In the spring of 2003, John Benedetto was a senior at Tottenville High School, and the budding young baseball player and scholar-athlete gained attention by walking home the winning run in the NYC Championship Game against Monroe High School. This past summer, however, misfortune struck as Benedetto was injured and paralyzed surfing the waters of the New Jersey Shore. Since, the young man and his family have been battling the paralysis, and this evening, his fellow teammates and Tottenville Alumni played a benefit game in his honor, helping raise money for John and his family.
A Staten Island native, Benedetto went on to attend Johns Hopkins University, achieving a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Most recently, Benedetto was working in Connecticut, for Bridgewater Hedge Fund. His ties to Staten Island remained deep-rooted, and CSI came into play, as his former coaches Tom Tierney, was a former CSI Dolphin, and current CSI Head Coach Michael Mauro was Benedetto's assistant coach.
Mauro in particular, was happy to have CSI chosen as a host site, one that is believed to have raised six figures for John and his family.
“John is an amazing kid, and if there is anyone who can beat this, it is him,” Mauro said of his former pupil. “We were happy to have this game here at CSI because it shows the family bond we have on Staten Island, and when I was approached about it, we jumped at the opportunity.”
After two weeks in intensive care at the Jersey Shore Medical Center, John was transferred to the Kessler Institute rehabilitation center, where he continues to battle his paralysis. The evening received a fine kick-off, and Benedetto addressed the crowd, informing the spectators that his progress has been outstanding, as the young man now commands nearly full use of his arms, with muscles regaining strength and feeling with the passing weeks. The message sent a resonating roar with the crowd.
CSI staff and teams were on hand to participate in the event. The CSI baseball and women's basketball teams were the most visible, taking over concession duties.
Associate Athletic Director David Pizzuto was also on hand, having worked with the organizers of the event along with fellow CSI staff members to ensure a smooth operation.
“John's teammates did all the heavy lifting,” Pizzuto said. “We are really just glad to serve as a vehicle for the event. CSI and its facilities have become synonymous with community outreach and to house an event like this is just outstanding. Nights like this make us all feel like we're a part of one big family on Staten Island. We were humbled to be a part of it.”
As per the game itself, members of John's 2003 city championship squad comprised the purple team, while the white team consisted of former Tottenville Alumni, coached by Mauro. In the end, the Alumni powered over the 2003 City Champs, 7-3, in the seven-inning contest.
“The score hardly mattered,” said Mauro. “Tonight is about John and the emotion centered on him. It was a great night.”
