For not only did the kindergarten teacher at Temple Elementary School successfully use the blueprint modeled after Little League International’s “Challengers Division” for the second time in 13 months, but he was also able to make a substantial contribution to the Billy Eskeli Scholarship Fund, and also see a dear friend and colleague throw out the first pitch.

The Major League Baseball season, which finally opens this week, has nothing on these special-education students from Falconer Central School and their “buddies” from the Little League.

“We were completely overwhelmed,” Bianco said.

Operating with the appropriate COVID-19 protocols, the youngsters spent two innings enjoying America’s pastime in its purest form. While Bianco handled the public-address duties, each of the “special kids” took their turn hitting off a tee. Once contact with the ball was made, the “Exceptional Stars” toured the bases, accompanied by their Little League “friends.”

The Exceptional Stars Athletics hosted a basket raffle Saturday with proceeds benefiting the Billy Eskeli Scholarship Fund through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. A total of 57 baskets were sold, which raised $3,600. In photo above, game organizer Rich Bianco, far right, and the Eskeli family pose for a photo at the Falconer Little League field Sunday afternoon. P-J photo by Scott Kindberg

It all went just as Bianco had hoped.

So after a postgame photograph was taken in the outfield, Bianco reflected on what had transpired in less than 24 hours, beginning with the gift-basket raffle, which was held Saturday evening to raise scholarship funds and honor the memory of Falconer graduate Billy Eskeli (Class of 2017), who was killed in a car accident in 2019.

“We get so much from our community,” Bianco said, “that we felt it was our responsibility to give back to someone. We chose the Billy Eskeli Scholarship Fund (because) Billy’s grandma (Donna) was a teacher in our district for over 30 years. She is probably one of the most beloved teachers we’ve ever had.

“My front porch and dining room table for the last couple weeks have been covered with basket raffle items. We got set up (Saturday) and we had a line of people half an hour before we opened. People were wonderful. They wore masks and they stayed as far apart as they could. … I think the basket raffle was so easy because our community loves that family for everything they’ve done for our community.”

The momentum created Saturday carried over to Sunday, highlighted by the appearance of Patricia Kibbe. A double-lung transplant recipient in 2019, the Falconer special education teacher threw out the first pitch yesterday.

Savanna Kestler of the Exceptional Stars Athletics makes contact during a baseball game at the Falconer Little League field Sunday afternoon.

“Last year, she surprised us (at the game),” Bianco said. “She was home for a couple days (from her rehabilitation) and was barely able to stand up last year. … To have her here this year in the (healthy) state she’s in, she’s back to her old self. It’s wonderful.”

The two-inning game was, too, a welcome respite from the coronavirus and the limitations it has forced government officials to impose.

“The last few months have been really trying, especially for the kids,” Bianco said. “They missed out on three months of school. (The Exceptional Stars) missed out on the Special Olympics, and the other kids are missing out on Little League. We received a little pushback at first, but we got all of that ironed out. (Falconer) Mayor Jim Jaroszynski, the town of Ellicott and the village of Falconer gave us the greenlight.

“The kids needed this. It’s been a long time and it’s been a difficult time. They needed today. We were fighting to give them this experience again today.”

Mission accomplished.