Feb. 1, 2025:
Helen Brady, 1950 - 2025
Pearl River Little League has lost a dear friend and patron with the passing of Helen Brady on January 30, 2025. PRLL families have become well acquainted with Helen's presence and friendliness during her appearances at Anderson Field, along with her husband Mike and son Eddie, for the annual Alicia Brady Memorial game over the past few years, and previously at the annual all-star memorial softball tournament held in honor of her late daughter, Alicia Brady. The Alicia Brady Memorial Tournament was held every July as part of the Kayser-Brady Tournament between 2004 and 2019. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mike, Eddie and the rest of the Brady family.
HELEN BRADY obituary:
Helen M. Brady, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, sadly passed away on January 30, 2025 at the age of 74. Helen was born on May 24, 1950 in New York City, to Edward and Elizabeth Rabbit.
Helen grew up in the Bronx, NY and was a graduate of Aquinas High School, after which she attended Berkeley School. Helen lived in Pearl River, NY for the past 51 years. Helen worked in the personnel department of the Pearl River School District for many, many years. She was well known for helping countless staff of the district during her tenure and in the years following of her retirement. Upon retirement, she spent much time caring for and enjoying her grandchildren, as well as assisting those with special needs. She was especially delighted in treating her family to vacations in Disney World and Cape Cod.
Helen was an incredibly generous person, offering unconditional love and compassion. Helen is survived by her husband and best friend of 53 years, Michael; her children Michael and wife Donna, Kevin and wife Halley, and Edward; her grandchildren Emma, Ryan, Mattingly, Lennon and Nicholas; sisters Ann Rabbit and Kathleen McQuaid. She is predeceased by her daughter Alicia (1992), her parents Edward and Elizabeth and her sister Elizabeth Dreyer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Venture Incorporated.
See also, https://www.wymanfisher.com/obituary/Helen-Brady
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Feb. 21, 2025:
James R. Schlag Jr. (1940-2025)
Jim Schlag, who served as a PRLL Board Member, as well as coaching/managing for 21 years, passed away this week at the age of 84. Here is the text of his obituary (from the Wyman-Fisher website):
James Schlag Jr. Obituary
James R. Schlag Jr., a beloved Pearl River, NY resident for 50 years, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the age of 84. Jimmy dedicated his career to working as an electrician for Local 3 in New York City, proudly serving as an active I.B.E.W. union member for an impressive 65 years.
Born to James and Loretta Schlag on March 7, 1940, in the Bronx, NY, he completed his education there, graduating from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1958. With a sense of duty, he served in the Air National Guard from 1963 to 1968, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant and earning Sharp Shooter designation. He also enjoyed being part of the Air National Guard Bowling team, traveling to tournaments in Texas and New Orleans.
On May 14, 1966, he married the love of his life, Eileen Lekow, at Holy Spirit R.C. Church in the Bronx. They joyously began their family in Hartsdale, N.Y. eventually moving to Pearl River in 1975. In the community, Jimmy was a member of the Pearl River Elks, coached Pearl River Little League for an impressive 21 years, and was a devoted member of St. Aedan R.C. Church for 50 years. He found joy in playing Lotto, bowling, fishing, and collecting coins, but his greatest happiness came from being “Pop” to his eight cherished grandchildren.
Jimmy enjoyed his multiple daily trips to Shop Rite, where he would happily run into friends and former players he had coached over the years. He is lovingly remembered by his children Jim (Theresa) and Tara (Timothy) Caulfield, and will be missed by his grandchildren Robert, Charlotte, Mariel, James, Ryan Caulfield, and Jimmy, Luke, Jillian Schlag, as well as his cousin Jimmy Formont (Susan). Jimmy also leaves behind many dear nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen, who passed away in November 2017.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at St. Aedan R.C. Church in Pearl River, followed by interment at St. Anthony Cemetery in Nanuet, NY. Friends and family are welcome to visit Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc. on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 3 to 7 p.m.
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March 22, 2025:
Opening Day: Central Field, Sunday, April 6, 2025
PRLL 2025 Opening Day ceremonies will be held at Central Field in Pearl River on Sunday, April 6, at 10:00 a.m. Please come and help us kick off the 2025 Spring Little League season!
The 2025 Spring season starts on Saturday, March 29. (One exception - Major Girls start on Friday, March 28, with the PRLL Fighting Irish facing the PRLL Wildcats at 7:30 om McCarthy Field).
