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Batting Cage Dedication for
Baseball Coach Jerry Sabatini
Sunday, September 18, 2022 at 2pm
September 18, 2022 at 2pm will mark the dedication of the batting cage and pitching area in recognition of Coach Jerry Sabatini’s life work helping student athletes achieve success at the Califon Island Park in Califon, NJ.
“Coach Sab” helped hundreds of boys and girls maximize their potential through hard work and instilling desire to excel in their sport.
Sabatini started the American Legion baseball program in 1982 with John Hurlburt (passed in 2016) and coached with the program until 1992. For more than two decades Jerry Sabatini was a hitting instructor to kids around the county. Mark Gibson, former player and good friend who is instrumental in the celebration for Jerry, said that the league under Sabatini had 141 wins and 63 losses in 10 years. “That’s a remarkable stat,” Gibson said.
From a newspaper article in 2017, “A humble Sabatini said he learned more from them than they could ever learn from him.
“It was all to help the kids get ahead, to have a good time and to learn to take care of themselves,” Sabatini said. “All the of the kids matter, you have to be a coach for every child – not just your own. Teach them to play the game properly, and raise a decent human being. That is what is most important, good people like this.””
The baseball field at Califon Island Park is where Jerry started coaching many young athletes. A plaque detailing his dedication to the community and athletes will be presented. The Califon Recreation department is working in conjunction with Jerry’s former players and fundraising efforts to make this dedication possible.
Following the dedication, a 4 inning scrimmage will be held with American Legion and other players at the ballfield.
Jerry is survived by his wife Susan, daughters Sue, Pam, Holly and many grandchildren.
Last modified: October 19, 2022
