congratulations to both new hampshire teams for making the finals of the 38 american division in our labor day tournament. the pats beat the eagles 6-5 in extra innings after trailing 5-0. for all three of our albany teams, it was an extremely disappointing tournament in that division. the albany knights lost 3 games by a total of 4 runs, and the mutts and pirates were also eliminated in close games. the knights lost to the eagles, also 6-5, in the opener. in the 47 division, albany beat kingston in a thriller to win that title. for those who didn't get the opportunity to play, plan ahead for next year's tournament early. the tournament is a great experience, but organizing a team can be frustrating, so get it done early. jimk
There's a lot to say, but foremost, I couldn't disagree more strongly with Jimmy K. For my team, the Albany Pirates, we had a wonderful, wonderful tournament. It was a pleasure to play four games in two days against quality competition. Our team played hard, we played together, and we fought to the end of every game.
Our Saturday draw was probably the toughest in the division (the L.I. Mets manager joked to me, "You must have ****ed SOMEBODY off this year!")
In game one, we lost 5-3 to Dutchess, finalists from 2003. We left the runners on 1st and 3rd at the end of the game. Mike Kane, as always, pitched extremely well.
In game two, we played the "legendary" L.I. Mets. We were up 1-0, had a bad inning, and lost 4-1. Our pitcher, John Pologa, was fantastic. A great competitor and a fiery ballplayer. Awesome effort.
On Sunday morning, we matched up against the Albany Knights. Eight guys showed up with Jim Dalton in a sling. It wasn't a great showing, and I'm glad they didn't do this to an out-of-town team. Still, when the game began, it was a back-and-forth battle. We prevailed 5-4 behind Richie Knaupp. The Knights had the bases loaded with one out in the 7th, but couldn't push the tying run across.
In Game 4, we faced New Hampshire. Up 3-1, we had another one of those "bad innings" and fell behind 5-3. We battled back to tie it 5-5. New Hampshire won 6-5. We left the tying run on second base, we he withered and died.
Nonetheless, we were thrilled to play such good teams in a great, great tournament. I could not be any prouder of the Albany Pirates, who frankly impressed the hell out of me. So thanks: Carlo Agneta, Ron Smaka, John Pologa, Mike Kane, Kenny Zimmy, Jimmy McQuade, Pete Zamory, Dave Shaver, Pat DeVaney, Mike Aiello, Marc Tryon, Joe Parker, Mark Myers, Joe Careccia, Richie Knaupp, and Bruce Grossman. Some of you played four games, some of you only made one. But I'm grateful to all of you guys for the sportsmanship you showed, the class, and the way you played the game. You were great, great, great. A pleasure.
Lastly, thanks to John Reel, Kevin Jackson, John Kalinski, Don Dunham, and Jim Konstantakis for your unsung efforts in putting on this great tournament. It was successful and profitable for our league.
Not one ounce of disappointment here. Sure, we would have loved to win more -- we had Jerry Solomon ready to throw on Monday morning -- but we came looking to play good ball, see good teams, COMPETE, and get away from our wives. Seriously, it was wonderful playing with you guys. Thanks. After a season of playing teams like the Marlins, Yankees, Orioles and Hummingbirds, we felt well-prepared to go up against ANYBODY from ANYWHERE. We've got a great thing here in the CDMSBL -- and this tournament is one of our crown jewels. But best of all, befriending a lot of the guys who play in it.
The 2004 Labor Day Tournament was probably the most successful ever!
We started a new 48 division that was well received. Two 38 teams that played this year indicated they will play in the 48 division next year.
The weather cooperated and we had three great days for baseball.
There were four fantastic championship games and the winners are all worthy of their titles -champions!
The 28 championship was tied going into the 7th inning. Rochester got a run to take the lead. In the bottom half of the inning, Rochester's center fielder and left fielder made diving catches with a runner on first base to stop Western Mass from scoring.
The 38 national championship was a battle between two powerhouse teams - Bristol Baseball Club and the Long Island Mets. It turned out to be a pitchers duel with Bristol winning 1-0. There were a total of five hits in the game (Bristol 3, Mets 2). The game was over in 1:20.
The 38 American championship went to extra innings before the New Hampshire Patriots defeated the New Hampshire Eagles 6-5.
The 48 championship came down to local rivals - the Humminbirds vs the Golden Marlins. The Humminbirds had the lead going into the last frame, but a couple of miscues opened the door for the Golden Marlins to capture the championship.
