Hofstra baseball coach reveling in St. James-Smithtown's run for LLWS
The Long Island native and former Met is reveling in his former team's chase toward the Little League World Series as he is keeping tabs on how the boys of St. James-Smithtown are doing.
'I try to follow them as closely as I can,' Catalanotto, who still lives in Smithtown and played in the league during the late 1970s and early '80s, told The Post.
'It definitely brings up some memories … what they're doing now and how much fun they're having, I miss those times, like you can't believe.'
Catalanotto, who manages the Hofstra Pride baseball team in Nassau County, called it an honor to have his number 27 retired by the St. James-Smithtown Bulls last year at their home of Gaynor Park.
'I pass by Gaynor Park every single day,' the former pro added, saying how glad he was that the love for baseball had endured for decades in the area.
'It's where I got my passion for the game,' said the former outfielder.
The lifetime .291 batter also passed along some advice for the New York state champs to keep their heads cool.
Frank Catalanotto, who is the manager of the Hofstra Pride, called it an honor to have his No. 27 retired by the St. James-Smithtown Bulls last year at their home of Gaynor Park.
Photo courtesy Hofstra Athletics
After all, the pressure will heat up come Saturday as they face the best teams of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Jersey, with only one spot in the Little League World Series available.
'I remember sometimes the moment would get too big for me and some kids. I think what you have to do is relax and have fun,' Catalanotto said.
'My best times and the best memories were when I was having fun playing baseball. So I would just say soak it all in, enjoy it, and have as much fun as you can.'
Frank Catalanotto poses for a picture during his Little League playing days.
Photo courtesy of Frank Catalanotto
Though the team is ever grateful for Catalanotto's involvement, star hitter Jeremy Katz, who lives in nearby Kings Park, also draws inspiration from Hall of Famer Craig Biggio — his town's only MLB alum.
'I was really inspired by him coming from my tiny little hometown — nobody knows about Kings Park,' Katz said of his favorite player.
'Now, I want to show the world that there is talent here. … I want to be the second guy to make it to the majors.'
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