The endeavor to rename the Byram School baseball field after former, longtime coach Sal Strazza, seems to be gaining steam. The effort, led by Byram resident Michael Bocchino, seeks to bestow an honor on a man who gave three decades of his life to his town, the sport of baseball, and the youth of Greenwich.
Sal was a character of the game, and the town, in the very best sense. I often marveled at the time he spent on ballfields, time that he could have reserved for himself. To Sal, it was no big deal because that was really where he wanted to be, anyway, even despite his love for golf.
My friend left Greenwich a few years back and relocated to North Carolina where, sadly, he passed away last year. I often think of Sal when I am on a field, any field, in Greenwich. However, it is on the grass of the Byram School field that I hear that loud, booming voice in my head ... yelling, joking, coaching, and teasing. It was just Sal being Sal.
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I respectfully urge the Board of Selectman, Board of Parks & Recreation, and the Representative Town Meeting to seriously consider approving this special honor for this special man. He left a foot print on that diamond, in this town, and in our hearts that will last forever.
