Bonnie Youth Club President Kevin Rice Inducted Into Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance Hall Of Fame

BROOKLYN, NY - The Bonnie Youth Club announced that President, Kevin Rice has been inducted into the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance (GNYSAA) Hall of Fame in recognition for his 49 years of volunteering for the club. Those years included playing, managing, coaching, and serving as Assistant Athletic Director, Board Member and President.

The Alliance (GNYSAA), whose mission is - to serve the children of New York City and the Greater Metropolitan Area through baseball while promoting an attitude of professionalism and fair play, annually recognizes those that go above and beyond to promote baseball in the New York Community. Rice was officially inducted during GNYSAA’s Annual Dinner at Russo’s by the Bay.
Rice, who grew up around the corner from the Parade Grounds (Bonnie Youth Club home fields), first joined the Bonnies in 1977 at age 11 when his mother wanted to get him involved in baseball. Having never played on an organized team, Kevin tried out for the 11u Bantam teamand because of his enthusiasm, determination and skills was accepted into the Bonnie program.
Kevin ended up becoming a starter on all the teams he played on while competing for the Bonnies from ages 11 through 18 and went on to win multiple League and Tournament Championships.

“It is our pleasure to honor Kevin Rice and his distinguished career with the Bonnie Youth Club over the past 49 years,” said Vic Feld, President, Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance. “Kevin’s commitment and dedication to enhancing the lives of youth through baseball is one that is consistent with those who have been bestowed this prestigious recognition.”
“Kevin’s selection as a member of the Greater NY Sandlot Athletic Association’s Wall of Fame is so well deserved,” said Jerry Katzke, Athletic Director, The Bonnie Youth Club. “His ongoing dedication and service to the Bonnies has been instrumental in helping the organization reach its 76th Anniversary providing a highly successful athletic, recreational and academic program for the youth of our community.”

When Kevin reached nineteen, he stopped playing and began his managing and coaching career with the organization on a full-time basis. He started by managing a team in Bonnie Instructional League (Ages 4-6) and went from there to managing and coaching teams in every age group through Age 18. As a manager, he won many League and Tournament Championships in the PGL, AABC and NABF. His biggest achievement was winning the NABF World Series in the 14u Age Division.
In his last few years as a manager, he also served as the Assistant Athletic Director, helping in the day-to-day operation of the organization, and joined the Bonnie’s Board of Directors where he has served for the last 10 years. Three years ago, Kevin became President when long-time Bonnie President Norris P. Gordon retired.

His managing career is not limited to the Bonnies having served as the varsity baseball coach at Berkeley Carroll where he won the Private School Championship and the Manager of the Year Award. He has also coached at Tilden High School and is currently the head coach at Brooklyn Latin High School within the Gaynor School Campus. He has also worked as an umpire in both the PSAL and PGL under Ruben Ramirez’ direction over the last 5 years.

In addition to all his efforts as a player and administrative positions with the Bonnies, Kevin is also a member of one of the only four Generation Families in Bonnie History.

Kevin’s plaque will be displayed alongside other Bonnie Greats Dharyl Russell, Norris P. Gordon Jr. and Jerry Katzke on the wall at Maimonides Park.