A constant drizzle on this cloudy Saturday morning could not detract from an otherwise fantastic day, as Rocky Point and Mount Sinai met for their annual Live Like Susie fundraiser game. The game, played each year since 2014, is in honor of a Rocky Point alumna, Susie Facini, who passed away suddenly in 2011.
The proceeds from this game fund a scholarship in Susie’s name that is awarded to a Rocky Point student each year who exhibits many of the qualities that Susie did.
Susie was described as the kind of person who’s presence could just light up a room. In a pre-game ceremony, Rocky Point head coach Anthony Anzalone said “it just epitomizes, in a world of craziness, how you’re supposed to live your life. She just made things so much better when she walked into a room.”
Both Rocky Point and Mount Sinai, rather than their traditional uniforms, instead wore shirts with the phrase “Live Like Susie” in a heart, across the chest. Andy Facini, Susie’s brother, described what exactly it means to “Live Like Susie.” He explained that to Live Like Susie is to “greet every person with warmth and kindness,” adding that “it’s about having an open heart, and being fearless about sharing it.”
The game, while having no bearing on the standings, is absolutely not without meaning. As Coach Anzalone said after the game, “we try to carry on her legacy on the baseball field, it’s an opportunity for her family to come out and see something special, people giving back to the community, something that Susie definitely would’ve loved.”
Year after year, the Facini family is in attendance at the game. Susie’s mother, Bernadette, explained “the game is such an uplifting event for us every year. We carry around a heavy load so much of the time, it’s amazing to have a day where the spirit is so joyous, we can’t help but feel a bit lighter afterwards.”
Rocky Point Head Coach Anthony Anzalone on the annual fundraiser game “Live Like Susie” that was held today against Mount Sinai pic.twitter.com/wo6xOOzLMn
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 4, 2019
Susie’s father, Pete, added that “it’s great being around all the wonderful people we’ve gotten to know over the years who are so happy to be there.”
Andy added to the sentiment, saying “it’s such an incredible feeling, seeing everyone coming together like this in honor of my sister. People who never met her, but are moved by how she lived. I’m completely blown away, I’m so grateful.”
The players certainly have a good time playing the game as well. In a rather loose game environment, with no umpires, and a universal batting order, the players are just out there having a good time.
Rocky Point catcher Alexander Bonacci said “We kind of mix up the positions. I’m a catcher, but I’m out there playing the middle infield.” Bonacci, making an appearance at shortstop, did not disappoint, making a fantastic play by displaying some athleticism and a strong arm.
Trey Miller of Rocky Point also acknowledged that “it means a lot to the family, and we have a lot of fun.”
After persisting through the rain for seven innings, the game was over. On this day, the winner of the game was irrelevant. Most important is that the tradition of honoring Susie Facini’s legacy has continued.
