This year, the Weehawken kids played and dedicated their 2006 baseball season in honor and memory of 4-year-old Ethan Barreto. Ethan, like Kenny, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and died at his West New York home earlier this year.
Weehawken Manager Scott Alberg explains the impact of playing in Ethan's honor while also acknowledging Ethan's struggle and wishing to instill upon his players the magnitude of such a plight.
"This was a rather trying and emotional season for me," says Alberg, a 17-year Weehawken veteran coach. "I had the opportunity and privilege of knowing Ethan and his family. Ethan and I played together, shared hugs with one another, and Ethan was such a great kid, he even smiled at my silly jokes just to make me feel good."
Weehawken had uniforms specially made with Ethan's name proudly displayed across the front left sleeve. Weehawken then designated one of their teams to play in Ethan's honor. Some of the players got to meet the Barreto family and even attended a Mets game with the family. Ethan's parents, Maria and Tom Barreto, along with Ethan's 7-year-old sister Ashley, were especially grateful to this Weehawken squad and could not put into words their appreciation and gratitude.
At just 4 years of age and within a 12-month period, Ethan underwent two intensive brain operations in an attempt to remove an aggressive brain tumor known as anaplastic ependymoma. Unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts by doctors at Hackensack University Medical Center, the final surgery proved unsuccessful.
Broken heart
"I remember when I was 15 years old," Alberg reflects, "I was hit by a car and I broke my leg. It was such a painful experience, I remember thinking at the time...I can't imagine breaking anything else in my body that could hurt this much." Alberg continues, "Then when Ethan died, my heart broke. That is when I learned a broken leg is nothing when compared to a broken heart."
The Barreto family followed this Weehawken squad as they played in honor and memory of their son. Players Jason Pineda and Steven Alicea got the opportunity to visit the Barreto family at their West New York home and learned more about Ethan's struggle while viewing pictures and memorabilia of Ethan.
"I am glad I had the chance to play for Ethan," said Jason.
Steven added, "I will never forget this season. I like the Barreto family a lot. I wish we could have won trophies for them."
Alberg credits head coach Rich Greten and assistant Marge Cieri, as well as every single coach in the Weehawken Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth division, its league coordinators, Art Strandberg and Chris Verdon, along with their assistants, Jim McCall and John Dorman, league treasurer Donald Jodice, and recreation director Chuck Barone, with helping make all of this possible. Alberg especially acknowledged Mayor Richard Turner for his steadfast devotion to the children of his community.
Courage and character
Once again, this Weehawken team competed in honor and memory of a fallen comrade. The courage and character of Ethan Barreto, his legacy, as well as the opportunity and privilege of playing in his honor, will be deeply rooted in the minds of these Weehawken children for perhaps a lifetime. No, Ethan was not from Weehawken. However, that did not matter to these Weehawken kids. They understood Ethan's plight and played in his honor as if he was one of their own.
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