Bryan Bonin Grand Slam Challenge game moved to Tuesday because of weather
Jaden Valdez of Kellenberg. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The 19th annual Bryan Bonin Grand Slam Challenge has been postponed because of the weather forecasted for the Farmingdale area on Monday night.
The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, June 23, at Farmingdale State College at 7 p.m.
The Grand Slam Challenge was named after Bonin in 2023, and the respective all-star teams — featuring senior talent from Nassau, Suffolk and the NSCHSAA — face off each year after the conclusion of the state championships.
There is a donation of $10 per ticket. All proceeds will help support the Bryan Bonin Scholarship Fund, which raises money for scholarships or to help families through a similar struggle that needs financial support and/or guidance.
Bonin’s legacy lives on in the spirit of the Long Island baseball community. The former Commack varsity baseball coach died at 33 in January of 2022 after a battle with melanoma.
“We felt it was in the best interest of all involved to move the game,” Long Island Lutheran coach Shaun Manning said. “The weather is expected to move out and clear for a night game on Tuesday.”
The annual event will also feature a home run derby that starts at 5:30 p.m. There are seven competitors in the event, including CJ Alfano (St. Anthony’s), Jaden Valdez (Kellenberg), Mason Miles (East Hampton), Bobby Wescott (Plainedge), Jacob Vaccariello (St. Anthony’s), Mike Rayburn (Center Moriches) and Brody Tellier (Sayville).
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