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April 3, 2025:
Brian Fennell (1977-2025)
Pearl River Little League extends its deep condolences to Tom and Eileen Fennell and the entire Fennell family on the loss of Brian Fennell, 47. Brian was a father of two and a current resident of Westwood, N.J. The Fennell family is well-known in Pearl River and has been active in many sports programs, including Pearl River Little League and the Rockland GAA.
Brian's obituary, provided by Becker Funeral Home, is as follows:
Brian Patrick Fennell, 47, passed away on April 2, 2025, in Westwood, New Jersey. Born on December 2, 1977, in Mt. Vernon, New York, Brian brought warmth and laughter to those around him throughout his life. Brian grew up with many friends and family in Pearl River, New York and settled with his family in Westwood, New Jersey.
Brian was the beloved son of Tommy and Eileen Fennell. He shared a deep bond with his siblings: sister Tara Borucinski and her husband John; brothers Thomas Fennell and his wife Erin, and Brendan Fennell and his wife Megan. His extended family also included his sister-in-law Amanda DeStafeno and her husband Fred Khaledi, as well as his brother-in-law John DeStafeno and his wife Kerri, sister-in-law Tracee Strout and her husband Steve. Brian was a proud uncle to six nephews and eight nieces with which he had a special relationship with each and every one of them. Brian cherished the love of his many aunts, uncles and cousins from near and far.
He was a devoted husband to Katrina and a loving father to their two children, Caroline Cecilia and Reyer Patrick. His family was his world, and he treasured every moment he spent with them.
Brian had an easygoing, charismatic nature that allowed him to excel in his long career in the Construction Management business. He started at the age of 18 delivering drawings all over New York City to becoming a Senior Project Manager of multi-million dollar construction projects.
A passionate sports enthusiast, Brian was an avid fan of the New York Knicks and New York Jets. Whether celebrating victories or enduring defeats, he remained loyal to his teams through every season. Brian's love of sports did not only include watching from the sidelines, he was an accomplished NY All State runner, a long time Rockland GAA footballer. He also loved to hop on the basketball court to play and even more to coach.
Brian was known for his ability to crack a great joke and his prank calls will go down in the history books. Brian could strike up a conversation with anyone who crossed his path. He had a gift for making people feel seen and heard. His kind soul left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Brian’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those who loved him and joy in remembering the moments shared together.
Brian was known to say, do not mourn me in my death but celebrate my life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Rockland GAA.
A visitation for Brian will be held Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A visitation will occur Tuesday, April 8, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 219 Kinderkamack Road, Westwood, NJ 07675. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St Andrew Roman Catholic Church, 120 Washington Ave, Westwood, NJ 07675.
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April 6, 2025:
Rain Holds Off for Opening Day at Central Field
In spite of a grey sky and an ugly forecast, the rain held back long enough for PRLL to hold its 2025 Opening Day ceremonies at Central Field in Pearl River. The American Legion presented the colors, backed up by the PR Fire Department with an engine and oversized American flag. All in attendance paused for a moment of silence, in honor of Helen Brady, Brian Fennell, Jim Schlag, Tom Coffey and Kevin McAndrew. Awards were presented, and PRLL's neighbor, Databank, presented PRLL President Rob Bonomolo with a check to assist PRLL in planning and building a new parking lot, if land can be obtained.
Photos of Opening Day can be seen at this photo link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lc9ZDEbpx9t71koQ8
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April 12. 2025
Good Riddance to a Wet Week
Having lost this week's games on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday to rainy, cold, windy and generally miserable weather, the players and families of PRLL head into the week-long holiday recess with hopes that Spring will emerge in time for the resumption of games in the week of April 21. Best wishes to all for a healthy and pleasant holiday week.
WED., MAY 14: All Games cancelled All Games of Wednesday, May 14 have been rained out.
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May 23, 2025:
Happy Memorial Day Weekend
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, there will be no PRLL games on Saturday, Sunday or Monday (Memorial Day, May 26). There will be two games on Anderson Field tonight (Friday, May 23). At 6:00 on Bocket Field, there will be a AAA game between the Cubs and Phillies (a rainout makeup from 4/8) and a 7:30 Major Girls game in which the PRLL Fighting Irish will host the Orangetown Gators on McCarthy Field. Meanwhile, across the street at Veterans Field #2, there will be a 5:30/7:30 Minor Girls doubleheader between the Hawks and the Larks. Over at South Orangetown, the PRLL Wildcats will visit the Orangetown Volunteers in a Major Girls game on Valentine Electric Field. Finally, in a Major Boys matchup at 6:00 on Wilhelm Field in Nanuet, the Nanuet Mets host the PRLL Mets.
