Brayden Salvaterra was almost 6 years old and couldn’t wait to hit the field to play baseball this year, he was one of the first kids to sign up for the the 2017 season.
On January 23, 2017, Brayden passed away unexpectedly.
During the Oakfield-Alabama Little League opening ceremonies Saturday morning, a bench was dedicated in Brayden’s memory.
National’s Coach Normand Fluet, who coached Brayden, purchased the bench. The Town of Oakfield installed the bench with a memorial plaque overlooking the T-Ball field where Brayden played.
“The final product is something that is full of memories and will make sure Brayden’s memory lives on forever,” says Andy Merkel, President of the Oakfield-Alabama Little League.
There was also a moment of silence for Coach Dan Gilbert, a OACS teacher and baseball coach and for Coach James “Beef” Soggs, a well known coach from Batavia.
A large crowd turned out for opening day ceremonies and to honor those who recently passed away.
“One of the things that is great about the Oakfield-Alabama communities is that Little League is a big part of it,” says Merkel.
“I grew up in the program and most of the coaches and parents grew up in the Little League program and its great to see the people from throughout the community that don’t have a connection any longer, they don’ t have a child or relative playing, but they still come out to support our program and have a hot dog and watch a baseball game, it means a lot to have that community support.”