Park Hill Tavern
Elected : USSSA New York Hall Of Fame in 2024
Inducted : March 2026, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY.
Darkside Coed was established in the summer of 2006, beginning their journey in the Summer Sunday ABA division. Despite losing their inaugural game, the team subsequently went undefeated for the remainder of the season. Encouraged by early success, they participated in the ABA 1-pitch the following spring and secured victory at their first tournament. Darkside Coed went on to win the championship of their summer division that same year, motivating them to focus on continued improvement.
In the summer of 2007, the team entered the USSSA Coed Beach Blast, where the winner would earn a paid berth to the World Tournament. Darkside Coed achieved an undefeated record throughout the event, qualifying for their first World Tournament appearance. Although they faced challenges at the national level, the experience reinforced their commitment to both performance enhancement and maintaining team camaraderie. Notably, the team prioritized coed tournaments over men's events, setting themselves apart in the local community.
Between 2007 and 2017, Darkside Coed achieved a record of 164-80 in USSSA tournaments, posting a .672 winning percentage, the highest for any Long Island coed team during this period.
In 2010, the team won a Mixed C tournament as an E team, marking a significant achievement. That same year, they were named ABA Coed Team of the Year after amassing a combined record of 57-1 (.982 winning percentage) across the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons, including a Turkey Shootout Tournament victory. In 2011, they earned Team of the Year honors again, following a Diamond Cup win and a third-place finish at Worlds.
By 2012, Darkside Coed transitioned to men’s divisions due to eligibility changes but continued to secure multiple league championships and tournament victories.
The year 2014 marked a major accomplishment as the team won the USSSA Mixed "E" World Championship goal realized through years of dedication. Over five World Tournament appearances, Darkside Coed finished in the Top 10 five times, including two third place finishes and the 2014 championship. The team was ranked #1 in New York State by USSSA in four separate years and #2 three times.
Darkside Coed played and won its final USSSA tournament in 2017. Over the years, they accumulated 31 league championships, numerous tournament titles, individual managerial and player awards, and became the first team to capture every ABA tournament offered as well as a world title with their original core group. Darkside Coed’s longevity and consistent performance distinguished them from their peers. While competitive excellence remained a priority, the collective enjoyment and sense of unity among team members defined their legacy. Darkside Coed ultimately became—and will remain—a family.
Darkside Coed, 2006–2017
