City of Rochester
News Release
(Friday, May 1, 2015) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren today thanked Ann Marie Scarpelli for organizing a youth-baseball equipment drive for young baseball players in memory of her late husband John.
“Ann Marie Scarpelli’s decision to honor her husband’s memory through the gift of baseball is a moving story that should provide additional motivation for the many young players who will benefit from this incredible gift,” Mayor Warren said. “This equipment will do much more than give children a chance to play baseball. It will give them the opportunity to experience the benefits of playing on a sports team under the guidance of caring adults. For that, I am truly grateful.”
John Scarpelli, who was active in the local baseball community both as a coach and administrator, died unexpectedly in April of 2014. Mrs. Scarpelli decided to mark the first anniversary of her husband’s death through a youth-baseball equipment drive for city children.
Members of the youth-baseball community across Monroe County responded by assembling more than $8,000 in new and used equipment, along with gift cards to local sporting goods stores. Items included hundreds of bats, balls, gloves, batters helmets, cleats and sliding pants.
The equipment was donated to the Rochester Youth Baseball Coalition through the City Department of Recreation and Youth Services. The City organized the distribution to youth baseball leagues this week.
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.