July 28, 2009
On Monday, July 27, 2009 more than 160 former players, coaches,
alumni and friends of the St. John’s University Baseball Program
gathered at the Garden City Country Club for the 12th Annual
Bullpen Golf Outing. This popular event began with brunch,
followed by a day of golf on one of Long Island’s most beautiful
courses. The day concluded with a cocktail reception
and dinner in the Club’s elegant dining room, highlighted by the
presentation of the Coach Jack Kaiser Baseball Advocate Award.
Photo Gallery
This
award is the highest honor the St. John’s University Baseball
Program bestows on an alumnus, friend, benefactor, parent, coach or
fan. The recipient is selected because he or she possesses
the same characteristics as Coach John W. “Jack” Kaiser '49C –
loyalty, dedication, hard work and exceptional support of the
Baseball Program. Coach Kaiser is the former St. John’s Head
Baseball Coach who led his teams to three appearances in the
College World Series.
“The Bullpen Golf Outing is so important to me personally
because I see so many of my former players,” noted Coach
Kaiser. “We have a real bond, on a very personal level.
And this event is also important because the money that we raise
goes to support our team, a northern team, to begin our season with
a trip down South every spring.”
Anthony J. Bonomo, Esq. '80C, '84L was honored to be the
recipient of this year’s award. “It’s very humbling for me to
receive this award because of Coach Kaiser and what he stands for,”
he said. “He’s a classy man, and to get an award in his name
is truly humbling and very much an honor for me. St. John’s
is home for me. I played on some great teams with some great
guys. My experiences at St. John’s have been truly
wonderful.”
“I played with Tony [Bonomo] when we were both on the St. John’s
team,” remarked Randy Caden '80SVC. “It’s good to see the
guys you were on the team with and see what they’ve done over the
years. Once you make your friends it’s important to keep your
friends, which is what tonight is all about.”
Guests agreed that the opportunity to reconnect with former
friends and teammates was an important factor in the continued
success of this event. “The Bullpen Golf Outing gets our
alumni, particularly our baseball alumni, back together to renew
their friendships and keep our great traditions going,” said
current Head Baseball Coach Edward A. Blankmeyer. “Our
baseball alumni are great people and are always very supportive of
our program, as they’ve shown again by their presence here
tonight.”
“I’m here to support the Baseball Program,” said former award
recipient Michael Palladino '87CBA. “We have a good following
of our alumni and supporters who want to see the St. John’s
Baseball Program continue to grow. It’s great that so many
players come back every year.”