JLL Car Show boasts over 400 roadsters

By PETE FONTAINE

Posted 6/1/23

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

SPECIAL SHOWPIECE: There were countless classics that owners drove to War Memorial Park for Monday’s Johnston Little League Car Show. (Photos courtesy of Joe Splendorio)

MIGHTY MACHINE: This is just one of the many roadsters that were on display Monday in Johnston.

PERFECT PICK: Paul Petrozzi stands beside his 1956 peacock blue three-speed Thunderbird that features a 292 block and was voted the Coaches Pick at Monday’s Johnston Little League Car Show.

OUTSTANIDNG OFFICIALS: These are some of the valuable volunteers who are part of the new-look JLL Board of Directors. They are Anthony Ferranati, Todd Spindler, Jared Poole, Joe Splendorio, Ken Kalnietis and Gary Rianna.

Posted Thursday, June 1, 2023 6:00 am

By PETE FONTAINE

Back on April 15 when the Johnston Little League opened its 61st season, President Joe Splendorio offered a preview of the 2023 season.
There would be 51 sponsors for the 2023 season, there would be a new Board of Directors that will take the pre-teen baseball program to new levels, a big-league look – including flags on poles along the outfield fence at both fields, a Calendar Fundraiser, Funny for Funds Comedy Show and a bus trip to the Red Sox-Yankees Game at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 19.
Yet another item was a Car Show scheduled for this past Monday (May 29) inside Johnston War Memorial Park.
What neither Splendorio of Vice President Mike Orsini – or another volunteer knew back then – was that the 2023 season would include a record-setting fundraiser.
“This is an absolutely beautiful day,” Splendorio offered as he walked around the sun-covered pristine park. “This is without question an extraordinary day.”
The reason, first and foremost, that the Johnston Little League perhaps set an all-time record among all youth baseball programs in the state, when a total of 439 classic cars, roadsters and even trucks showed up and took filled just about every space throughout the park.
“Engineers Field was jammed with cars,” Splendorio exclaimed. “This is fantastic an example of the culture of acceptance we have established for families and friends to come down and just have a night at the park with food, fun, community and baseball.”
As many of the antique and classic car owners said while showing off their spiffy machines: “The turnout here is a unique way of showing support for the youth of the community.”
Likewise, many people echoed those same sentiments as they visited a special tent the JLL set up in honor of TJ May, beloved coach of the Braves who was tragically killed last week.
Splendorio announced that all proceeds from Monday’s Memorial Day Car Show will benefit the league with a portion going to help May’s family.