Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Chamber of Commerce. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

Pelham, April 4th, 2024 – The Pelham Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Pelham Little League, is proud to announce a special dedication ceremony for the late Mike Paradis at the kickoff event for this year’s baseball season. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 13th, at Ingles Field, located behind Pelham High School.

Mike Paradis, a beloved member of the Pelham community, will be remembered for his passion for baseball and his unwavering commitment to the youth of Pelham. As a tribute to his memory, the Chamber of Commerce and the Pelham Little League have organized a series of events to honor Mike’s legacy and celebrate his contributions to the community.

The ceremony will feature speeches from community leaders, including Cristina Chianese, representing the Chamber of Commerce, Tim Case, President of Pelham Civics, and John Neise, President of Pelham Little League. These speakers will reflect on Mike’s dedication to Pelham and his impact on the lives of those around him.

The festivities will begin with a parade starting at 8:30-8:45 AM, where all teams and coaches will march from the Art Center down to the High School. Following the parade, speeches will commence at 9:30 AM, culminating in a special moment as Joanie Paradis, Mike’s widow, throws out the first pitch to her son Sean, officially opening the baseball season.

For those unfamiliar with Mike’s legacy, he was a dedicated baseball coach in Pelham for many years, known for his passion for the game and his nurturing approach to mentoring young players. His kindness and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals in the community.

In addition to the ceremony, the Pelham Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Village of Pelham, has worked to dedicate a bench in Mike’s name in Wolf’s Park near The bocce court. This bench will serve as a lasting tribute to Mike’s memory and his significant contributions to the Pelham community. Mike’s impact extended far beyond the baseball field; he was deeply committed to supporting local businesses and fostering a sense of community among residents.

“Mike Paradis was not just a colleague; he was like a brother to me. Organizing this effort on behalf of the Chamber to honor his memory is a privilege and an honor. Mike’s impact on Pelham was profound, and I hope that through this dedication ceremony, we can keep his memory alive for all who loved him. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.” Dave Katz, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce.

All members of the Pelham community are invited to join in this special event to honor the memory of Mike Paradis and celebrate his lasting impact on Pelham.