Schools
Canobbio Takes Baseball, Life One Pitch at a Time
As the Bulldogs head coach guides the team into another playoff season, he reflects on sharing his passion and expertise with generations of Lindenhurst youth for 30-plus years.
baseball coach Mike is no stranger to success. After cruising to their 10th league title in his 35 years as head coach in 2010, the Bulldogs trounced Guilderland High School in the New York State Class AA finals, 15-2, to capture their first state championship.
Success on the field is easily measured, in wins and losses. Measuring 's effect on the community, however, isn't as simple.
- who’s been the director of the Village of Lindenhurst Summer Recreation program for more than 30 years - continues to give back to Lindenhurst long after he retired from his career as a sixth-grade teacher.
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"We do a summer baseball camp, my staff and I, for Lindenhurst American one week and then for Lindenhurst National," he said. "We teach them the fundamentals that we use, on a lower level, have fun activities, and teach them to enjoy the game and have fun while they’re playing and learning."
The Bulldogs head coach – who recently won his 500th game – works alongside the Lindenhurst American and National little leagues, a tradition that's now reached the fourth generation of Canobbios.
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"Both of my sons, Chris and Brian, played in the American little league," he said. "In fact, quite a long time ago, my father coached in the league, and I played in it, believe it or not. In fact, one of my sons is coaching my grandson now in Lindenhurst National, as well.
For it's less about nurturing Lindenhurst's young talent as it is giving the children a place to enjoy themselves. He also reveres the often unappreciated work done by the volunteers of both Little Leagues in Lindenhurst.
"I have tremendous respect for the men and women who volunteer their time in the Lindenhurst American and National leagues," he said. "I see the amount of time they put in, as volunteers. It’s tremendous."
As for the varsity he coaches? They're currently the top-ranked team on Long Island, and fifth in New York state. But when asked about the lofty goal of repeating as state champions, Canobbio refused to look too far ahead.
"Our motto is pitch-to-pitch. Go one pitch to the next pitch, one inning to the next inning. Hopefully, everything will take care of itself that way."
So far, that motto seems to be working out pretty well for his .
