Northport High School baseball field named for longtime coach and educator John DeMartini
Coach DeMartini addresses the crowd during the field dedication ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District.
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The Northport High School baseball field was renamed in honor of legendary coach and educator John “DeMar” DeMartini on homecoming day last Saturday, September 25. Dozens of current and former students, their families, and district staff and administration took part in the dedication and celebration.
DeMartini, who has worked for the district for 57 years, received tremendous praise from his colleagues and students alike. Many of those who spoke noted not only his coaching abilities but his caring and committed nature. “He truly loves what he does. I can’t think of a better person to have this unbelievable honor bestowed upon,” said Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics Mark Dantuono.
Fellow baseball coach Sean Lynch added: “He’s an amazing person. He’s given his heart and soul to this school district, and to the baseball program in particular.” Coach Richard Castellano and Coach Jim DeRosa each elaborated on how deeply DeMartini cares for his students, and that while the field dedication and scoreboard sign may be new, the field has always belonged to DeMartini.
DeMartini went on to address the crowd and thank his peers for the recognition, sharing his longtime coaching and teaching mantra: “Kids don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”
His speech ended with a standing ovation.
From left: coaches Richard Castellano, Jim DeRosa, John DeMartini and Sean Lynch. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District.
Northport High School marching band and flag line perform in front of the new “John DeMartini Baseball Field” scoreboard. Photo courtesy of the Northport-East Northport Union Free School District.
