All photos taken by Steve Caputo, Light of Day Galleries.
Long Island's 11th Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Game
This June 12-13, look out for the 11th USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team’s, a.k.a. The National Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team game to be played on Long Island. Put on by Long Island local Joe Bartumioli, and split up over 2 days in June, “Impactful Friday,” and “Super Saturday” are all about veteran amputees demonstrating perseverance in action.
You may find an article we wrote about these folks here. When asked what this extraordinary team really means to him; what he’d really like the world to know, this is what Joe said:
“The whole point of this is to illustrate that, despite whatever life may throw, every day is a new day. The best thing we can ever do is to embrace our new normal and cultivate an attitude that recognizes that the limits we have are self-imposed.
This is what these guys teach me every day — That the life we live is limitless.
We invite you to make the most of it, and take great pride in showing you how it’s done. It’s amazing what happens when we do.”
"Impactful Friday" and "Super Saturday"
Information about the national organization, USA Patriots, is here. You may find the local site, dedicated to the LI event and curated by Joe, here.
Joe tells us the warriors start the event by going into Long Island schools and hospitals to talk to kids; real guys who have overcome their disabilities, proving to kids that their problems can be overcome, and the American Dream is in their reach. If these amputees can find motivation and personal success, so can we. Impactful Friday really is incredible. You can find photos and videos from both days here.
The weekend comes with two days of free events. It’s great for children who want to participate in Friday’s post practice drills or anyone who wants to watch the two games on Saturday. They kick off the games with a patriotic opening ceremony. including a motorcycle escort, and special guests marching with the warriors. On Saturday, both games are free, one starting at 11:45 AM followed by a second game at 1:30 PM. Wristbands come with access to a Barbecue later in the day. The whole event is a remarkable opportunity to learn there are no limits on what you can achieve and to honor great veterans of our nation who have to live their lives facing the realities of their noble sacrifices.
Public Event Details
The Full Schedule can be found at: This Link
If you would like to participate, or would like to have your school host the warriors, please reach out to Joe Bartumioli at 631-840-7787. The warriors inspired over 700 kids last year, and look forward to inspiring hundreds more next month.
A Newsday article written about their 2024 events can be found here.
Team Practice:
When: On Friday June 12, practice begins at 3:00 PM.
Where: 35 Third Ave, Brentwood NY
2026 Games:
When: Saturday, June 13, Opening ceremony kicks off at 11:00 AM.
Opening Ceremony: Kicks off at 11pm
Games: 11:45am and 1:30pm
Where: Moriches Athletic Complex, 640 Moriches-Middle Island Rd, Moriches\
Meet & Greet BBQ:
When: 4pm, immediately following games
You must receive a wristband at the games to attend!
Where: North Patchogue FD, Davidson Ave.
For More Information: Visit the NY website.
