The Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance
In 1961 GNYSAA officially became the successor to the Journal American Sandlot Alliance which was established in 1940 by New York Journal American sports editor Max Kase. The Alliance (GNYSAA) carries the same message that was implemented years ago. That mission is - to serve the children of New York City and the Greater Metropolitan Area through baseball while promoting an attitude of professionalism and fair play.
In an effort to continue the proper way of promoting baseball to the New York Community, the leadership of the Alliance members and the board of directors we coordinates, and promotes annual events to best showcase what New York city baseball has to offer.
GNYSAA annually hosts the GNYSAA All-Star Game at MCU Park in Brooklyn, home of the New York Mets Class A affiliate Brooklyn Cyclones, NY Memorial Tournament for the 12U, 14U, and 16U year old divisions; and the Raymond F. Church (former GNYSAA president Memorial Tournament for our 18U year old division. As a result of hosting these prominent events it has allowed those who play extra exposure to professional baseball scouts and college recruiting coaches. This has resulted in dozens of current and former Major Leaguers playing in our annual All-Star Games and Tournaments.
In 2009, through the efforts of current GNYSAA President Victor Feld, the GNYSAA reinstituted the legendary Hearst Classic sandlot event as The Greater New York Sandlot Classic. The Hearst (owner of the New York Journal American) Classic, referred to as the “JA game”, was played from 1947 until the late 1970’s and sponsored by the Journal American. Such greats as Al Kaline, Joe Torre, Bill Skoworon and a host of others all starred in the Hearst Classic before taking the stage in Major League Baseball. By resurrecting this event (Greater New York Sandlot Classic) the GNYSAA will give young players a goal to strive for each year.
In 2009 the GNYSAA hosted the first GNYSAA Classic against a team sponsored by the Cleveland Indians. TEAM USA BASEBALL’s 18U National Team will be taking the field in the 2010 GNYSAA Classic Game.
Annual Banquet Dinner
Each Fall the GNYSAA honors and recognizes those who have been instrumental within the New York Baseball Community. The honorees are chosen based on there leadership, support, time, dedication and service to youth baseball in the New York Metropolitan area, at the annual Raymond F. Church Service to Youth Baseball Awards Dinner. Past winners include Major League Baseball’s all time lefty saves leader John Franco.
Student Athlete Scholarships
Yearly, the Margaret Tempone, Raymond F. Church and Richard Acari scholarships are awarded to graduating high school student-athletes who have shown exceptional ability on the field complemented by community service and educational achievement.
Free Winter Clinics
Each winter, the GNYSAA sponsors the Lou DeMartino Memorial Clinic at John Jay College , which is run by professional baseball scouts and coaches. Over two hundred kids per year have attended this annual event.
Demographics
The GNYSAA currently serves over 25,000 young people ages 6-18 in the New York City Metropolitan Area through the game of baseball and softball.
Current affiliated organizations within the GNYSAA currently include: Boys of Summer, Brooklyn-Queens CYO, Brooklyn Parade Grounds, Diamond Pros, Harlem RBI, Hollis Bellaire Queens Village Bellerose Athletic Association, Kings County American Legion, Long Island Baseball Association, Long Island City YMCA, Long Island Connie Mack, Metropolitan New York Amateur Baseball Association, New York Federation, Police Athletic League, Queens Kiwanis Sports Association, Staten Island CYO, Staten Island Old Timers Organization.
Professional Baseball Supporters
The GNYSAA currently receives support from the following professional baseball organizations; Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball, New York Mets, and the Brooklyn Cyclones.
