Southern Brooklyn’s historic Poly Prep Country Day School is getting down to business after the exciting unveiling of the institution’s new athletic field.
The champion Poly Prep Blue Devils have a shiny new baseball diamond to play ball on, now that the ceremonial ribbon has been cut on the Matt Roventini Field. On Reunion Day this year, the Poly community was invited to celebrate the renovated field with food trucks and an exciting game between the Devils and the nationally number one ranked Don Bosco Ironmen — who they beat during their first game on the new turf.
Festivities also included entertainment from Grammy Award winning performing artist Wyclef Jean.
The first pitch was thrown out by Arnie Mascali, vice chair of Poly’s Board of Trustees and captain of the school’s 1984 baseball team, along with Mets All-Star pitcher and former Poly parent John Franco.
The field’s new name honors Roventini who, since 2004 has led the Poly Prep baseball program to national prominence, earning 13 consecutive Ivy Prep League titles, nine NYSAIS championships, and one undefeated season in 2007.
“It is an exceptional honor to have the field named for me,” Roventini said in a statement. “Poly baseball has a long-standing tradition of excellence. It is heartfelt to be recognized in this regard. I hope that during my tenure at Poly I have had a positive lasting effect on the student-athletes.”
The new and improved field is also a testament to all those players and coaches who came before him, he said.
“This is also a testament to all of those players and coaches whom I have had a privilege to coach and work with over the years,” Roventini said. “The success we have as a program is a direct reflection on those involved. It takes a village to build a program to the national level. The new field will be not only a tribute to me, but also to all the alumni who have played for Poly. I am excited for the future.”
“What Matt has done for Poly Prep Baseball has been remarkable,” added Assistant Coach Matt Durando. “He is a true leader and knows how to get the most out of each and every player in the program. He sees the value in each player and finds ways to help them develop. I have learned so much from his leadership as both a teacher and baseball coach.”
The renovation was completed with funds from a generous $5 million donation, aimed at sprucing up Poly’s athletics complex — and specifically at renewing the 167-year-old school’s baseball, softball, soccer, and lacrosse fields.
