A Celebration of Life:

Al Cheng  (1958-2021)

In January 2021 we lost Al Cheng  - the longtime player-manager of the Stamford Pirates.

The Pirates players grieved and pondered how to celebrate the life of our friend and teammate.  We acknowledged Al cared deeply for baseball because of the true friendships, support, fun, and simple love for each other and the game. We know he treasured his trips to Cooperstown with his daughter Kathryn and loved playing on Doubleday field.

Al also played with the Redding Retros in the 38 plus league. The Pirates and Retros decided to honor Al with a doubleheader up at Doubleday Field on Sunday, August 22nd.
 

The weather forecast was filled with worries about hurricanes and inches of rain but the weather cleared Saturday and we were able to play.  
 

In addition to the Pirates playing, former players of the Stamford Phillies (the precursor to the Pirates) joined us. We also had three fathers get to play with their sons as we know baseball passes down to the next generation so effortlessly.

 
Al's wife Anne threw out the first pitch! Kathryn and her daughter Sophia tossed out the next pitch to kick off the day. 

The day ended with young Nathaniel Icatar - turning 14 on the day - pitching to his dad Roneil to the delight of everyone.  

Several players remarked afterward it was the best day they ever spent on a baseball field.  

 
We were pointing to the heavens to tip our hat to Al.

 

Written by: Dave Moriarty

 

 

 

 

 

Pirates	Retros
Joe Paccione	Jeffs Rago
Kevin Clark	Clem Alvear
Chris Jimenez (Al's son-in law)	James Londono
Dave Moriarty (plus son Shea)	Chris Gaudio (plus son Jason)
Roneil Icatar (plus son Nathaniel)	Steve Stolfi
Jessie Maraffa	Steve Kirby
Tim Sticco	Rob Lo
Kevin Collins	Mike DiSibio
Scott Gussarof	Bill Bowen
John Liz	John Ravo
Evan Smith
Ian McDonald
Lars Anderson
Nick Cesare
Steve Scapillato