Rockville Centre Little League honors 2025 Hall of Fame class

The The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of... — The
The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class on Saturday in Rockville Centre. Credit: Dawn McCormick

By Carissa Kellmancarissa.kellman@newsday.com @CarissaKellmanApril 5, 2025 5:10 pm

The Rockville Centre Little League honored its 2025 Hall of Fame class Saturday morning with a parade and induction ceremony at Hickey Field, celebrating the achievements of standout players, coaches, and administrators who shaped the league’s 74-year history.

The third annual class included coaches Jon Kaufman, Dick Klaess, and Frank Keating, who led multiple championship teams and held various administrative roles. Keating, who coached the 1981 state Babe Ruth Championship team, was recognized as RVCLL’s all-time leader in district titles as a coach.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the class of 2025,” said Keating, who also serves as the chair of the Hall of Fame committee. “We brought back people from the 60s, the 70s, and the 80s. We brought back the history that everybody was looking for.”

Among the players inducted was Tom Catal, a six-time All-Star between 1956 and 1962, and the second RVCLL alumnus to sign a professional baseball contract. Catal played minor league baseball for the Atlanta Braves after a successful high school career at St. Agnes, where he went 12-0 and struck out 137 batters in 70 innings as a senior.

“I have a soft spot here and I always have,” said Catal, 78, who lives in Cooperstown. “I think this is really great. I’m so happy.”

Bill Cameron, who holds the top rank in All-Star appearances (eight), district championships (five), and Long Island titles (three), was also inducted. His career spans decades as a player, coach, and administrator, including a term as RVCLL Vice President from 2010 to 2014.

“I know how much the Little League meant to my dad and what great memories he had here,” said Jack Cameron, Bill’s son. “This place is special to the community.”

Legendary administrator Jack Byrne was recognized for his service as Treasurer from 1978 to 1995 and Board Member from 1976 to 1995. Byrne, who also managed and coached during his tenure, was a 1978 playoff champion.

Fellow inductees Bob Exler, Ken King, John Klaess, and Steve Murphy were all key contributors to the 1981 state championship team.

“It’s every Little Leaguer’s dream to go to the World Series and four of these members went there,” Keating said. “It shows all of these current players that their dream is possible.”