It’s Time to Play Ball as the Joseph A. Verdino Jr. Field of Dreams Opens in Staten Island

April 27, 2019

DDC: Ian Michaels, 718-391-1589, michaelia@ddc.nyc.gov

(Staten Island, NY – April 27, 2019) Mayor Bill de Blasio joined Council Member Joseph Borelli, Representative Max Rose and District Attorney Michael McMahon today to celebrate the opening of the Joseph A. Verdino Jr. Field of Dreams at South Shore Little League in the Tottenville section of Staten Island. The NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) managed the $7 million project, which was completed in time for the opening game of the league’s 2019 baseball season.

A statue of Joseph A. Verdino Jr. sits outside the third base line as players and families gather for the opening of the Joseph A. Verdino Jr. Field of Dreams at South Shore Little League in Staten Island

“This beautiful new stadium was a very important project for the community and for a league that wanted to honor one of its most dedicated players,” said DDC Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “We’re very happy to complete this in time for opening day for the kids and for the Verdino family.”

Located at Bedell Avenue and Hylan Boulevard at the southwest corner of the little league complex, the project includes a modern grandstand with covered seating for 275 people plus an ADA-compatible viewing area. The grandstand is complete with a press box, recessed dugouts, ADA-accessible restrooms, energy-efficient lighting plus trophy displays, a conference room and storage for the league.

DDC also restored the field with new sod, a new outfield fence, a movable pitchers mound, a clay infield and an advanced drainage system. Improvements were also made to the parking lot and nearby sidewalks adjacent to the project.

Mayor Bill de Blasio addresses the crowd at the opening ceremony for the new Joseph A. Verdino Jr. Field of Dreams at the South Shore Little League (Mayor’s Office)

Little leaguers wait to play their first game at the Joseph A. Verdino Jr. Field of Dreams (Mayor’s Office)

New energy-efficient LED lighting was installed for evening games

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $12 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.