Ken Marcucio Sr. stood watch over the Little League sports complex in Derby Saturday, as 102 boys and 40 girls ran around in their uniforms, tossing baseballs and meeting up with teammates as they started the season on a picture perfect opening day.
“It’s an important part of their life,” said Marcucio, the league’s president, as the players warmed up and took season photos on the league’s opening day. “That’s why I stayed involved for so long.”
How long is so long? Forty years as president of Derby Little League.
For his work and dedication, the Little League complex was named for Marcucio in a dedication ceremony Saturday before the opening pitch.
“It’s unbelievable,” Marcucio said after the ceremony. “I’m truly honored and humbled. I don’t do things to get honored. I do it because I love the kids and want to support them.”
Marcucio, 70, is a familiar face among Derby athletes and students. In addition to his time leading the Little League, he was a teacher at Derby High School from 1968 to 2004. He was the cross country coach, and JV baseball coach and the school’s athletic director.
Since 2007 he has been a leader on the Derby Board of Education.
“The greatest gift you can give to kids is time,” said Rob Hyder, the vice president of Derby Little League.
More than four decades working with Derby’s youth and athletes shows Marcucio’s level of dedication, Hyder said.
“He’s done countless things for our league,” Hyder said. “This is a sign of our appreciation to him.”
The complex includes a major league and minor league baseball field, and two instructional fields for coach pitching and tee-ball.
The complex, now named the Ken Marcucio, Sr. Little League and Youth Sports Complex, is located at 55 Nutmeg Ave., behind Derby High School.
Several city, state and Little League officials attended the ceremony and spoke of Marcucio’s long record of volunteerism.
Derby Superintendent Matthew Conway had Little League players get involved as he honored Marcucio.
“What does volunteerism mean?” Conway asked individual teams. In unison, the players on each team yelled an answer.
“Helping others!” the first group of players yelled.
“Giving back!”
“Caring!”
And finally: “Mr. Marcucio!”
“There’s very few people in my entire life that I’ve come to admire and respect as I do this man,” Conway said about Marcucio.
Story continues after photo slideshow from the opening day ceremony.
The major league playing field at the Little League complex is named after former coach, Little League board member and fields manager William Uluski.
Rick Uluski, William’s son, also spoke during the ceremony. He said Derby Little League has always been a family atmosphere. It’s the first time many boys and girls learn about sportsmanship, teamwork and discipline.
When his father “hung up his rake,” Uleski said he was confident that Marcucio would continue building that important program.
“This is a rightful honor being bestowed on Ken today,” Rick Uluski said. “I appreciate everything, Ken, that you’ve done.”
In addition to the hundreds of volunteers who have helped the program throughout the years, Marcucio also thanked his family. His children and grandchildren have all played in Derby’s Little League. Sammy Fregoso, his 5‑year-old grandson, is currently playing in the league.
And, Marcucio noted, his wife Judy has been supportive — spending much time alone as he volunteered in different city groups.
“I’ll be married 50 years in June, and 40 of them I’ve been here,” Marcucio said.
