New batting cage honors Art Borin
GOSHEN — Art Borin was a longtime volunteer coach for the Goshen Little League. He loved to watch his son, Tim, and the other players learn. And he especially loved hearing the laughter that came with the job.
Borin, who died in December 2014 at age 51, would have loved the joy of this year's opening day, which saw a new batting cage dedicated in his honor.
"When Dad was here, Tim was just a few hours old," said Karen Borin, Duane Davis' daughter, during the dedication ceremony. "So Dad said he had two wishes. He wanted to retire and he wanted Tim to be a Yankee fan."
Karen said Tim slept with his baseball glove until he was 15 years old. As soon as she cut the ribbon signaling the opening of the batting cage, Tim jumped in with his bat and cracked a pitch.
Drew Whitney, the president of Goshen Little League, said, "The thanks goes to Albert Fini, Brian Mitchell and Tetz."
Whitney said his son Cole owes much to T-ball and Little League, and all they bring to kids' lives. A 2015 graduate of Goshen High School and the school's 2015 First Team All-State, Cole now pitches for St. John's in New York City. He's stacked up many awards along the way.
But, Whitney said, "I'm more proud of the fact that he's a good kid than all the athletic stuff."
Opening day also featured a bouncy house, which got a real workout, and free ice cream.
Dave Mistretta came with his family to watch the ceremony, even though his children weren't in Little League.
"This says wonderful things about our community and our youngsters," he said.
Everyone said the batting cage will keep Art Borin's memory alive far into the future. Generations of children will see his name on the batting cage and know there are no limits to hard work and big dreams, they said.
"The batting cage is the perfect piece of real estate for the park," said Whitney. "It's a testament to Art."
Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect name corrections.