During the recent holiday break, Sachem East junior Nick Tedesco represented his school and state by participating in the Eighth Annual International Power Showcase High School Home Run Derby in the Miami Marlins Ballpark and raised money and awareness for the Miracle League of Long Island.
Tedesco hit a 387 foot home run in the Underclassman High School Home Run Derby. He then hit the left-center field fence four times. In practice the previous day, he hit three shots well over 400 feet to the deepest part of the ball park in center-field.
Tedesco also participated in the Underclassman Babe Ruth Classic Power Showcase feature game and went 1-for-1 (single to left-center field) with a walk. Defensively, he played first base, third base, and right field and met with Babe Ruth’s Granddaughter Linda Ruth Tosetti, who passed around one of Babe Ruth’s legendary 54 ounce wood baseball bats.
Tedesco partnered with John Graham and the Miracle League of Long Island for the Power Showcase Home Run Derby “Home Runs that Help” program and raised money and awareness with his Home Run. Graham is a 7-year old boy who has been a member of the Long Island Miracle Baseball League for several years.
Nick chose to work with and sponsor the Miracle League of Long Island because he believes that everyone deserves the chance to play baseball. The Miracle League of Long Island’s mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for people (of all ages) with disabilities. Their objective is to provide an opportunity for those individuals to experience the joy and benefits that come from playing our national pastime. Their aim is to help the league’s players develop social skills and increase self-esteem, while promoting community support and sponsorship for the league.
Tedesco has volunteered and has been a BUDDY for the league. BUDDY stands for “Because Unbelievable Dedication Deserves YOU!” Buddies are a vital part of the success of the Miracle League. Each Miracle League player is assigned a buddy for each game. The buddy is there to protect the player from balls, assist the player in batting and running the bases, and to be a friend on and off the field. Buddies receive a Miracle League shirt for their participation and a lifetime of memories.
Tedesco has participated as a buddy in several Miracle League games and has helped many different children. Being a buddy allows you to make a difference in a special child’s life. Nick is looking forward to meeting with John to present him with his Home Run ball from the Home Run Derby. One of Nick’s goals is to see if he can get Sachem baseball more involved with the Miracle League this spring.