Sparky Lyle to throw out Little League's first pitch

WEST MILFORD — He was the one of the finest relief pitchers in baseball, the first American League relief pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. He even had a classic, “Pomp and Circumstance,” as a trademark song as he entered home games at Yankee Stadium.
Albert Walter “Sparky” Lyle was one of the key players in the success of the New York Yankees in the 1970s. He played a major role in the team winning back to back world championships in 1977 and 1978 and capturing the American League pennant three years in a row, ending a more than 20-year drought for Yankee fans in 1976.
On Thursday, April 28, Lyle makes a stop at Hillcrest Field for the West Milford Little League's opening night festivities. He will throw out the first pitch for the Major Division game, talk to the Little Leaguers and sign autographs, the fees from which will benefit the league.

Lyle came to the Yankees in a trade with the rival Boston Red Sox in March of 1972. It was a terrific trade for the Yankees, as Lyle became their ace out of the bullpen. He saved 35 games that year for the Yankees, an American League record at the time. In 1973, he earned his first of three trips to the all-star game, the other two coming in 1976 and 1977. In 1972 and 1976, he led the American League in saves.
In 1977, he became the first relief pitcher in American League history to win the Cy Young Award.
That year, he appeared in 72 games and finished 60 of them. He ended the season with 26 saves and a second world championship.
Lyle also is well-known for the book he coauthored in 1979, “The Bronx Zoo,” detailing the antics and dissension in the Yankees clubhouse.
This annual event is quite special and brings out many from throughout the town and beyond. Mark Minadeo, vice president of the league, organizes the event and arranges for sponsorships to bring a former big leaguer to town. Former Yankees Roy White, Bucky Dent, Chris Chambliss, Willie Randolph and Ron Guidry have appeared in recent years.
This year’s sponsors include the West Milford PBA, The Grasshopper Irish Pub, Mark Lindsay and Son Plumbing and Heating, In The Zone Baseball and Softball Academy, Maximum Sports Center and MC Bounce House LLC.
The West Milford Little League opening night festivities start at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, at the Hillcrest Community Center field. Teams will parade onto the field and Lyle will be announced and speak with them before tossing the first pitch and signing autographs. Bring whatever memorabilia you want signed for $20 each. All proceeds benefit the West Milford Little League.
Parking will be available at Hillcrest until the lot is full; overflow parking will be available at the West Milford Rec Center (formerly PAL Building) with shuttles running to and from Hillcrest.
The Major Division game will begin at 7 p.m., Tigers vs. White Sox.