It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Coach Lou Persutti, the Father of Cooperstown Dreams Park. Coach, the nickname that will stick with him even after his passing, gave many young ballplayers the greatest baseball experience of their lives, including me. It does not matter what level you play at, Cooperstown Dreams Park is an experience that is never forgotten, and rarely surpassed. 

"It is with a heavy heart that a VERY DEAR FRIEND has left us.  Coach Lou was know by many for what he created in Cooperstown, NY - Cooperstown Dreams Park. For 16 years, 2000-2016, the 12u LVBA Lightning teams have made the trip each summer to participate in the best baseball event in the world. Why was Cooperstown Dreams Park so SPECIAL? Because it was all about the players.  Many great memories have been lived by coaches, players and family members while spending time in Cooperstown. LOU, I LOVE YOU and will dearly miss you as a person and a BASEBALL GUY!  Til we meet again, please keep a spot for me on your coaching staff..." - Mike Martin

On behalf of LVBA, and, I am comfortable in saying, anybody else who has ever had the privilege of stepping on that baseball sanctuary back in Cooperstown, NY, you will be missed Coach! Thank you for what you did not just for youth baseball, but for all baseball players, parents, coaches, umpires, and basically anybody you came in contact with. Thank you for allowing the young players in this game to feel like Big Leaguers, even for just a week at a time. Baseball will continue to be great, thanks to you Coach. 

Rest In Peace Coach Lou Persutti