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NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. New Rochelles own Craig Carton, of the early-morning WFAN radio talk show Boomer & Carton, will be on the field with his partner Boomer Esiason on July 31 with several former sports celebrities, including Mets and Yankees greats Darryl Strawberry and Bernie Williams, when the city hosts the WFAN All-Stars Celebrity Softball Game at Flowers (City) Park athletic complex.
Carton, the comic relief and manic sports fan who banters with former NFL quarterback Esiason on the sports talk program from 6-10 a.m. each weekday, is a graduate of New Rochelle High School. He will join celebrity teammates and WFAN staffers in a nine-inning softball game against a city team coached by College of New Rochelle Athletic Director Harold Crocker.
"I am very excited to be a part of this event," said Crocker, who was on the facility at New Rochelle when Carton attended. "I have worked with Craig Carton and Boomer on a few occasions in the past, and they are great to work with. It's always fun to call in and speak with Al Dukes their producer and get on the air to talks sports on WFAN. It should be a great way to kick off playing at the new Flowers (City) Park."
The WFAN team boasts former New York Yankees Ron Bloomberg and Roy White, former Giants linebacker Carl Banks, former Mets third baseman Howard Johnson and former NBA player Wally Szczerbiak among others.
The New Rochelle team will include Mayor Noam Bramson and City Manager Chuck Strome, with teammates comprised of players on teams within the New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Adult Softball League Program and other invited celebrities.
New Rochelle's team will also include; Counclimen Barry Fertel and Lou Trangucci, Westchester County Clerk and former Mayor Tim Idoni, Assistant City Manager Omar Small, City Engineer John Clemente, Department of Public Works Commissioner Alex Tergis, Police Benevolent Association Representative Chris Castoglia, UFFA President Byron Gray, MIS Director Peter Campone and Former New Rochelle High School and Iona College quarterback Tom Proudian among others.
Warm-ups begin at 5:30 p.m. and first pitch is at 6 p.m.
"It's great to see that Craig has kept an interest in his hometown and it will be fun to be on the field with him, Boomer and the gang next Tuesday," Crocker said. "I was teaching physical education and coaching football at NRHS in the 80's while Craig and Mayor Noam Bramson were students there. Craig wanted me on the field as well as coaching, so I am going to try to play an inning or two. I can't wait to see everyone."
An event merchandise/50-50 raffle will be conducted to raise money for the New Rochelle Park & Recreation Gift Fund, with dedicated proceeds earmarked for the new athletic complex at Flowers (City) Park. A celebrity autograph session will be featured and a food and beverage court will open throughout the game.
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Frank Bernabei or Bill Zimmermann at New Rochelle Parks & Recreation Department at 654-2087 or via email: fbernabei@newrochelleny.com or wzimmerm@newrochelleny.com.
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