Local Volunteer Hits Grand Slam of Generosity for NK/W

This past Saturday morning, I met up with North Kingstown Wickford Little League board members Tony Sipala, George Porter, and President Arnie Sarazen to go over inventory of equipment at Wilson Park. During that meeting, Arnie had mentioned to me that one of the window's above the concession stand had been vandalized. He had just met with the North Kingstown Police Department and was noticeably upset about yet another act of vandalism to clean up at our North Kingstown Wickford Little League complex. In the past, signage has been damaged or destroyed, profanity has been spray painted on dugouts, and now the window of the press box was smashed. It was a negative situation to say the least.

I was upset and took to social media, showing the photo Arnie had snapped for the police, as well as writing this message: "Vandalism is cruel, unfair, and costly in more ways than one. Our fields have been subject to vandalism for the past several years and it costs us valuable time, money, and resources that our volunteer organization should be using to make our youth baseball experience better. If you or someone you know has information about this latest incident, please contact the North Kingstown Police Department or the Town of North Kingstown Recreation Department." I meant every word of it and the post was viewed and shared by thousands of others who felt angered, saddened, and dismayed at this recent act of vandalism.

Well, not even 48 hours later, I received an email from President Sarazen with a positive note. It read "Special thanks to Tony Mansolillo who, today, took the broken window at Wilson, had it fixed, and replaced it. Way to go, Tony!" Tony Mansolillo, whose son Chad is one of the best baseball players North Kingstown has ever produced. Tony Mansolillo, who spent countless hours as a volunteer, coach, and president of Wickford Little League. Tony Mansolillo, who despite not coaching or holding any type of position on the North Kingstown Wickford Little League executive board, took it upon himself to make a negative situation into a positive one. A super volunteer who keeps believing in the power of kindness, good deeds, and community and who is indeed a role model in our North Kingstown Baseball community.

From all of us on the North Kingstown Wickford Little League executive board and from all of us in the North Kingstown Baseball community, we say Thank You Tony!!! Your generosity will be remembered and it is my hope that everyone who reads this, shares this, and tells this story will take the time to thank you.