Historical Poly Prep, founded 1854, dedicates new century baseball field
Matt Roventini Field named for beloved, stellar coach
Ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo by Jeremy Smith, courtesy of Poly Prep.
By Brooklyn Eagle Staff
May 10, 2022
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Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn celebrated the opening of their new baseball athletic field with a ribbon cutting ceremony. In addition to the dedication and renaming of the school’s new artificial turf baseball field, the festivities included a performance by Grammy Award Winner, Wyclef Jean. Wyclef’s performance took place prior to the first game on the field where Poly Prep’s champion Blue Devils faced off with the nationally #1 ranked Don Bosco Ironmen. The first pitch was thrown out by Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and captain of Poly 1984 baseball team, Arnie Mascali, along with Mets All-Star pitcher John Franco who met with both teams prior to the start of the game!
The field was renamed The Matt Rovitini Field. The Poly Prep community celebrated the legacy, leadership, and field renaming of the Poly Prep Blue Devils’ elite head coach, Matt Roventini. Roventini, an alumnus of the Class of 1992 has served as head coach since 2004 and led the team to national prominence, earning an unprecedented 13 consecutive Ivy Prep League titles, nine NYSAIS championships, and one undefeated season (2007).
Physical education and team sports have been a hallmark of Poly Prep since its founding in 1854. Thanks to a $5 million lead gift by the Feinberg Family Foundation, Poly Prep is constructing a world-class athletic complex that will serve some 800 middle and high school students and become a center for sport and wellness in South Brooklyn. When complete, the facility will encompass baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and conditioning.
Wyclef Jean performing at the Matt Rovitini Field dedication. Photo by Jeremy Smith, courtesy of Poly Prep.
Poly Prep’s Vital 2022 Stats
47% of students identify as students of color
13.3% of students identify as African-American / Black
Students come from all five boroughs of NYC (we have 45 buses that help make this possible).
26 acres of land on two campuses (Lower School in Park Slope and 5th – 12th grade in Dyker Heights).
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
