Northport HS Baseball Field Named For Coach John DeMartini

NORTHPORT, NY — John "DeMar" DeMartini, a longtime coach and educator, was recently immortalized by the Northport-East Northport School Distirct, according to a release.

The Northport High School baseball field was renamed in DeMartini's honor, and the ceremony drew in dozens of current and former students, their families, district staff and administration. The celebration was held on the "John DeMartini Baseball Field."

DeMartini, who has been with the district for seven decades, received tremendous praise from his colleagues and students alike. Speakers lauded not only DeMartini's coaching abilities, but his caring and committed nature.

Addressing the crowd, DeMartini shared his longtime coaching and teaching mantra: "Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."

His speech ended with a standing ovation.

Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Mark Dantuono said DeMartini "truly loves what he does."

"I can’t think of a better person to have this unbelievable honor bestowed upon," Dantuono said.

Sean Lynch, a fellow baseball coach, called DeMartini an amazing person.

"He’s given his heart and soul to this school district, and to the baseball program in particular," Lynch said.

Coaches Richard Castellano and Jim DeRosa each elaborated on how deeply DeMartini cares for his students, and that while the field dedication and scoreboard sign may be new, the field has always belonged to DeMartini.