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Few families have left a larger mark on Nassau County athletics than the Baldingers.
This fall, that legacy will receive one of its highest local honors when brothers Gary, Brian and Rich Baldinger — all former Massapequa High School standouts who went on to play in the NFL — are inducted into the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2026.
The trio will be among 30 athletes, coaches, administrators and contributors honored during the Hall of Fame’s induction ceremony Oct. 7 at Crest Hollow Country Club.
For Gary Baldinger, a Massapequa graduate from the Class of 1982, the recognition represents the culmination of conversations that began decades ago.
“Looking back at it now, we always used to talk about how it would mean something if we were all recognized one day and now here we are,” Baldinger told Greater Long Island.
The Baldingers’ success story also serves as a reminder that athletic greatness doesn’t always arrive early.
“My brothers and I were never the biggest, strongest or fastest during our ‘Pequa days,” Baldinger said. “We were all late bloomers. We were all hard workers.”
But despite all three going on to have pro careers, Baldinger said the achievement he values most isn’t measured in tackles or championships.
“Everything we accomplished on the field is great in such an awesome sports town,” he said. “But the fact that we are role models, that’s the most special part.”
Trevor Yeboah Kodie brings a different perspective to this year’s class. Unlike many inductees whose playing days are decades behind them, the 2019 Garden City graduate is only a few years removed from high school competition.
Yeboah Kodie said he was particularly surprised because his high school career ended so recently.
“Two years ago I got into the Garden City Hall of Fame, but this is next level,” Yeboah Kodie told GLI. “I’m so young, so I’m surprised it happened so soon.”
The timing of the honor was what caught him most off guard.
“I had no idea I made it,” he said. “I found out when I was at work and I was scrolling through social media and I saw my name. I was so surprised. I was like, ‘What the heck?’ It was so cool.”
Yeboah Kodie said what stands out most when he looks back on his high school career isn’t the statistics or accolades.
“Everything I accomplished on the field is great, but honestly, being able to maintain all the friendships I made along the way is what’s most important to me,” he said. “The coaches, the players, the lifelong friends. They all helped me become the man I am today.”
The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 2015 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to interscholastic athletics throughout the county.
Joining the Baldinger brothers and Yeboah Kodie in the Class of 2026 are Alvin Pearman, Annette Suppa-McKeough, Brandon Testa, Bruce Stegner, David Kelly, Dick Crawley, Ed Dempsey, George Bird, George Bruns, James Hegman Sr., James Norris, Jeffrey Dingle, Jim Teatom, Joe Knoll, John Hamilton, Kathleen Durnin, Katie Starsia, Kristen Hoffman, Kristyn Sandberg, Michael Heedles, Michael Stanley, Mike O’Neill, Paula Bacos, Stan Bujacich, Susie Fregosi and Thomas Abruscato.
Top: Former NFL player Brian Baldinger appears as a guest at the taping of “They Call It Late Night with Jason Kelce,” Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
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