2015 Baseball Classic Final Games

2015 Stop DWI High School Baseball Classic Final Games

Blue sky and sunshine were the order of the day for the 4^th Annual STOP DWI High School Baseball Classic, which was held May 1^st and 2^nd at DeLutis Field in Rome.  As always, the Classic ran in conjunction with Oneida County STOP DWI’S Annual Teen Traffic Safety Education Program that is presented to Oneida County high school students prior to the prom, ball and graduation season. The goal of the Classic is to expand our mission of making more youth aware of the terrible consequences that result when people make destructive decisions, by reaching more families and youth where the Teen Traffic Safety Education Program isn’t presented.

The two day event was attended by 1,500 people; 5,800 through four Classics. Those attendees along with the participating teams’ players and coaches took advantage of the outstanding educational presentations by our partners. The New York State Department of Transportation gave presentations on texting and driving and work zone safety. The New York State Police used their rollover simulator and presented on all aspects of wearing a seat belt properly, the good and the bad of air bags and crashes that end in fire or submersion. Insight House presented on the evils of alcohol and tobacco use and students took part in their inter-active competitions while wearing “drunk” goggles. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office finger printed children and took their pictures for SAFE CHILD identification cards. The Oneida County Health Department fitted children properly for helmets, gave them free helmets and spoke to the importance of wearing helmets. The Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES-CORE PBIS specialists made people aware of the terrible occurrences that result from bullying, more specifically, cyber-bullying. New Hartford Central High School’s Project Purple’s students spoke of the benefits of leading an alcohol and drug free lifestyle. The Center for Family Life and Recovery became a new partner this year educating of the ill effects of marijuana use.

Admission to the Classic was free and every adult was given a bag filled with educational materials to be shared at home with their family. The Classic featured ten (10) Oneida County high school baseball teams, representing New York State’s five classes; AA, A, B, C and D. Every Oneida County high school has played in the event at least once.

The feedback from the educational presenters, media, spectators, sponsors, participating coaches and players continues to be overwhelmingly positive. Everyone is in agreement that the message presented is much needed and invaluable in making our communities healthier and safer.

Game Results: