'Put A Smile On His Face In Heaven:' Farmingdale Honors True 'Daler With Baseball Field Dedication

FARMINGDALE, NY — A baseball field at Allen Park has been dedicated to a beloved Farmingdale community member.

"James Reilly Field," a 90-foot baseball diamond at Allen Park, has been unveiled to honor Jim Reilly for his community service, charitable initiatives, and deep roots in baseball and softball.

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Jim was also a Little League coach, mentor, and devoted family man. His son, Joe Reilly, said his father was deeply committed to his loved ones and the Farmingdale neighbors.

"Dad was a dedicated individual to his family, friends, community, and league," Joe said. "The field dedication really put a smile on his face in heaven."

His dedication to helping others was evident through decades of charitable work. As the founder of the Over the Hill Softball League — a men's softball league that consists of players who are 40 years old and older- Jim was the driving force behind the success of the organization.

The league was created in 1975, and Jim later established the Over the Hill Gang Charity, which provides financial support to residents in crisis, such as those who deal with serious illness, catastrophic injury, and other hardships.

"He represented the 'Gold Standard' of community service, and showed us all what it means to be a True 'Daler," Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.