At the December meeting of the Nassau County Legislature, Lou Bernardi was presented with a Point of Personal Privilege award, in recognition of his recent selection for induction into the New York State Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023. Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip presented Bernardi with the award.
(Photo submitted by the Office of Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip)
Bernardi joins a list of baseball greats that includes legends such as Mickey Mantle, Keith Hernandez, Sandy Koufax and other distinguished players, coaches and writers that have been inducted since the inaugural class of 2011.
“Since starring as a pitcher at Herricks High School, Lou has dedicated his life to the game of baseball and he has accomplished so much already at such a young age,” Legislator Pilip said. “Besides the success he has had as a player and coach, Lou has given back to the community, serving as a mentor in numerous youth leagues and providing thousands of pieces of equipment to underprivileged youngsters so they can enjoy the game.”
An alumnus of Herricks High School’s Class of 2006, Bernardi played four seasons of Division I baseball at the New York Institute of Technology while studying criminology. He played professionally for several years before beginning his coaching journey and becoming an accomplished collegiate pitching coach. Bernardi, who enters his fifth year at Kings Point and twelfth year coaching collegiate baseball, has been a member of Head Coach Michael Notebaert’s coaching staff as the Mariners’ Pitching Coach and Recruiting Coordinator since the 2019 season.
A ceremony was later held to honor Bernardi where Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti presented a New York State Assembly proclamation to Bernardi celebrating the work he has put in, both on the field and in the community. The ceremony was attended by Herricks Public Schools Superintendent Tony Sinanis, Herricks Athletic Director Jim Petricca and North Hempstead Town Councilman Peter Zuckerman. Petricca was the athletic director when Lou attended Herricks High School and remembers Bernardi fondly. Bernardi’s picture and achievements are featured in the Herricks Hall of Fame.
Peter Zuckerman, Lou Bernardi and
Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti (Photo from Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti’s Facebook)
“This is a proud moment for Herricks High School and our community,” said Assemblywoman Sillitti. “Lou Bernardi has worked incredibly hard throughout his baseball career, and what’s especially commendable is his dedication to coaching and mentoring the next generation. I’m grateful that Lou is now sharing his expertise and passion for baseball within the district at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. It was an honor to present Lou with a proclamation from the New York State Assembly for his many achievements and induction into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.”
“Lou is truly a local baseball legend, “ said Councilman Zuckerman. “He and I have been friends for many years, dating back to when Lou coached my son in Little League. It was a tremendous honor to present him with a proclamation from the town to celebrate his induction into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.”
“Bernardi’s love for the game and commitment to be the best baseball player, coach and mentor has made him a role model for all in our community,” said Assemblywoman Sillitti.
“Lou serves as a great role model and on behalf of all the residents of Nassau County, it gives me great honor to recognize him for his overall contributions and for this latest achievement,” said Assemblywoman Sillitti.
—Information provided by the Office of
Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip and the
Office of Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti
