A Mass of Christian Burial for James “Jim” McElroy, 86, former baseball coach at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, was celebrated July 22 at Good Shepherd Church, Marine Park. He also was the long-time director of the Brooklyn Cadets Baseball Club.
A former printer by trade, he became more involved in athletics in the 1970s as the industry became more automated.
He coached many future major league stars such as Joe and Frank Torre.
He also had served with the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic High School Athletic Association.
Dear Mrs. McElroy,
I’m so sorry that I missed the services for Jim.
He was a true gentleman who I met as a neighbor, student at SFC, and later in life when he helped me guide my son to success in Travel, High School and College baseball. He even came out to give a talk to the community about the early days of Marine Park. He knew my Dad Bill “Lefty” Keenan who was an outstanding High School baseball player who almost made to the show.
Sincerely,
Your friend and neighbor
John Keenan
His Cadets were cream of the crop always playing on diamond 1 at the parade grounds where scouts always watched his team which included Rico Petocelli
Rip to you and may God bless your family