Kayser-Brady Memorial Wraps Up 10th Year

The Kayser-Brady Memorial Tournament began with a 10-year commitment by Pearl River Little League as the host site and a group of volunteers who wanted to honor the memory of Billy Kayser and Alicia Brady.

It took a temporary solution to the parking issues facing Pearl River Little League's home at the Anderson Field Complex in Orangeburg and extremely high temperatures for most of its 10 days, but the tournament completed its 10th year Thursday with two championship games and the closing ceremony.

"We have two champions and two runners up, but tonight, in the eyes of Billy and Alicia, you are all winners," said Bob Vitale of the tournament committee. "I want to thank everyone for coming. I want to thank everyone for cooperating with the parking at Verizon. I want to thank everyone for putting up with the heat the last 10 days, with the exception of today."

Stony Point defeated West Nyack, 8-3, in the finals of the Billy Kayser baseball tournament, named for a former Pearl River Little Leaguer who was 16 when he was killed in a car accident April 3, 2003. South Orangetown held of Nyack-Valley Cottage, 6-3, in the championship of the Alicia Brady softball tournament, which honores the memory of a 15-year-old Pearl River High School student who also died in an automobile accident, though 11 years before Kayser.

Kayser's mother Diane spoke of her son's love of baseball and thanked the volunteers and players for helping to keep his memory alive. Brady's brother Eddie read a speech about his sister and Kayser and how much they would enjoy seeing the players in the the tournament smile. 

"It never ceases to amaze us how many people are willing to devote so much of their time and energy in order to keep their memories alive," Diane Kayser said. "Having Billy and Alicia forgotten is one of our worst fears, but you have all shown that their light will continue shining because we know each one of you will take a little piece of Billy and Alicia home with you when you leave here tonight."

For more from the closing ceremonies, check out the video attached to this report. For even more images from Thursday night, see Gerry Cowen's gallery on the Pearl River Little League website here.