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The Babylon School District has named its varsity baseball field in honor of Class of 1947 Babylon graduate Joe DeLucca, and held a special ceremony in DeLucca’s honor May 3 at the field.
DeLucca is a former Babylon schools athletic director and teacher who coached both the baseball and football teams. And, he was a Major League Baseball scout. signing prominent athletes such as Manny Ramirez, Charles Nagy and Jeff Schaefer.
As a scout, he won the A.B. “Turk” Karam Award in 2005. The award is handed out annually to the “scout of the year” by the New York City-area baseball scouts, according to baseballreference.com.
He’s also a Babylon resident and Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
“Mr. DeLucca is a Babylon legend, and a true champion of the Babylon School District and the Babylon athletic program in general,” said Babylon Superintendent Linda Rozzi.
At the ceremony, dozens of family, friends, athletes and district staff and administrators expressed their words of thanks and gratitude in honor of DeLucca and all that he has done for Babylon students, according to a district announcement.
“He has been an instrumental force as a teacher and coach, as well as highly successful as a Major League Baseball scout,” Rozzi added.
“Our district could not have thought of a better person to honor. It was truly a very touching celebration honoring Joe; we are so grateful that many of his friends and family members were able to join us as we all celebrated this very memorable occasion with him.”
Caption: Joe DeLucca with Babylon baseball players during the field naming ceremony.
Story and photo sources: Babylon School District
