While 2011 festivities were taking place at the field on Saturday, across town at the field at Firemen's Park, the Ninth Annual Men's Slow Pitch Softball Tournament was held in the memory of a fallen FDNY firefighter and Lindy native: Patrick Boylan.
The memorial tourney was set up to preserve the memory of Boylan, who was, by all accounts, an accomplished city firefighter. A 17-year veteran, he served in Ladder Company Seven, where nine firefighters were killed on , now a decade ago.
Boylan survived, but later died in 2002 at the age of 40 of apparent cardiac arrest during surgery for a varicose vein that was recommended by doctors well before 9/11, according to reports, and that he put off until well afterward.
He instead chose to care for families of his fellow fallen firefighters in the months after the attacks on the World Trade Center.
"Pat took the lead in taking care of the families and the memorial services for his men that died on 9/11. He always put others before himself," said Bob Weiden, friend of Boylan. "He delayed his own surgery to help others; that's the kind of guy he was, and how we all remember him."
The first tournament was held in 2002 just for the Boylan family, and due to its success, the decision was made to have it annually. T-shirts and other items which read, "" are sold at the tourney. All donations go to families in need in the local Lindenhurst area.
Among those in attendance at this year's event were Boylan's parents, Joe and Theresa Boylan.
"My son was a wonderful person, and was always helping others. He was an exceptional son and father. It's very comforting to have everyone come here every year and celebrate his memory," Theresa said.
They were joined by their grandchildren and other family members and friends, and it was clear that Patrick's giving spirit was honored and paid forward by all those who attended and participated.
Indeed, more than $3,000 was raised at the tournament. That number included proceeds and donations from eleven teams participating ($200 donation each), more than 150 t-shirts sold and food provided by that was sold throughout the event.
And the winning team of the tournament - which was put on by the Lindenhurst Village 35 and Over Slo-Pitch Softball League - was CJR, whose members are all Lindenhurst residents.
Take a peek at the photos of the tournament highlights.
