Blue Devils Play in Corey’s Promise Game at Greenlawn Park

The Huntington High School softball team took on the Comsewogue Spartans at Greenlawn Memorial Park last Friday afternoon. Players wore uniforms representing Corey’s Promise.

Corey, a left-handed pitcher, had always dreamed of being a professional baseball player and worked extremely hard to accomplish his goal. In August 2020, he signed a contract with the Philadelphia Phillies right out of Harborfields High School. He was full of life and fulfilling his dream.

In 2022, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a form of cancer. After a brave and courageous brief battle with cancer, Corey lost his fight, just a few days short of six months after diagnosis.

Corey’s Promise seeks to help families financially so that they can dedicate and focus more time on their child’s battle and eventual recovery. The Phelan Family is working every day to complete Corey’s Promise. Their mission is to help families offset the financial burdens they endure during their child's cancer diagnosis and raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

In an effort to raise funds for their Corey’s Promise donation, The Huntington softball team hosted a bake sale after school in the gym lobby, raising $175 to donate to Corey's Promise. A separate $500 donation was made by Blue Devil alum in honor of Town Councilwoman Theresa Mari.

First year Huntington High School physical education teacher Jake Torres has worked hard as the varsity softball team’s head coach to change the culture and philosophy of the program. He has arranged for several charitable and community service opportunities for players to participate in as he simultaneously strives to build a winning team on the field.

“I am honored to be here as part of our Corey’s Promise game,” said Coach Torres during a touching pregame ceremony. “Today is about more than softball. We play in honor of Corey Phelan and all children battling cancer. Although I did not have the opportunity to meet Corey, I worked in the Harborfields School District, where he grew up and played baseball. I consistently heard what a great person and athlete he was. In 2022, Corey was diagnosed with leukemia. During his battle, he made a promise to help families, facing a child’s cancer diagnosis, by easing their financial burden, allowing them to focus on what matters most, their child. That is why we are here today: to support the Phelan family and help carry out Corey’s Promise.”

As the two teams stretched out along the baselines, Coach Torres continued. “Corey’s story reminds us of what truly matters,” he said. “It’s not just what happens to us, but how we respond. In the face of adversity, Corey chose to think of others. He is an inspiration, and his legacy continues to make a difference in the lives of many children and families.”

Christine Phelan, Corey’s mothers, followed with words of gratitude for the Huntington and Comsewogue teams playing the game in honor of her son.

The ceremony concluded with Mrs. Phelan throwing out the first pitch, which was received by Blue Devil catcher, Karina Rodriguez, who wears uniform number 18. “The moment was special because Corey wore No. 18,” Coach Torres said.