Craig Raucher runs his own show. He built the Staten Island Basketball League from scratch in 1983 into Staten Island's top youth basketball program. As founder and commissioner for 40+ years, he stands as the heart and soul of community sports on the island. His League, His Vision, His Impact What started as 4 teams on cracked asphalt courts has, under Craig's leadership, grown into a powerhouse serving 8,000+ kids across 28 competitive divisions. Ages 7-18 play year-round with no cuts. Everyone gets a shot. Craig enforces "Raucher Rules": mandatory GPA minimums for eligibility, life skills clinics every season, and a college recruiting pipeline that sent dozens of players to Division III programs. He raised $450K in corporate sponsorships to keep 65% of families fee-free. He always prioritizes low-income kids first. Craig personally chased grants and rallied volunteers to build 3 new outdoor courts from empty lots. His league boasts a 92% player retention rate. ...
Craig Raucher has built a distinguished 45-year career in domestic and international freight forwarding, including 25 years as a consultant, establishing himself as a seasoned expert in global logistics. He has made a lasting impact on the sports community as the founder and commissioner of the Staten Island Basketball League. Since its inception in 1980, the league has thrived under his leadership, finding its home at PS 8 in Great Kills.