The fifth anniversary of Brandon Johnson’s death recently passed and the anniversary of his father-in-law’s passing is upcoming this week. As Eric Frink ordered his customized T-shirt for the fundraising tournament, with “Mom” inscribed on the back, the John Jay-East Fishkill baseball coach was struck by how there are almost constant reminders of cancer’s devastation.
“With Mother’s Day coming up, it’s one of those milestone days that a lot of people who’ve lost their mom struggle with,” said Frink, whose mother Carol succumbed to the disease eight years ago. “There are some regular days when I struggle, and I know that’s not uncommon.”
That such a large segment of the population is impacted by cancer, many having lost loved ones, is another reminder to him why events that raise money for treatment, assistance and research are vital. It's the impetus behind John Jay hosting its Strike Out Cancer baseball tournament. The annual event will be held Sunday at Heritage Financial Park in Fishkill, proceeds from which will be donated to the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation.
The Patriots, as has become custom, will face Fox Lane in three games, showcasing each of the teams within their high school program. The event opens with a freshman game at 9 a.m., followed by the junior varsity contest at noon, and the featured varsity matchup begins at 3 p.m.
Both varsity squads are among the better teams in Section 1 as Fox Lane was 8-3 and John Jay was 7-2-1 entering play on Tuesday. The baseball will serve as the entertainment centerpiece while money is raised through food sales, raffles, donations and the auctioning of memorabilia.
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“A huge debt of gratitude belongs to the booster clubs, ours and Fox Lane's, who’ve worked tirelessly to organize this,” said Frink, who is longtime friends with Fox Lane baseball coach Matt Hillis. “Fox Lane is a huge contributor to this, fundraising and spreading awareness for the event. They've been incredible co-pilots.”
The Jay Fund is a nonprofit that provides financial support and services to the families of children battling cancer. The charity was started by former New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin who, while coaching at Boston College in 1992, lost a player, Jay McGillis, to leukemia.
Representatives from the organization were brought to tears last spring when the Strike Out Cancer tournament raised more than $10,000. The baseball teams were lauded for their efforts in a Jay Fund newsletter and Frink and his wife were invited to a gala at MetLife Stadium, meeting with cancer survivors and former Giants involved with the foundation.
This tournament was inspired by and is held in memory of Johnson, a former John Jay pitcher who died of leukemia at age 19. Johnson was a standout on the baseball team and a straight-A student who is remembered most by friends for his charisma and kindness.
“I have former players who've gotten tattoos dedicated to him,” said Frink, who was moved to start this fundraiser during his visits with Johnson at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla.
As part of the fundraising, team members purchase shirts to be worn during the tournament that bear the name of someone afflicted by cancer whom they’re playing for. Sophomore Ayden Vitale’s mother is a survivor of the disease and she is among the people he and his teammates will celebrate.
Frink’s wife will be running a half marathon in Maine on Saturday in honor of her father, as it will be the anniversary of his death.
“It’s something we talk about a lot,” Frink said. “Everyone knows someone who’s fighting cancer, died of it or beaten it, people that we hold dear. Everyone has some sad memories because of it. That’s why it’s so important that we do what we can to help.”
Stephen Haynes: shaynes@poughkeepsiejournal.com; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: John Jay baseball hosts Fox Lane for its annual Strike Out Cancer tournament
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