WESTWOOD—Mayor Ray Arroyo beamed in reporting to residents on May 11 that “Last weekend the sun came out to shine on Westwood Baseball.”
He said opening day festivities, scheduled for the week prior, had been rained out. “But our children’s spirits were not dampened even though their first forays onto the diamond had been delayed.”
The team Arroyo sponsored — invited to name them, he went with “The Bad News Mayors” — played Bell’s Little Learners (with preschools in Paramus, Westwood, and Mahwah) at Berkeley Field.
“As these kids, just 4–6 years old, are all truly little learners, a mercy rule limits the games to three innings or one hour, whichever comes first,” he said.
Arroyo said, “I was impressed that the fielders took their positions accurately and authoritatively, like big-leaguers who’d been playing forever. This is a testament to the practices led by their coaching staffs comprised of dedicated Westwood dads (moms are welcome too!).
He said, “When the batters were up, the plastic tee often took an awful beating, a sustained assault, until the players could adjust their eye-hand coordination and find the target. But that’s all part of the learning process: locating the ball within the physics of your swing. Baby steps.”
Arroyo said, “And when these tee-ballers successfully connected, they sent the ball on its short journey through the infield. But from their evident delight and self satisfaction, you knew that these kids, had hit upon a long-term trajectory in their physical and emotional development — a wholesome and a healthy one.”
The Bad News Mayors are coached by Gary Dragona and Bill Phayre. Players are Mabel Barry, Hunter Councilor, Olivia Dragona, Vincent Gioffre, Rory Littleton, Christian Perryman, Ryan Phayre, Emmy Schuster, and Jackson Skiba. Jackson’s dad, Ed Skiba, is in his first year as president of the Westwood Baseball Association.
Arroyo said, “I had such a great time watching parents and grandparents interact, and cheer on their players. Even the family dogs were grinning and wagging their tails! Such a great day. Such great kids. Such a great town. I could not be happier for them all.”
Arroyo recalled, “I’d started my term as mayor just as the bad news of the pandemic had set upon us. Last weekend the news from Berkeley Field was all good news!”
Commenters on Facebook were delighted as well. A sampling:
- Yash Risbud: “As always, thanks to our wonderful mayor for his continual support for Westwood Baseball! We are blessed to have such a thoughtful and caring Mayor and Council that celebrate and promote youth sports in Westwood!
- Michele Coscia Fedorchak: “Love this. Those little leaguers will some day be players coaches and/or spectators and will remember their time on ‘the Bad News Mayors’ team and be thankful to have had such a great sponsor and supporter. Thank you, Mayor, for all you do for all ages of our beautiful town.”
- Missy Plaine: “Love this. Play ball!”
- Westwood Baseball Association: “Thanks for all your support, Mayor!”
Clisa Cika said the game was broadcast live.