The New York State American Legion Baseball Program has a new Chairman. This is news because for the past 30 years, there have essentially been two men that have held this position. William Salisbury (Utica Post 229) held the position for 15 years until his death in 2006, then Bruce Mayfield (Brounshidle Post 205) took over in 2008, leading to this week’s appointment of Mike Macchione (Adrean Post 625) as the new Department of New York Baseball Chairman. Mike is no newcomer to American Legion Baseball, having been involved with the Adrean Post 625 program for more than 45 years.

Following is a farewell message from Chairman Bruce Mayfield:

I would like to thank each and every coach and manager for your dedication to American Legion Baseball and our youth of New York. Thank you to my District Directors who have stepped up where Legionnaire’s have not been able to and thank you to the appointed District Chairmen.
I want to thank Junior Program Director Greg Gaeta and Senior Program Director Rob Fitzpatrick for their dedication and hard work to help make this program successful, for their insightful thinking, and for their willingness to do the work needed to keep our program moving in the right direction for future youth to enjoy. I can say it has been my pleasure to work with you. Thank you.
My final comment goes to my right-hand man, Vice Chairman Joe Finn. Over the years I have been told that we have many acquaintances and usually you can count your friends on one hand. I have had the privilege to have Joe as one of my best friends. Through thick and thin, the ups and downs, he has always been at my side helping make this program a success. We do not agree on everything, but he has always been there for me and supported me throughout this huge endeavor we all call American Legion Baseball.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart and love you dearly.
Last but not least, a very special thank you goes to my son George who stepped up and helped his “old man”. I love you.
Once again thank you all.
Bruce Mayfield

Following is a farewell message from Vice Chairman Joe Finn:

The day has come, and after 27 years, to walk away from my official position with the Department of NY American Legion Baseball. I have been honored to be able to have held the positions of Manger, District Chairman, and my final position as Vice Chairman. I have made many close relationships with players, coaches, umpires, and Legion members throughout the State during this time.

The position of Managing the Melvin Roads Baseball Team has been my most rewarding and I’d like to think that during that time Melvin Roads was considered one of the best baseball programs in the State of New York. Of course, this wasn’t accomplished by me alone. Credit and thanks to; the Melvin Roads membership; to Head Coach Dave Hennessey who was the backbone of the organization and assistant coach Don Marsh; to all the volunteers and parents who supported the team whether at home or away; and lastly the players who made the Melvin Roads Baseball Team a well-respected name in the NY American Legion Baseball circle.
I have had the opportunity to work alongside for the past 15 years with the departing Department Chairman, Bruce Mayfield. Together we have tried to make changes to always better the baseball program, even if not receptive by everyone, but the best for the program.
I will miss the opportunity to work with Bruce and the other baseball committee members and wish them all the best. I also want to say thank you to all that have supported the baseball committee and wish all the legion baseball programs out there the best of luck.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEGION
Joe Finn

Following is from Bruce and Joe:

We along with many others have put our heart and soul into this program at the Department level for many years. Mike, we wish you and all your staff the best of luck.

New York State American Legion Baseball is a volunteer run organization that is a stepping stone to manhood for young men who have gone on to serve their country or community, raise families or play the sport at the highest level.