With the end of World War II, the northern section of New Hyde Park experienced a booming home construction era for returning servicemen, their young families and new brides. As the families began to grow and young sons came along, playing baseball became a major recreational activity, but it was unorganized. Fathers, sons and friends got together and played pickup games in open lots since there was no official baseball organization for North New Hyde Park.
In late 1951, a group of 25 parents got together to form a youth baseball association. Additional meetings were held with additional interested parents and it was agreed to obtain a Little League charter.
In 1952, a representative committee of parents met with the Little League officials from Williamsport, Pa and a formal charter was granted. The new league decided to call itself "Merillon" after the fire house meeting place and the cooperation received from the volunteer firemen in developing a small baseball field adjacent to the Merillon fire house, which now a days is the Denton Ave School parking lot. And so Merillon Athletic Association was born.
In 1955 with the help and cooperation of the Town of North Hempstead and the Village of Lake Success, Merillon Athletic Association was granted five acres of estate property. Though the property contained forest growth, small hills and other obstacles the Merillon fathers and mothers under took the monumental job of clearing and draining the land and constructing two base ball fields.
By 1963 in addition to a refreshment stand Merillon Athletic Association built an equipment garage that was in service until 1990 when the current field house which incorporated all of the functions of storage, rest rooms and a refreshment stand.
In 1990 our current field house was built through the efforts of the late Senator Michael J. Tully and the Town of North Hempstead.
It is a reminder of all the dedication and hard work the people of Merillon have done in these past 50 years to continue the Merillon goal of dedication to the youth of our community.
It is estimated that over 10,000 youngsters have played for Merillon Athletic Association since 1953. Many have gone on to become parents and have their children play at Merillon. The Merillon alumni consist of doctors, lawyers, CPA’s, policemen, fireman, businessman, engineers, civil servants and many other worthy professions.
Today more than ever the current Board of Directors, Managers, Coaches, and parents are dedicated to providing an environment for the continued tradition of Americas favorite past time… Baseball!
In addition to our Spring Season Merillon Athletic Association provides Summer and Fall programs and host both a Summer Clinic and a Winter Clinic providing professional instructions to those in attendance. We also host a softball Challengers Division.
Most important is to our renewing Sponsors, thank you for your continued support we could not keep Merillon Athletic Association going without you! To our new sponsors, we welcome and thank you for your support for the children and hope you will continue your support. It is because of your support that we are able to keep Merillon going and growing for the children of our community.
Please support the Merillon Athletic Association! To become a sponsor or to simply view our current sponsors please click this link "Merillon Sponsors".
Copyright © 2009 Merillon
Athletic Association. All rights reserved.
Revised: 10/07/09.