Al Erdmann

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Al Erdmann has been involved with his community’s little league for over 30 years. As vice president, he is heavily involved in player registration, player drafting, assembling teams and he also serves as groundskeeper. There are over 1000 players in the league and 60 teams that are divided into divisions that range in ages 5-18. Erdmann has been vice president for 25 years and in addition, he is involved with over a dozen other leagues in Queens.
PERSONAL: Erdmann has been married to his wife, Arlene who is also a member of the RGMVM LL board of directors, for 45 years. Together they had three children and their only son, Al, is involved with the league’s umpiring crew.
JOB: Erdmann is retired after working 28 years as a carpenter for the city.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Erdmann said that the biggest challenge he faces is keeping the kids involved with baseball because it is such a ‘slow-moving’ sport compared to a sport like basketball. “I got to make sure that they are not picking up daisies in right field or falling asleep on the base-paths.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: A unique experience in Russia is cited by Erdmann as his favorite memory since becoming vice president. In 1995, Erdmann brought a team of little leaguers between the ages 13-15 across the world. The team was there for 15 days and never lost a game, according to Erdmann. The unique blending of cultures is what Erdmann fondly remembers most. Erdmann said that when the group arrived in Russia they found out that they would play an older team that was much more athletic, but did not share the same level of baseball talent. “We were there to teach and it became a clinic where we made it fun and divided the teams up evenly,” said Erdmann. The friendships that Erdmann made with the Russians remain strong to this day. Since that first time in Europe, Erdmann has gone on multiple occasions with other teams.
INSPIRATION: Erdmann said his grandchildren are his inspiration, but he genuinely loves being involved with the league and does not think that he will step down anytime soon. “With being involved for 33 years, I’m not giving up this that easily.” – Will Sammon