Tom O'Brien RC Sports Hall of Fame

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Tom was inducted into the Rockland County Sports Hall of Fame on April 21, 2018 at the awards dinner at the Pearl River Elks Club.   The reasons for Tom receiving this lifetime achievement award were presented on page 20 of the Program journal, which is reproduced here.

There's a link to the (many!) pages in the Program congratulating Tom, including the page from our Class of 1958.

Our Class had a great turnout for the evening.  Photos contributed by several people show the spirit of the event.

 Fortunately Tom had prepared a text for his acceptance speech and we were able to get a copy of it, courtesy of Tom's granddaughter and IT assistant, Angela.  

For those of us scattered far and wide that couldn't attend the awards dinner, the following will give a flavor of the evening and be a reminder of how lucky we've been to have Tom as a classmate and friend.

(Click on the page below to see a larger version, then use browser back button to return here.)

Tom's acceptance speech follows: it has been reformatted from the actual notes he had at the lectern (in much bigger font!)

(Tom was introduced buy Bill Rubbert.)

    Thank you Billy for such a wonderful  introduction, You’re one of the exceptional people that I have encountered in Rockland County sports so it means a lot to me.

    I would like to thank the HOF Committee for selecting me for this award and for all you do for RC sports. I also congratulate my fellow inductees. I’m honored to be included with you. When I look at the list of the remarkable people already inducted, it is truly humbling.

    I guess receiving this award means I’ve had some degree of success and I stand here as proof that behind every successful man is a great woman. My wife Sandy. Her understanding, patience, support and willingness to pitch in in so many ways - so many times is remarkable. And this is a woman who knew very little about sports when we met. When U CONN first become nationally known as a basketball power, she commented that she didn’t know that they had good basketball teams in Alaska.

    Families involved in sports know just how much it can effect family life. Meals, schedules and routines are often disrupted. My children put up  with all that and were supportive throughout the years. They are here tonight: my daughters - Jean Talman, Christine O”Brien, sons Kevin, Tommy and Tommy’s wife Brenda. I have a feeling thatTommy might begin celebrating his birthday before leaving here tonight as it will begin at 12:01 AM. Also here are 3 of 7 of the world’s greatest grandchildren: Sara Talman, and Angela and Joe O’Brien. Also 3 of my nieces Kathleen Jackson, Kelly Aurre and husband Terry and Carolyn Bow and

       When I was 1st notified that I would be receiving this award, I said to  Sandy -  in your wildest dreams did you ever think that I would receive such an honor. She turned to me and said Tom - you’re not in my wildest dreams.

       How blessed can a man be to receive an such an honor for doing things that you love. How blessed to have worked with, learned from, been mentored by and befriended by so many outstanding people thru out my years of involvement in RC sports.

       My initial involvement in sports, like many of you, began in the neighborhood where we organized our own games and challenged teams from other neighborhoods, I was often tagging along with 2 older brothers. Participation in organized sports began at PRHS where I went from K - HS in the same building. I am a proud member of the class of 58 and treasure the friendships of that group of remarkably good people.

      It was there that I had the good fortune of being coached by HOF member Ira Shuttleworth and Bert Baker. It was at a point in adolescence that I was getting a little off the track and they kicked my butt right back on it. They became role models whose principals and philosophy helped guide me as I became involved in coaching,  sports administration and thru out life.

       While a junior in high school, I organized a softball team and entered it into the PR adult softball league. We did pretty well and had a really good time. One of the other teams in the league was comprised of cops and firemen who recently moved up from the Bronx. After a while they asked 3 of us to play in non league games with them and what a learning experience that became. Here we were 3 young hayseeds from, at the time, a very rural Pearl River going into the city play ball and not always in the best of neighborhoods. It was exciting, great fun and always interesting. Over time that team evolved to become Modern Auto Body - one of the premier teams in the leadership of Joe McKee, a truly exceptional man who perfectly balanced competitiveness with outstanding sportsmanship. He was a wonderful family man, terrific role model and father figure. Playing for and learning from Joe prepared me to try and fill his very big shoes when I succeeded him as manager.

        At the age of 19 I went to work at St. Agnes Home for Boys. It was there that I met a man who had the most profound impact on my life.   John Glynn who was the Athletic Director. The kindest, most selfless, principled, and dedicated person I have ever known. Those characteristics along with his extraordinary life experiences, great organizational ability and networking skills were remarkable. Without a doubt working for John was my most valuable learning experience. How lucky I was to work for and learn from John before succeeding him as AD. It was under John’s guidance that I began coaching. It was quite easy. We won most of the time. Not because of my coaching but because we had great kids to coach.Terrific athletes, tough as nails and highly motivated. They were remarkable. Looking back over my 12 years there, I cannot recall a single unsportsmanlike incident. I’m very proud of them for that but more so to see what outstanding men and citizens they have become.

        One of the best things that I did at St. A that was of tremendous benefit to the boys and me personally was to hire a Manhattan College sophomore Tom Doherty. We had a really great staff but none with more energy, enthusiasm and positive outlook than Tom. (He hasn’t changed.)

        After St. Agnes, I became an administrator at St Dominic’s Home for 28 years. It was a wonderful place to work and grow in the Human Service profession. Where by the way Willy W turned me down when I made him made him a job offer.

    At that time I began my relationship with the Orangetown Rec. Dept. directing the Slow Break basketball program. We have just just completed it’s 47th year - my 46th. ( directed the 1st year by Frank McGarvey ) Over the years my involvement expanded to include women’s softball and later coed softball. Directing these programs has given me tremendous satisfaction and enjoyment. I have had the pleasure of seeing so many people enjoy the competition,   camaraderie, and friendships that developed.  And yes even romance and marriages. Of the many interesting, unusual and enjoyable events over the years, one clearly stands out. - 16 years ago I had the pleasure of helping stage a marriage proposal at the pitchers mound at a woman’s softball game. That couple is here tonight. Rob & Nancy Donabedian.

    I have been given too much credit for the success of the OrangeTown recreation programs. Their success is due in large part to having a great boss who not only manages the administrative responsibilities so well but is100% supportive and a really good guy, Mark Albert.  Of course neither of us could function without the office support of Judy Smith and Joanne Olglive.

      Being a sports official has been and is a very important and rewarding part of my life. It has provided me with great memories, enjoyment and satisfaction. Working championships, playoffs and games of significance was always exciting and it was an honor to be selected officiate them. However it has been the every day experience of refereeing and umpiring that has been most meaningful. Being part of the wonderful world of youth and adult recreation games has been enjoyable, sometimes challenging and very often interesting.     A great highlight of my officiating career has been the opportunity to umpire and referee with my son Kevin.

       Very important to me has been my membership in 2 outstanding professional organizations. The RCUA and the RCB of BB officials. Both of these organizations provide invaluable service to the RC sports community. The training and support they provide to their members enables them provide outstanding service to the many schools, leagues and programs throughout RC. Their behind the scenes charitable and volunteer services to so many organizations and individuals is remarkable. I am proud to belong to these 2 groups of outstanding individuals and appreciate the support they have given me.

        The award I received tonight is clearly the result of having so many in my life to learn from, mentor, guide and support me over these many years.

    I will treasure this award. And will never forget the presence here tonight of so many people who have been such an important and wonderful part of my life - here supporting me once again. I cannot express how much that means to me.