FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Irish American Baseball Society
Media@IrishBaseball.org
www.IrishBaseball.org
(914) 362-8409
NEW YORK, NY — March 13, 2026 — The Irish American Baseball Society announced today that renowned CBS broadcaster Lonnie Quinn will lead the organization’s contingent in the 2026 New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the world’s largest celebrations of Irish heritage, taking place March 17 along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
Quinn, the chief weather forecaster for WCBS-TV and a 14-time Emmy Award winner, will serve as the honorary leader of the group as it marches to celebrate the historic connection between Irish heritage and the game of baseball.
Quinn proudly traces his Irish ancestry to his great-great-grandfather, James Quinn, who was born in County Limerick, Ireland. The Quinn family’s traditions were carried forward through generations, including Quinn’s grandfather, Raymond Quinn of Fall River, Massachusetts who married Elizabeth Rigney of County Offaly. Raymond Quinn later graduated first in his class from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore before becoming head of surgery at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut. Together, Raymond and Elizabeth raised five children and welcomed 35 grandchildren, among them Lonnie Quinn.
“For me, being Irish is a huge source of pride,” Quinn said. “I’m proud of where my family came from, and I’m proud of the Irish work ethic that runs through my veins. Being Irish gives me an immediate connection with others of Irish descent. That shared heritage breaks the ice between us. We come from a friendly culture, and that friendliness is the best starting point of all.”
Quinn’s participation highlights the Irish American Baseball Society’s mission to celebrate the longstanding relationship between Irish heritage and America’s pastime. The organization works to honor the contributions of Irish and Irish American players, coaches, and supporters throughout the history of baseball.
Before becoming one of New York’s most recognized television personalities Quinn began his television career as an actor on the long-running daytime drama All My Children. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, he also swam competitively during his four years at Boston College.
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, first held in 1762, draws tens of thousands of marchers and millions of spectators each year, celebrating Irish culture, heritage, and community across New York City and around the world.
About the Irish American Baseball Society
The Irish American Baseball Society celebrates the Irish impact on the game of baseball and supports the development of youth baseball programs in Ireland and America. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in baseball and Ireland, regardless of their ancestral heritage. For more information, visit IrishBaseball.org.
The Irish American Baseball Society is a non-profit subsidiary of Emerald Diamond International. Federal Tax ID: 20-4623222. For more information, visit EmeraldDiamond.org.
