Ariela Martin Photo
Zeidenberg talks with the coach and players of the MDF Painting Minors Team.
Only two Westville Youth Baseball teams were scheduled to play on Sunday. But all four teams in the minor division were suited up and on deck — to honor Mel Zeidenberg for his decades of dedication to the league.
Zeidenberg, who’s 88, received a special citation from the Board of Aldermen in honor of his years of service to New Haven youth baseball.
Marchand hands Zeidenberg his award.
Westville Alderman Adam Marchand presented the award to Zeidenberg at the baseball field that bears his name, off Blake Street in the shadow of West Rock.
Zeidenberg holds up his award in front of the field named after him.
Zeidenberg is Westville Youth Baseball’s president emeritus and commissioner of Andy Papero Majors, one of the leagues four divisions. He’s been a leader in the league for some forty years, ever since he started coaching a team.
“The Westville league wouldn’t exist without him. He’s a wonder of nature, still playing tennis and kibitzing at games well into his 80s,” said Marc Wortman, the head coach of the Three Brothers Diner team, which played on Sunday afternoon.
Zeidenberg admires his awards.
“They say it’s been 50 years, but it’s more like 40,” said Zeidenberg. But whatever time it’s actually been, it’s been “a long, long time. Before, I would call all the coaches and parents and kids on the phone. Now, these young coaches are using email, so it’s quick, quick.”
It all began when Zeidenberg’s son, Clint, was trying out for a team in the league, and didn’t get picked. “I went to them, and asked, ‘What the hell? He’s good! He’s got talent.’ And they said to me, ‘I hear you’re an athlete and have talent. Do you want to coach?’ So he got on the team, and I coached. That’s how it started, and from there, I just kept coaching and staying involved.”
Westville Youth Baseball has grown exponentially in the past few years, now including over 230 kids on 18 teams. “We have so many kids now, it’s unreal! We have so many kids that are learning and having a great time.”
To Zeidenberg, the most important aspect of youth baseball is “teaching the kids. It’s so important. It’s the most valuable thing you can get from being on a baseball team, and playing baseball.”
Zeidenberg (middle) with William Vaught (left), Coach of Yale New Haven Hospital Majors League and a member of the Board of Directors, and Norman.
After a minor stroke, Zeidenberg cut back on his involvement in the league. “We always keep him in the loop,” said Fred Norman, President of Westville Youth Baseball and Commissioner of Harold Silver Minors Division.
Norman and Zeidenberg have known each other since 1988, when Norman’s son began playing baseball. “Mel has become a father figure for me. I just hope I can fill the shoes he’s handed down to me.”
“Mel has done incredible things for these kids. He caters to everyone, and has done a lot.”
Zeidenberg and his family, who came to see him received the award, which was a surprise to Zeidenberg.