The sports world and Port Jefferson has lost a legend.
Baseball coach and teacher Alphonse (Al) Desiderio has passed away. Desiderio was a business teacher and coach for the Port Jefferson School District from 1958 to 1995.
He is still the longest-tenured high school baseball coach in Suffolk County’s history. His 37 year career is one of impact on every level that could be counted. He amassed over 400 wins, including 10 league championships and 20 playoff appearances.
'Desi' was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. He was also a professor of business management at Suffolk County Community College for over 40 years. His mark on the community didn't end there as he also was involved with the Miracle League of Long Island and helped bring the first softball team to Suffolk County for autistic and handicapped children.