(L to R): Council Member Christine Noble, Council President Mickey Gross, Mayor Fred Henry, Jack McKeon, Speaker Craig Coughlin, Council Member Zusette Dato, Mr. Robert Dato, Board of Education VP Anthony Conrad. *Photo Submitted

Press Release 9/19/22
SOUTH AMBOY – While baseball opening day is usually a sure sign of spring after nearly two years of pandemic related delays the South Amboy Youth Athletic Association got their fall season underway yesterday as they celebrated the re-dedication of the Allie Clark Athletic Complex.

Named after South Amboy native and NY Yankee standout Allie Clark, the complex recently underwent a large-scale renovation that includes the installation of artificial turf, state of the art LED lighting, and many other enhancements to benefit players and spectators alike. Funding for the field renovation was provided by a matching grant from the Middlesex County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Fund.

Joining Mayor Henry and the City Council for the event were Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Deputy Director of the Middlesex County Board of Commissioners Shanti Narra and Commissioner Charles Kenny and many other local dignitaries.

The undisputed highlight of the ceremonies was remarks by Jack “Trader Jack” McKeon who led the 2003 Florida Marlins to their World Series Championship. Mr. McKeon reminded the young players that no matter what their pursuit in life there is no substitute for focus and hard work in chasing your dreams. At the conclusion of his remarks Mr. McKeon threw out the first pitch to Colin Clark, a current SAYAA player and great grandson of Allie Clark.