WEST HAVEN >> The press box at Biondi Field will be named for Thomas “Tinker” Blake in a ceremony on Wednesday before the Westies’ night game with visiting Hamden.
West Haven athletic director Jon Capone said a speaking ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m. with the game to follow at 7 p.m.
Blake, who was diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy in 2013, was the longtime announcer of West Haven softball games, in addition to duties as announcer for SCC and state tournament games held at the field.
Blake and his family will be in attendance.
Frank Biondi, who was the West Haven softball coach for 33 years before his retirement in 2014, is expected to speak, as are West Haven Mayor Edward O’Brien and superintendent of schools Neil Cavallaro.
“I know he (Blake) didn’t want anything extravagant,” West Haven athletic director Jon Capone said. “It’ll be a short speaking program. I’m glad Frank came down. Frank and Tinker were close, they were good friends.”
The Board of Education unanimously approved the request to name the press box after Blake.
Hamden coach Tricia Shugrue is a West Haven graduate.
“We asked Hamden on purpose,” Capone said. “We picked Hamden because of our long relationship with Hamden. Plus, the coach from Hamden played for West Haven and knows Tinker and knows the family.”
The rain date is Thursday.
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