On March 9, East Meadow High School proudly welcomed back one of its most accomplished alumni as former Major League Baseball pitcher and Cy Young Award winner Frank Viola returned to his alma mater.
The high school celebrated the school’s student-athletes during the annual Winter Athletic Awards and Meet the Coaches Night in the auditorium, which brought together student-athletes, coaches, families, administrators, alumni, and community members for an evening recognizing the dedication and achievements of the school’s winter sports teams.
A highlight of the ceremony was the formal presentation of Viola’s Nassau County Athletics Hall of Fame plaque, commemorating his 2019 induction. East Meadow High School Principal William Brennan and East Meadow High School’s Chairperson of Physical Education/Health Rachel Barry were honored to recognize Viola in front of the next generation of student-athletes who continue the proud athletic tradition of East Meadow High School.
Viola, a 1983 East Meadow graduate, enjoyed an outstanding professional baseball career. Among his many accomplishments, he was the 1988 American League Cy Young Award winner, a 1987 World Series champion, and the 1987 World Series Most Valuable Player with the Minnesota Twins. He was also inducted into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame and the Nassau County Athletics Hall of Fame. Speaking to the audience, Viola reflected on the important role athletics played in shaping his life.
“Sports is everything to me, and it got me to the point I'm at today,” he said.
He shared memories of growing up in East Meadow, recalling that he lived behind Nassau County Medical Center while attending the high school and walked to school each day. Viola also spoke about the importance of teamwork, urging student-athletes to support one another on and off the field.
“Support each other, play as a team, root for each other, and then good things will start to happen,” he told the audience, adding that “winning at sports will create other opportunities in life.”
Viola also encouraged students to recognize the influence of educators and mentors in their lives. He urged them to “give your teachers credit,” as he fondly remembered several teachers and coaches who made a tremendous difference in his own path to success at East Meadow High School.
Reflecting on his roots, Viola expressed his appreciation for the community that helped shape him. “I appreciate everything East Meadow has given my family,” he said.
He noted that his connection to East Meadow remains strong today, sharing that he still brings members of his current coaching staff back to the community several times each year to proudly show them local spots that hold special meaning to him.
The Winter Athletic Awards ceremony also celebrated the accomplishments of East Meadow’s winter student-athletes and recognized the coaches who guide and mentor them throughout the season. The evening served as both a celebration of the winter sports season and a reminder of the strong tradition of pride and excellence that continues to connect East Meadow’s past, present, and future athletes.
