Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, located in Islandia, N.Y., and operated by Delaware North’s gaming division, this week hosted a community youth baseball clinic that featured several former New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates players.
“We are always so thankful for how this community has embraced us since we opened our doors two years ago,” said Chuck Kilroy, general manager of Jake’s 58. “It’s a source of ongoing pride to watch the events at First Responders Field, and we’re grateful to partner with the great former Mets players as they help coach our next generation of baseball players.”
The clinic took place at the village’s First Responders Field, which Delaware North and Suffolk OTB donated $1.5 million to help fund the construction of in 2017. The ballpark, named in honor of five local residents and volunteer firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, opened in spring 2018 and features a state-of-the-art ball field for youth and community baseball and softball games, as well as a concession stand, playground and perimeter walking/running path with 10 different exercise stations.
“First Responders Field continues to be a focal point of our community and an asset to our village residents,” said Islandia Mayor Allan M. Dorman.
“This clinic will be one of the highlights of the summer, when our young residents can play and learn baseball alongside some of our favorite major-league players. We thank Jake’s 58 and Delaware North for their continued commitment in operating a first-class facility and giving back to the community with events like this,” Dorman said.
Jake’s 58 and Delaware North also donated the proceeds from the park’s concession operation to the USO.
Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel employs over 500 people and contributes to the local economy as a hospitality destination drawing guests from the greater New York City region. Since it opened, Jake’s 58 has generated nearly $200 million for aid to education in New York State, according to the New York State Gaming Commission.
PHOTO CAPTION: Delaware North’s team from Jake’s 58 gathers with youth baseball players and former MLB players after this week’s community clinic in Islandia, N.Y. In attendance were: Chuck Kilroy
(far right), general manager of Jake’s 58; New York Congressman Peter King (fifth from right); and Allan Dorman (sixth from right), mayor of Islandia.