On Father’s Day, Verona residents Andrew Aromando and Steven Tafuri competed in the New York Mets’ Pitch, Hit & Run Team Championship at Citi Field. Aromando (7/8 year-old baseball division) and Tafuri (13/14 year-old baseball division) qualified for the event in Queens by having one of the top three scores of all the Pitch, Hit & Run all-around champions from sectional competitions held throughout the New York and New Jersey area this spring. Their journey to Citi Field began at the Verona Baseball & Softball League’s inaugural local Pitch, Hit & Run competition at Liberty Field on May 7.
At Citi Field, the boys showcased their baseball skills in three different disciplines. The competition entailed timed running from second base to home plate, pitching accuracy to a stationary target, and hitting for distance. Aromando and Tafuri both displayed remarkable confidence and composure during all three phases of the event and their efforts resulted in second place finishes in their respective divisions.
The boys received the full big leaguer experience from the New York Mets organization during the event, from using the dugouts, to watching the grounds crew immaculately prep the field for the competition, and warming up for the hitting portion of the event in the on-deck circle. The Mets also treated all of the participants to complimentary tickets for the team’s game versus the Washington Nationals that took place later that afternoon.
Congratulations to Aromando and Tafuri for a truly memorable Father’s Day for them and their families.
