Community Star Of Queens

Gene Brennan
By Zachary Braziller
Job: Gene Brennan is the president of the Dwarf Giraffe Athletic League. He's been associated with the Whitestone-based club for 16 years, and is in his first year as president.
He got started when he signed up his son to play baseball. Brennan didn't like the way his son was being coached, and was advised to coach his own team, which he did. He later became a part of the board of directors. His job entails finding fields, getting backing within the community, setting up team sponsors, and making sure everything in the organization runs smoothly.
Dwarf Giraffe, a non-profit organization, offers baseball, softball, basketball, roller hockey and flag football to youngsters between the ages of 4-18. Brennan, 64, used to be a New York City detective. He spent 12 years in the narcotics division, retiring out of the 19th Precinct in Manhattan in 1986.
Rewards of the Job: &#8220For me, personally, it's just seeing the kids having fun. My theory is the kids come first. And you get to really find out what the kids are looking for. … I dealt with kids when I was younger.
&#8220The big trick was people kept an eye on me when I was growing up. So this is my way, just to see the kids having a good time.”
Gripes of the Job: &#8220Getting the parents to back off. We have a lot of people in the league, and I'm sure every other league is the same, the the parents play through the kids.”
Residence: Whitestone
Family Facts: Married to Meg for 23 years.