Former NFL Player Gary Baldinger Hosts 17th Annual Charity Football Clinic

The Massapequa community is home to a wealth of athletic talent as well as the site of prominent camps and clinics to help the youth generation actively participate in an array of sports.

Former NFL player and current Massapequa resident, Gary Baldinger recently hosted the 17^th annual Charity Football Clinic at Burns Park. The event helped raise money for the Massapequa Kiwanis Foundation, which Baldinger assisted in starting years ago. The foundation distributes funds to different local youth athletic clubs each year.

“The purpose of this event is to give back to the community that has given me so much over the years," Baldinger said. "The camp is for young people so they can learn basics and to stay interested in a sport that has meant so much to me. This also raises money for all of the youth and athletic programs here in the Massapequa community.”

Baldinger, a graduate of Wake Forest University, was drafted into the NFL in 1986 with a ninth round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. After three seasons with the team, he joined the Indianapolis Colts at the beginning of the 1990 season. Later in the season, he joined the Buffalo Bills, where he spent the next 2+ seasons. Baldinger appeared in three Super Bowls as a member of the Bills organization.

About 75 campers attended the clinic in July, the majority being from the surrounding Massapequa area. Since the start of the event, it has attracted over 1,600 youth football players, resulting in upwards of $100,000 raised to support the year-round athletic programs, such as the Massapequa Mustangs football club. 

The clinic teaches basic fundamentals and skills, along with teamwork and displaying the positive impact of getting involved in sports at a young age. Other accomplished football players and coaches were on hand to assist in the days’ events.

“Football provides invaluable lessons as far as working hard and together, persevering through challenges and having fun at the same time in doing it,” added Baldinger.

Mike Stackpole, the Commissioner of the Massapequa Mustangs, was in attendance along with former and current college football players such as Steve Sofia of the University of Hofstra, Mike Sheridan of Georgia Tech University and J.B. Andrease, currently of Dartmouth University.

“These guys are trying to build some continuity and awareness that the kids should want to play for Massapequa High School at some point down the road,” said Baldinger. “The school has had a long tradition of football excellence, and we want to try to continue that.”

Baldingers’ elder brother, Brian, was also at the camp to assist the young campers. Brian Baldinger also played in the NFL from 1982-1993 for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles. He is currently an analyst for NFL Network.

If you would like support the multiple local youth athletic groups, donations may be made to: "Massapequa Kiwanis Foundation", 114 Adams Road, Massapequa, NY, 11758.