainningscharity.org/wp-content/uploads/MailForm.pdf

¿Con qué rapidez se acredita donaciones a mi página de recaudación de fondos jugador?

 
Las donaciones en línea son pagadas inmediatamente. Enviado por correo en las donaciones pueden tardar hasta una semana para ser acreditado.

¿Cuándo recibiré mis premios de incentivo?

Usted recibirá su ganado premios de incentivos en el evento. Si usted ganó un premio incentivo a los $ 100 y $ 150 nivel, pero no van a asistir al almuerzo haremos otros arreglos para llegar a usted.

¿Qué hago con mi reproductor de enlace de recaudación de fondos?

Una vez te hayas registrado y tiene su enlace de recaudación de fondos jugador puede enviar el enlace a su familia y amigos mediante su inclusión en un correo electrónico, o publicar en tu facebook o myspace páginas. Sus amigos y familiares tienen la opción de donar en línea a través de nuestra cuenta de correo seguro de PayPal o en una donación a la dirección Extra Innings.

Extra Innings with HBQVB is a continuous, 24-hour baseball game that will begin at noon on Saturday, May 22nd, and continue straight through the night until noon on Sunday, May 23rd.  The Knights of Columbus (Holy Family Council 14520) created the event to raise money for charity, including Fisher House, St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, and to help support the HBQVB (Hollis-Bellaire-Queens Village-Bellerose) Athletic Association.  Hundreds of HBQVB baseball and softball players will register and participate in this game of a lifetime.  The 24-hour roster will feature t-ballers right through to those playing in the Babe Ruth league, ranging in age from five to 18.

This 24-hour game, the longest youth baseball game ever played in New York City, will be played at MCU Park (formerly KeySpan Park), home of the New York Mets’ Class A farm team, the Brooklyn Cyclones.

ABOUT Wally Backman:

Prior to managing, Wally Backman played 14 seasons in the major leagues.  He played second base for the New York Mets from 1980 – 1988, and was a key member of their 1986 World Championship team.  As a native son of Oregon, Backman was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Wally Backman is thrilled to be involved in New York City’s longest ever baseball game, “Count me in!” Backman said, “I’ve been involved in some great games, even World Series games, and our park in Brooklyn has seen some great baseball, but nothing like this!  This is going to be a lot of fun, and history making at the same time.”  Backman will be the celebrity guest at the Baseball Showcase, the fundraiser’s grand prize, an invitation-only event for those who raise at least $250.  At the showcase, Backman will have lunch with the winners; discuss with the kids the importance of giving back to the community, answer questions from the kids and end with a group photo.

Event organizer and K of C member John Saffian said, “We are so excited to add Wally Backman’s name to this amazing event.  He’s a big part of New York baseball lore, and the kids are psyched to have a shot at meeting him when the event is over.  Giving the kids an opportunity to raise money for charity, AND giving them a chance to meet a baseball legend: that’s what this event is all about.  This is a once in a lifetime experience.”

About HBQVB Athletic Association:

Hollis-Bellaire-Queens Village-Bellerose Athletic Association, Inc. (HBQVB) is a state certified not-for-profit baseball and softball organization.  It is a chartered member of the nationally known Babe Ruth baseball association.  HBQVB is located in central-eastern Queens, two blocks west of the Cross Island Parkway on Hillside Avenue, easily accessible from major NYC and Long Island highways.  In addition to the nine playing fields (known as PADAVAN-PRELLER FIELDS), there are batting cages, restrooms, an equipment room, a concession stand and a full parking lot.

The league was founded in 1954.  The first president of the organization was Bill Gallo, the well-known Daily News cartoonist, who formerly lived in Hollis.  He, along with a few neighbors, started the league in his back yard.  In 1963, the membership parents, with the assistance of local politicians Fred Preller and Matt Troy, obtained the rights to the present general property on Hillside Avenue opposite the Creedmoor Hospital facility.  The first diamond, Fred Preller Stadium, opened in 1966.  Building continued through the 1960’s, again with the aid of local politicians, most notably State Senator Frank Padavan.  The last field was constructed in 1995. HBQVB now has nine tailored ball fields and dugouts which cover 14 acres and which were all constructed by volunteers.  During subsequent years, the league was able to purchase the land from New York State for the exclusive use of youth programs.

HBQVB programs begin with five-year-olds playing T-Ball, and a pitching machine Pee-Wee division for six and seven-year-olds.  The programs continue with the better recognized little league divisions of Midget, Minor, Major, Pony and Senior- representing boys and girls from the ages of eight to 16.  The older boys and girls play on full-scale baseball/softball diamonds. All divisions are open to children of all skills and experience levels.  Programs for 17 and 18- year-olds are offered on a limited basis, in addition to competitive travel and tournament teams in many age brackets.

The mission of HBQVB has always been to implant in the youth of the community the ideals and virtues of honesty, fair play, integrity and respect for the game, as well as good sportsmanship.  The HBQVB motto “We teach more than just the sport” drives the present organization into providing the highest quality programs and services to the community.

About Fisher House Foundation:

The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs (VA).

Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates “comfort homes,” built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times- during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly three million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990.

Who: Extra Innings with HBQVB, the one of a kind baseball event featuring the HBQVB Athletic Association.
Date: Saturday April 17, 2010
Time: Parade starts at 10am; Media address: 12:30 pm.
Location: PADAVAN-PRELLER FIELDS, located on Hillside Avenue in Bellerose, Queens, between the Grand Central and Cross Island Parkways.
Address: 236-02 Hillside Ave. Bellerose, NY 11426
Website: www.extrainningscharity.org/media-kit/
Contact information: John Saffian – 347-603-4646 – ajsaffian@yahoo.com

VALUABLE MEDIA INFORMATION:

Queens, NY. Saturday, April 17 is opening day for the HBQVB youth baseball and softball leagues, and will feature a parade down Hillside Avenue (starting at 10am) with a marching band, all of the players from the league, various community leaders and politicians, and Sandy the Seagull, the mascot for the Brooklyn Cyclones!!!

The parade route will end at the PADAVAN-PRELLER FIELDS, where a player induction ceremony will take place, opening day games will commence, and members of the HBQVB Board of Directors and Knights of Columbus (Holy Family Council 14520) will meet with the press to discuss Extra Innings with HBQVB, the continuous, 24-hour baseball game scheduled for May 22nd and 23rd at MCU Park.

There will be:

• Hundreds of uniformed ball players taking the field
• Live youth league games
• Live music
• Opportunity for one-on-one’s with participating youth players
• Speeches from league and community leaders
• Sandy the Seagull, Brooklyn Cyclones Mascot

Read more about this event in the press release attached below, and attend our April 17th opening ceremony and media event to help us kick off Extra Innings with HBQVB.

ANY QUESTION PLEASE CONTACT: John Saffian 347-603-4646