Senate Resolution No. 2728

BY: Senator JACOBS

COMMEMORATING the 50th Anniversary of the West
Side Boys Baseball League on June 10, 2017

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to honor those
enduring organizations which faithfully devote their resources and
purposeful energies to fostering opportunities and contributing to the
quality of life for the youth of the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Boys Baseball League
celebrated at its Annual Opening Day Ceremony on Saturday, June 10,
2017, at LaSalle Park Diamond No. 1 in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, In addition, this auspicious occasion will recognize the
42nd Anniversary of the West Side Ponytail Softball League, and the
valuable contributions of long-time sportsman, Tovie Asarese; and

WHEREAS, For over five decades, Tovie Asarese has played an
important role in Western New York amateur and youth sports; and

WHEREAS, In 1970, Tovie Asarese converted an empty lot into a West
Side recreation area which included paving, lighting, and 9,500 square
feet of fencing, four basketball courts, and a section for toddlers to
play; and

WHEREAS, Tovie Asarese founded both the West Side Little League
Football Club and the West Side Street Hockey Program; in 1953, he
reorganized the West Side Boys Baseball League after its founder, Bill
Foglia, died in 2009; and

WHEREAS, In 1975, Tovie Asarese established and managed the West
Side Ponytail Softball League; and

WHEREAS, For more than 50 years, Tovie Asarese sponsored and coached
the AAABA Royal Printing Club Baseball Team; under his luminous
leadership, the 1976 team finished its season with a perfect record, and
the 2000 team placed 3rd in the nation; and

WHEREAS, For his steadfast and unremitting commitment to the youth
of West Side, Tovie Asarese was the recipient of numerous awards, was
named Man of the Year by many organizations, and was elected to both the
Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame and Softball Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his tenure, Tovie Asarese's positive demeanor,
selfless commitment, and caring concern have contributed to his enduring
success as a coach and mentor, earning him the just respect and
admiration of his community, his peers, and the athletes he has so ably
coached; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the

recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the West Side Boys Baseball League
on June 10, 2017; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Tovie Asarese, the West Side Boys Baseball League, and
the West Side Ponytail Softball League.