Oakland Residents,
I am writing this email as I have heard that Mike Guadagnino will not be reappointed as baseball commissioner by the Mayor.
Personally, I cannot understand why, especially considering all the changes he has implemented over the years. For those who were not present prior to Mike’s appointment, the program was in dire need of an overhaul. As a coach at the time, I experienced double-booked fields, late uniforms, wrong uniform colors, trophies arriving after the season (forcing me to drive to each players house to deliver them), and a commissioner who was inaccessible and not responsive to calls or emails.
Mike Guadagnino installed playoffs at most levels, all-star games, baseball parade with rides, food, games and other attractions, major league uniforms, an umpire oversight committee, and many other improvements to the program. The list can go on, but if your son has played baseball, you know firsthand how good the program is.
In addition, there are league coordinators and assistants which have worked under Mike to implement his visions and ideas. There are hundreds of tasks and jobs needing to get done to make the program run smoothly (Trophies, uniform sorting and delivery, equipment preparation, field improvements and the list can go on). Speaking for myself, I can’t see myself assisting a replacement for someone like Mike who has done so much and now is being “thanked” in this manner.
For him not to be reappointed would be a travesty at best. The baseball program, with registration already underway, will be left in the hands of a new person, with no transition team to assist. Given how successful the program is, one would think it is a no-brainer to re-appoint Mike. How they think bringing in a new commissioner just before the season starts, and not negatively impact the program is beyond me. It seems like they can’t leave the Rec program alone and are looking to make changes that don’t benefit the program.
If you would like to voice your opinion – you can do so in a few ways:
1. Email the mayor and council to express your view boroughcouncil@oakland-nj.org (this goes to all council members)
2. Attend the Mayor & Council meeting this Wednesday at Borough Hall at 7:30pm.
Regards,
Jim Folkerts
The town of oakland should be thankful we have people like Mike in the community. This man is a blessing. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find he’s a real treasure. In the end it might be that this is the best thing for Mike, but not for Oakland.