Addendum: 5/26: Great turnout by PRLL at the parade today!!!!
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May 26, 2025:
Big PRLL Turnout for Memorial Day Parade
The 2025 Pearl River Memorial Day Parade was held this morning, May 26, 2025. Pearl River Little League had a great turnout. Here is a LINK TO PHOTOS of PRLL's marching group.
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June 7, 2025:
Girls Minors Playoffs: Eagles beat Larks to force deciding game
In the final round of the Minor Girls playoffs, the Eagles held off a late rally by the Larks to win the game and force a deciding Championship Game between the two teams on Tuesday, June 10, at 5:30 on McCarthy Field. The winner will be the 2025 Minor Girls Division Champion. (LINK) SEE GAME PHOTOS, JUNE 7, EAGLES vs LARKS.
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June 10, 2025:
Eagles Edge Larks for Minor Girls Crown
The Eagles pulled out a 5-4 victory over the Larks to win the Minor Girls Championship. SEE GAME/TROPHY PHOTOS..
In other June 10 playoff games, the AAA Cubs-Marlins game (Link to Game Photos) was suspended by rain in extra innings, and the Major Girls (Sooners-Wildcats) game and the Major Boys (Mets-Dodgers) 7:30 games were rained out. These games will be re-scheduled as early as tomorrow. Check back for updates (see the Playoff bracket/schedule posts)..
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June 12, 2025:
Dodgers Win Major Boys Title ; Fighting Irish vs Sooners Meet on Friday for Major Girls Title
6/12/25: The Dodgers beat the Mets in a pitching duel to win the Major Boys Division championship. (LINK TO GAME AND TROPHY PHOTOS).
The Fighting Irish outhit the Wildcats (LINK TO GAME PHOTOS) to advance to the Major Girls final round against the Sooners on Friday at 5:30.
Royals defeated the Cubs in AAA, and advanced to the Final Round on Monday against the Marlins.
The Blue Jays downed the Pirates in AA. The Jays will take on the Rangers on Mon. 6/16. The Pirates play Sat. at 4:00 (Tigers).
6/11/25: In the Major Boys Final Round, the Mets staged a furious rally to down the Dodgers and force a deciding game between the two teams tomorrow (Thursday) at 7:30 on Bocket Field. GAME PHOTOS LINK HERE.
The Major Girls Sooners defeated the Wildcats to advance to the Final Round on Friday (6/13) against the winner of tomorrow's (Thurs) lower bracket final between the Wildcats and Fighting Irish. GAME PHOTOS LINK HERE.
The AAA Marlins advanced to the Final Round on Monday with a win over the Cubs (who will play the Royals in the lower bracket final on Thursday 6/12.
See the other News Posts of 6/12 for Brackets & Schedule Updates (or go to Team Central / PLAYOFFS)
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June 13, 2025:
Fighting Irish Toss Shutout, Extend Playoffs to Title Game on Monday 6/16
Friday, June 13: The Fighting Irish blanked the Sooners, 2-0, in the first game of the Major Girls Playoffs Final Round on Friday night, extending the final to a Championship Game between the two teams on Monday, June 16, at 7:30 pm.
(LINK TO GAME PHOTOS)
Also on Friday, the Major Boys division held its Graduation Game and skills contest (LINK TO PHOTOS).
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June 16, 2025:
Major Girls (Sooners) and AAA (Marlins) Champions Crowned
In PRLL Divisional Championship games played on Monday night (6/16), The Major Girls Sooners edged the Fighting Irish, 7-6, while the AAA Marlins won a pitching duel over the Royals, 1-0 in seven innings. Photo links below (See Photo tab on top menu for all playoff photos).
(LINK TO MAJOR GIRLS PHOTOS) (LINK TO AAA PHOTOS)
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June 16, 2025:
PRLL Playoffs - Current Status (through 6/16) - See Schedule
Here is the daily schedule for the 2025 PRLL Playoffs (for the Major Boys, Major Girls, Minor Girls, AAA and AA divisions).
