2 weeks Ago
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The West Shore Little League campus in Elm Park hosted its spring opening day Saturday afternoon, April 19, 2025.
Opening day was bitter-sweet for the community with the notable absence of coach Chris Tantillo, who tragically passed away in December of 2024 at 41 years old. Tantillo played, then eventually volunteered and coached at the league. League president Nick Sansevero praised the late coach for the lasting impression he left on players and even their families.
“Chris was truly the definition of a home grown kid,” said the president. “He played here, and once he had the opportunity, he paid it forward by volunteering and coaching here. He really left a lasting impression on this community.
” The spring 2025 season of West Shore Little League has been dedicated to Coach Tantillo, and players will be wearing a “Coach Chris” patch on their sleeves in his memory. Coach Tantillo is remembered as a family man, who “didn’t sweat the small things.” See more on his legacy here.
Sansevero, as well as VP Ray Burt, and director Gene Avilla, have been involved with the program for almost 50 years. “We never forgot where we came from. In the 70s and 80s, West Shore Little League was the place to be.
We were notorious for huge all-star crowds, and we want to re-create those cherished memories for today’s youth,” said the leader. The league took a hit in registration due to new rules, including a rule allowing players 4-7 years old to register at any little league they please. See more about new little league registration rules and more here.
Although the league is currently small, it’s a tight-knit one. Coaches and players alike expressed the league’s importance to the community. “This league is so important to our children; we need to support and make sure it thrives for generations to come,” said parent of Guardians player Omari Maynard.
All in all, the day was a success. The Yankees and Guardians ended in a 1-1 deadlock. Check out the gallery below.
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