“Overwhelming.” Volunteers rejuvenate baseball field in memory of Kings Park teacher/coach

Dozens of volunteers answered a call Saturday to help rejuvenate the baseball field where a Smithtown man once led his team.
Michael McDermott, 37, was on a jog over the summer when he was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver. The father of three was a beloved physical education teacher at William T. Rogers Middle School and coached the JV baseball.
During a sunny morning and afternoon, approximately 60 friends, family and former students pitched in to breathe new life into the JV field at Kings Park High School.
The day’s mission included spreading out fresh dirt on the infield, digging out the batter’s box and giving a fresh coat of paint to the home/away benches.
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McDermott’s father, Steve, called the outpouring of support “overwhelming.”
Also on hand were McDermott’s four brothers – Tom, Dan, John and Steve Jr.
Joe Bianco, who serves on the Kings Park Board of Education, was among those helping to beautify the field. He says volunteers were able to accomplish their goal ahead of a rainy Sunday.
“It was a great way to spend a Saturday,” says Bianco.
A GoFundMe page was set up to benefit the McDermott family.