Senate Resolution No. 1449

BY: Senator PALUMBO

HONORING Coach Tom Otis upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Little League Coach
of the Year Award on August 19, 2023

WHEREAS, Excellence and success in competitive sports can be
achieved only through strenuous practice, team play and team spirit,
nurtured by dedicated coaching and strategic planning; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
notable athletic coaches within our midst who serve the youth of this
great Empire State and who have distinguished themselves and their
communities through their exemplary athletic achievements and their
outstanding commitment to excellence; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Coach Tom Otis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the
Little League Coach of the Year Award on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in
Williamsport, Pennsylvania, presented by Lance, the Positive Coaching
Alliance, Little League, and former Little Leaguer and MLB player Todd
Frazier; and

WHEREAS, A beloved local Westhampton coach, Tom Otis was awarded
this year's Little League Coach of the Year Award and will also receive
a $5,000 grant toward future programming for his league from Lance
Sandwich Crackers; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong East End resident, Coach Tom Otis grew up
playing Little League and participated in sports for his whole life;
when his son began showing an interest in sports, he found his passion
to utilize his skills to help the community by taking on a coaching role
with Little League; and

WHEREAS, Living in Quogue, Coach Tom Otis has dedicated years to his
role as Little League coach, and also serves as league board member; and

WHEREAS, Devoted to furthering the community, Coach Tom Otis has
served as the backbone of his family business, Otis Ford, for several
years; he also volunteers his time to teach fire education in local
schools and is involved with charitable organizations, such as East End
Hospice and the Parent Teacher Association at his children's school; and

WHEREAS, Balancing training with games that incorporate technique,
Coach Tom Otis helps kids learn the fundamentals of baseball while
making it fun with special effort made by him to integrate handshakes,
nicknames, and go-pro videos to send to parents of their children
playing; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout has been his beloved wife, Kim, and his
three sons, Thompson, Winston, and August, all of whom have felt
privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, Coach Tom Otis's positive attitude, selfless commitment,
goal-oriented and balanced approach to instruction, on top of his
genuine concern for his athletes, have contributed to his enduring
success as a coach, earning him the just respect of his community and
the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Coach Tom Otis upon the occasion of his designation as recipient
of the Little League Coach of the Year Award on August 19, 2023; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Coach Tom Otis.