See the previous post to access playoff brackets for each playoff division. Use the Photos tab on the top menu to see Playoff photos.
See also the top menu/Team Central/2025 Playoffs for team photos of division winners.
BELOW IS THE SCHEDULE AS OF 6/16/25. (deleted)
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June 16, 2025:
Divisional Tournament Brackets (updated 6/16)
Playoff Season to determine PRLL Division Champions has been completed . Use Photos tab on top menu to access photos of selected playoff games.
As of June 17, only the AA division playoffs continue, with the Rangers having won the upper bracket. UPDATE: The Rangers won the AA title on Sat. 6/21. The other divisions have been completed, with Champions as follows:
Major Boys: Dodgers
Major Girls: Sooners
AAA: Marlins
Minor Girls: Eagles
AA: Rangers (brackets deleted)
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June 24, 2025:
PRLL Wins Sullivan Tournament
PRLL's nine year old girls' team won the Third Annual Carolyn Sullivan Memorial Tournament with a 8-0 victory over West Nyack-NVCC. It is PRLL's first championship in the tournament, which it began hosting in 2023. LINK TO PHOTOS OF FINALIST TEAMS.
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June 26, 2025:
PR Dodgers Take County Tournament of Champions Crown
The 2025 PRLL Major Boys Champions, the Dodgers, swept through the Annual Rockland County Tournament of Champions in Haverstraw to take home the County trophy. It is a rare accomplishment for PRLL, only its fifth T of C title. The previous winners were the 1966 Yankees, the 1986 Giants, the 1992 Twins, and the 2010 Dodgers.
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July 5, 2025:
PRLL Baseball 10's Are District 18 Champions
The District 18 (Rockland County) all-star tournaments have been completed, with the PRLL baseball 10's winning a Championship on July 5 with a 13-3 win over West Nyack. All PR teams have had at least one win. The Major Boys (12's) team made the final round before losing to Nyack-VCC on July 2.
The PRLL Baseball 10 year-olds now advance to the NY Section 3N Tournament, and will play Ossining on Sat., July 12 at 10:00 am at the Seaboldt (District 33) field, 77 Montrose Point, Montrose, NY (Link to Directions).
See the Tournaments page (LINK) for details.
Section 3N Bracket for Baseball 10 year-olds: (deleted).
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July 16, 2025:
PRLL Softball 9's Win West Nyack Softball Tournament
The PRLL 9's defeated Nanuet, 12-2, on July 15 to win the West Nyack Softball Tournament for 9 year-olds. The team also won the Carolyn Sullivan Memorial Tournament, hosted by PRLL in June.
See the WEST NYACK 9 YR-OLD SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT PAGE (LINK).
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July 16, 2025:
PRLL BB 10's IN SECTION FINALS - CAN WIN IT ON THURS.
(UPDATE: The PRLL 10's have won the Section 3N title - see latest post).
The PRLL Baseball 10 year-olds are now playing in the NY Section 3N Tournament. They defeated Ossining, 4-0, on Sat., July 12, and then outscored Elmsford, 15-6 today (Sunday) at Elmsford, to win the upper bracket and reach the final round, where they have two chances to win the section championship. On July 16, in a rematch against Elmsford LL, Elmsford won a close game, 4-3, setting up a final championship game, at the McDowell Park field in Ardsley (4 Heatherdell Road, Ardsley, New York), on THURSDAY 7/17 at 5:30pm,
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July 17, 2025:
PRLL BB 10's are Section Champions - State Tournament Next
The PRLL Baseball 10 year olds defeated Elmsford, 8-3 tonight (7/17) to win the Section 3N banner and advance to the NY State Tournament in Endicott, NY starting on July 21. (LINK) SEE GAME PHOTOS.
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July 23, 2025:
A GREAT RUN BY PRLL's BASEBALL 10 YEAR-OLDS
The magical victory tour of PRLL's 10 year-old boys' all-star team came to an end on Tuesday with a loss to Rotterdam in the NY State Tournament, but they can look back on a post-season rampage in which they won 8 of 11 games, and captured the District 18 and NY Section 3N championships. The section title was the first for PRLL baseball since 2013. The team was only the third ten year-old baseball team in PRLL history to reach the NY State Tournament. Many thanks to the team's manager, coaches and parents for their guidance and support of the players, who now look forward to a well-earned summer vacation.