Johnston Little League's 2017 Town Champion Athletics honored

Johnston Sun Rise ·

The Executive Chamber inside Johnston Town Hall was filled with people wearing smiles and spiffy uniforms.

For the second time in as many summers, Mayor Joseph Polisena hosted the Johnston Little League’s 2017 Town Champion Athletics in a ceremony that spilled onto the front steps and even appeared on the digital welcome sign.

It was, however, difficult to decide which person was the happiest; the 11-player two-time town champion A’s, the four-member coaching staff, Polisena or sponsor Stephen Dariezo who owns and operates Johnston-based Countyview Landscaping.

Add to that many proud parents – mostly moms – who also enjoyed their children being tabbed as “Toasts of the Town” by Polisena who rolled out more than the welcome mat Monday morning.

Polisena presented each player and coach with a personalized Town of Johnston Official Commendation that included congratulations and the words “you will remember this day – and season – forever.”

From the time the 9:30 ceremony began – until it broke up after two photo sessions outside his office – Polisena wore a wide smile and later said “I love this; it’s the best part of my job. We are all excited and thrilled for these young baseball players.”

Once the Athletics family packed into every possible space of standing room inside Polisena’s office, he began by saying, “We are very, very proud of all of you. The lessons you learned on the baseball field are special; we also went you to carry them to school.”

The Mayor also took time to issue an emotion-filled and heartfelt thank you to the players’ parents.

“We really appreciate your dedication and the time it takes to get the kids to practices and games,” said Polisena. “Congratulations to all of you.”

He also issued a warning of sorts to the 11 players of the championship club saying: “Now, you’re going back to school and I urge each of you to work really, really hard; make sure to work just as hard with your studies as you did on the baseball field this summer. Begin preparing for your future.”

Polisena’s statement was followed by more applause and a special presentation reserved for the Mayor.

“We’ve got something special for you Mayor,” a team spokesperson said while opening a small box that included a glass-covered baseball that was signed by each player and coach.

The Mayor graciously accepted “this super gift’ and placed it among other items inside the framed picture-filled Executive Chamber.

Dariezo, though, may have saved the best for last. Prior to the group heading outside for more photographs, he said “Now for the special surprise” that unfolded into a colorful and impressive banner that read: Johnston Little League 2017 Town Champion A’s.

Polisena then offer a handshake to Dariezo, saying, “Now that’s what I call a super and special sponsor.”

To which Dariezo said with a smile as wide as the banner: “The kids deserve it; they played well.”

The Countyview Landscaping Athletics were managed by Mike Perez and his coaches were Eddie Pannone Jr., Eddie Pannone III and Anthony Pannone. The championship players are Stephen D’Arienzo, Nomar Campbell, Joey Vento, Jackson Villani, Nicholas Villani, Hudson Carvalho, Christopher Geraghty, Jonah Pecchia, Jason Schino, Christian Mattson and Nicholas D’Aquila.