Alberg, who manages the Weehawken 12-year-old All-Star baseball team, brought the article to the attention of his young players, wishing to instill the magnitude of such a plight.
"After reading about Kenny's tragic misfortune in the Dec. 4, 2003 edition of the Bergen Record," Alberg said, "I bought the article to the attention of my players back in Weehawken. I could see the boys were truly moved by the story, and when they asked me what they can do to help, we all agreed to dedicate our upcoming 2004 All-Star season in honor and memory of this courageous young man."
Weehawken had uniforms specially made with Kenny Benkovic Jr.'s full name and number (35) proudly displayed across the front. Before each game, the announcer informed the crowd that the Weehawken 12-year-old All-Stars would be playing this game in honor and memory of the late Kenny Benkovic Jr.
"Even the away crowd gave us an honorable ovation," Alberg explained. "It made us feel good about what we were doing. It was especially gratifying when members of the Benkovic family joined us in the dugout. I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for Kenny and the entire Benkovic family. I feel privileged for the opportunity to have played in Kenny's honor."
Although the never won a tournament for Kenny, they won in so many other ways.
"We all cried following our final game in our quest to win one for Kenny," Alberg said. "We came so close at times. I know the boys were heartbroken. Some of them actually felt as if they let Kenny down. Even I broke down when attempting to speak to my players after our final game. We certainly did not lose for lack of effort. The team camaraderie was magnificent."
While the Benkovic family was sincerely grateful to this Weehawken team, it was Alberg who simply could not praise the Benkovic family enough.
"When Ken (Sr.) and Diane spoke at their son's dedication ceremony [where the borough of Emerson renamed the ball field in Kenny's memory on April 25], they not only spoke so eloquently about their beloved son, but they expressly thanked everyone in attendance for understanding the significance of their loss."
Alberg added, "Ken and Diane have hearts of gold. They truly are champions in the game of life."
Regarding Kenny's impact on these Weehawken kids, Alberg had this to say, "Through Kenny's courage and strength of character, I was able to demonstrate to my players that love and hugs do not necessarily make you soft. Instead, it makes you human."
Alberg added, "Before each game, every single one of our players offered Ken, Diane, Kristen [Kenny's sister] and the entire Benkovic family an affectionate hug. I know this meant the world to the Benkovic family, but it meant even more to me. It meant that Kenny really did make a connection with these kids."
During his final season as an Emerson All-Star, Kenny Benkovic Jr. actually led his team to a championship while fighting a killer disease and the effects of radiation treatments and chemotherapy.
"Ken said his son gave him a lifetime of joy in only 11 years." Alberg explained. "Ken said his son was not only his best friend, but also his hero."
Although these Weehawken youngsters only saw pictures of Kenny, his legacy will remain in their hearts and minds for years to come.
Coaches have right priorities
Alberg credits his coaches for not placing too much emphasis on "winning" as the ultimate goal of competition. "Coaches Rich Greten, Joe Brown and Mike Velasquez so wonderfully inspired these kids to do their best," Alberg said. "Somehow they got the boys to play with passion, but not at the expense losing focus on what is important."
Alberg also credited the parents of his players for comforting the Benkovic family during the game.
"It was especially nice to see Kenny's grandparents taking pictures and conversing with our parents," Alberg said. "Kate McMahon was so caring and understanding. Lorraine Gruttadauria was so kind and encouraging. Marie Hablitz was so sympathetic and considerate. I simply cannot say enough about every single one of our parents. They were all truly special."
Earlier this month, Ken Benkovic Sr. wrote a letter to the team saying, "I am proud to say that your team was 'our' team for the 2004 baseball season and we will forever remember your team's tribute to number 35. When I watched your team play proudly in their red and black uniforms, it brought back great memories of Kenny and his Emerson team."
Benkovic added, "I often wonder if it was coincidence or destiny that your team colors were the same as ours. Your play was fantastic and enthusiastic. You played hard and with sportsmanship. You gave us hugs and treated us with respect."
Town 'pitched' in
Alberg thanked the many connections that enabled this year's team to play in Kenny's honor.
"Chuck Barone [Weehawken's Recreation Director] proudly offered us everything we needed to get started," he said. "Art Strandberg [Weehawken's League President] was sensational in getting us into so many tournaments for Kenny. Donald Jodice [Weehawken's League Administrator] gladly opened up his checkbook for us. Lastly, it was Mayor Richard Turner who was the most supportive of all. He was especially proud to see our town come together to honor the memory of a young cancer victim from another community."
In these days of youth sports, with so many cross-town rivals competing with a "win at all cost" mentality, it is particularly reassuring to know that there are still teams out there competing for something far more important than bragging rights and a trophy.
This Weehawken team competed in honor and memory of a fallen comrade. Kenny was not from Weehawken., but he was a fellow little leaguer who never had the opportunity to play as a 12-year-old. These Weehawken kids understood this and played in Kenny's honor as if he was one of their own.
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