STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Many in the South Shore Little League community already know the story of Michael Cammarata, a member of the 1991 SSLL team that reached the Little League World Series, who would tragically lose his life a decade later while serving as a firefighter during the September 11 attacks.
Now, Cammarata’s story of selflessness and bravery is reaching an even wider audience, as a tribute video in his honor — produced by Little League International — has been recently awarded an Emmy by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Released on 9/11 last year, the video highlights how Cammarata was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Excellence, Little League’s highest honor, and the remarkable coincidence that he played right field — the No. 9 position on a scorecard — while wearing No. 11. In his honor, Little League retired the number 11, remembering both Cammarata’s heroism and the September day etched in history.
“What Michael did, the courage he showed that day, were so reflective of what we would want any Little Leaguer to aspire to be. We thought maybe it would be appropriate that no Little Leaguer in the World Series would ever wear No. 11 again,” said Stephen Keener, President and CEO of Little League Baseball and Softball in the video.
The tribute also featured an appearance from Jason Marquis, a fellow member of the 1991 South Shore team who went on to play in the MLB, as he fondly remembered his teammate.
“Michael Cammarata, who was like any 12-year-old boy, had a great love for the game, [was] a great athlete [and] a great teammate,” Marquis shared.
Produced by Hannah Heitsenrether, Dallas Miller, Kevin Fountain, Brian McClintock and Ryan Osadchy, the video serves as a reminder of how youth sports like Little League can inspire children to live a life of service — and to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.