From the floor of Legislation to the Field of Dreams: NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney joins the Game at the Corners

[Jeremy Cooney pitching; Joe Schaal catching; David Kramer umpiring at the Twelve Corners Middle School field; Photo: Michael Raff, 6/12/22]

Jeremy Cooney takes his job seriously.

I invited Jeremy to throw out the first pitch as part of the 23rd year of The Game. I learned that he and his Communications Associate, Miles Cunning, first went to the Harley School to loosen up. Jeremy was a little rusty, not having played since his Little League days at Cobb’s Hill. The two were successful. I was the umpire and called the first pitch a well earned strike.

Jeremy Cooney warming up [Photo: David Kramer 6/12/22]

After the pitch, we went to the Brighton Farmer’s Market where Jeremy was warmly greeted by constituents.

Brighton Farmer’s Market, Sunday June 12th. The Dempsey’s with Brighton Town Supervisor William Moehle and NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney, 6/12/22, photo David Kramer]

NYS Senator Jeremy Cooney, (D, W, 56thSD) became the fourth elected representative of the Town of Brighton — all with athletic pedigrees — to join The Game at the Corners.

In 2018, Brighton Town Councilmember Robin Wilt, who played and coached rugby, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season.

In 2021, Brighton Town Supervisor William Moehle, who played baseball and basketball when growing up in Michigan, threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season and then pitched three strong innings.

In 2022, Brighton Town Council member Jason DiPonzio, who runs marathons, shook off 18 years of rust to toss a strike when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the season. (SEE FULL SERIES AT END)

5/6/18. The Game at the Corners (left) Brighton Town Councilmember and then 25th State Congressional District candidate Robin Wilt [Photo: Nicholas Wilt]; (right) Robin hurling a strike to Neal Rogachefsky with Michael Raff manning second base. From Brighton Town Council Member Robin Wilt pitches in at the Game at the Corners

5/2/21 Brighton Town Supervisor William Moehle pitching at the Game at the Corners, left fielder Neal Rogachefsky, shortstop David Kramer [Photo: B. Davis] From Brighton Town Supervisor Bill “Shohei” Moehle throws out first pitch, goes two for three with 2 RBI’s in the Game at the Corners

5/1/22 Brighton Town Councilmember Jason DiPonzio preparing for the first pitch from Brighton Town Council Member Jason DiPonzio shows his stuff at the first pitch at the Game at the Corners

In The Boys and Girls of Summer complete 22nd season of the Game at the Corners. unofficial commissioner David Esan gives the history of the game:

The game has its roots in pick up games played over 40 years ago at the Hillel School. As families grew, the game disappeared. It started again 23 years ago. The theme is to have fun, and hopefully to pass the love of softball to a younger generation. All are welcome to join us. The game is every Sunday at 9:30am at the Twelve Corners Middle School softball field; players gather a little earlier to warm up. Afterwards, many enjoy a visit to the adjacent Farmer’s Market in the High School parking lot. For more info, contact me at [email protected]

After the game, Jeremy elaborated on his own experiences with baseball and cricket.

Talker: Tell us a little about your personal and professional lives. What motivated you to run for New York State Senator?

Jeremy: I was born in India, but was raised in Rochester by a single mother. I ran for office because I think our community deserves representation in Albany focused on making a difference in the lives of children and families that call our community home. This community gave me so many opportunities, and I want to pay it forward and help build brighter futures for the next generation of Rochestarians.

Talker: What is your previous experience with softball and or baseball?

Jeremy: I played Little League growing up. Somewhat ironically, we were the “Jeremiahs” (named for our bar sponsor).

Talker: Do you have a favorite baseball team?

Jeremy: My favorite baseball team is (of course) the Rochester Red Wings! Prior to being elected to the Senate, I had a years-long streak of attending Opening Day. Of course with the Legislative Session in Albany, I haven’t been able to continue that tradition, but my wife and I still spend many summer nights at Frontier Field, which is in the district I represent!

Talker: I know you are proud of your East Asian heritage. Are you a cricket fan? If so, have you ever been to the pick up cricket matches at the Brighton High School baseball diamond?

Jeremy: I have not joined the pickup game, BUT I am very supportive of cricket in our community. Last year, we helped pass legislation to increase cricket education across New York State. I also hosted the first “Senator’s Cup,” a local cricket tournament and cultural celebration featuring teams from Rochester, Buffalo, and Albany.

4/18/21 Cricket at the Brighton High School baseball diamond. Batter dodging a thrown pitch from Cricket on the playing fields of Brighton

WEEK 2 May 8th

(l-r, t-b) Rookie D. Parker’s first at bat, N. Rogachefsky catching; rookie D. Parker’s first swing, H. Feinstein pitching; D. Parker put out at first base by C. Boyar; J. Schaal slamming D. Schmerl’s pitch, Schaal’s shot was caught by excellent outfield play; J. Feldman scoring; S. Wehs catching; B. Graff hitting D. Esan’s pitch, M. Raff catching; Feinstein bright several fine bats kept in special bags, admired by Schmerl; the game was running low on softballs. D. Kramer could not play due to back spasms. As Kramer is a recreational softball umpire, during the game, he went home to retrieve a few of the balls stowed in his garage. [Photos: David Kramer 5/8/22]

THE FULL SERIES

2022