MAYOR GIULIANI DEDICATES "ROCCO TORRE BALLFIELDS" AT MARINE PARK
YANKEE MANAGER JOE TORRE RETURNS TO HIS OLD NEIGHBORHOOD TO HONOR HIS LATE BROTHER
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined Parks Commissioner Henry Stern, Yankees Manager Joe Torre and members of the Torre family in renaming the Marine Park ballfields "Rocco Torre Ballfields" in honor of the manager's late brother, Rocco Torre. The ballfields are located in the neighborhood where the Torres grew up and played baseball and now serve as the home to the Joe Torre Little League.
"We're here today to dedicate these ballfields to the memory of Rocco Torre, a wonderful man, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful brother," Mayor Giuliani said. "Rocco Torre grew up just blocks form here, on Avenue T and East 34th Street. But he didn't grow up alone, of course. He was part of a family, one of five wonderful siblings. He was an avid baseball player -- a great talent, a man who understood how to be a team player and a sportsman.
"Even though he is no longer here with us, Rocco is still here in your hearts and minds, and you are still here for him," the Mayor said. "And you are here for Rose, Rocco's wife, as well. And even though your mother Margaret and father Joseph have been gone for nearly twenty five years now, they are each with you in their own way too."
"I am proud to be here today because of the way Rocco Torre served the city, because of the way his story inspired the City, and most of all because of what he was, and is, to his family. He is the kind of man that makes the City great."
Rocco Torre, the eldest brother, was recruited as a major league pitching prospect by the Brooklyn Dodgers. Rather than following his dream of becoming a professional athlete, he obeyed the wishes of his father, Joseph, and joined the Navy to serve his country during World War II.
Torre attended James Madison High School and St. John's University and followed in his father's tradition by becoming a police officer. After patrolling the streets of New York City for 22 years, Torre spent a decade working for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, until he retired in 1983. He extended his commitment to fighting drug use by volunteering at a drug rehabilitation center in Manhattan. Rocco Torre died of a heart attack in Brooklyn on June 21, 1996.
The Rocco Torre Ballfields at Marine Park were first opened to the public on April 29, 1979 and are maintained by the Joe Torre East Highway Little League in cooperation with Parks & Recreation.
"This dedication honors the memory of a great brother and friend," Joe Torre said. "He was a great baseball player and fan and gave true meaning to community, teamwork and family. I am pleased the park will continue to serve the community, providing boys and girls the opportunity to play and enjoy themselves each season."
Even in the face of family adversity including Rocco's death and the serious heart condition of his brother Frank, Joe Torre led the Yankees to the 1996 World Series, defeating the defending world champion Atlanta Braves. Joe Torre was named The Sporting News Sportsman of the Year for 1996, an award presented to a sports figure based on character as well as athletic achievement. The baseball legacy continued with Frank Torre, who played first base with the Milwaukee Braves from 1956 to 1963, including the 1957 and 1958 World Series' against the Yankees.
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