State Baseball Championships Flourish in Broome County
For the 16th consecutive season the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) held its championship baseball tournament in Broome County. Blessed with dry weather for all but the last game the tournament drew large crowds especially when Section 4 Champions Maine-Endwell and Susquehanna Valley were playing. Large fan followings were seen at all the games. For Maine-Endwell's championship game at Binghamton University the stadium seats as well as viewing areas down the right field and left field lines were jam packed.
There are several strong reasons for the continued success of the state tournament in Broome County. The centralized location enables families, students and fans to be able to make the drive here easier than most other locations. In addition exceptional facilities within 20 minutes of each other make it easy for tournament officials and media members to get to various sites quickly. Two of the five venues (Maine-Endwell and Binghamton University) have artificial turf surfaces to help in case of wet and rainy field conditions. And three of the five venues (Union-Endicott, Binghamton University and Conlon Field in Binghamton) have lights if needed.
Another prime reason for the tournament's success locally is the operational staff for the event. Local tournament originator Lou Ferraro has turned over the reins to his son Matt and Co-Director Tim Harkness who have continued to oversee a veteran staff at each site that keeps fields in excellent condition and each game on track.