The Phil Feldman Award

For more than 25 years, Brighton Little League has awarded an outstanding volunteer to the program with the Phil Feldman Award. But unless you know who Phil Feldman was, you cannot truly appreciate the magnitude of the honor.

Phil Feldmanís ties to baseball were life long. He was originally from New York City, graduating from Madison High School, where he was the star second baseman. He was offered a minor league contract by a team affiliated with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His competition for the second base job would have been the legendary Jackie Robinson. Instead of pursuing baseball, however, Feldman chose to go to school. He attended the University of Missouri and graduated with a degree in journalism. From there he moved to Village Lane in Brighton. Feldman first went to work for the Canandaigua Messenger, and then went to work for the Rochester Times-Union before he took on the role of Director of Public Relations for Monroe Community College.

Although he had a successful career on tap, his love for baseball could not be stopped. He began to umpire high school baseball games and became very active in Brighton Little League. His tenure on the board of directors spanned 10 years (1965-1974), including two as commissioner (1969 and 1970). He was intent on having sportsmanship a priority of Brighton Little League, and was a stickler for fair play. In 1974, at age 46, Phil Feldman passed away as the result of a heart attack. To maintain his legacy, the Feldman Award was created with the hope of giving it annually to the volunteer that exemplifies Feldmanís passion for baseball, sportsmanship, and Brighton Little League. Two sons survive Phil: Richard, who resides in St. Louis, MO, and Chuck, who lives in St. John in the Virgin Islands.

To have the honor of the Feldman Award bestowed upon an individual is a truly remarkable feat. It means they are a consummate professional in an organization of volunteers, and are the epitome of character and dedication. The following people have earned this honor with their hard work and unselfish, caring commitment to the young men and women of Brighton Little League.

2004 Phil Feldman Award Presentation

Pictured above (l to r), New York State Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle; Don Oinen; Brighton Town Supervisor Sandra Frankel; Rich Krebs; New York State Senator Joseph E. Robach; and Larry Davis.

Don Oinen was involved with Brighton Baseball for nearly 20 years as a coach, head of Minors baseball, uniforms, concessions and developer of the current website.

Rich Krebs was involved for over 10 years as a coach and for many years as head of the fields committee, which in most case was a committee of one (Rich himself).

Previous Recipients of The Phil Feldman Award

Unfortunately, our list is incomplete. If you know the recipient of the Phil Feldman award in any of the years not listed above, please contact:

Rob Wasserman, phone 585-442-1224,

or Larry Davis, phone 585-473-5651.