The Albany Braves had a good tournament in Vegas. We went 2-1 and lost our bid for the playoffs by 3 runs in runs allowed. Many thanks to Kevin Moon who helped me manage and was a fun roommate and a real class guy.
The next tournament is the World series in Phoenix Oct. 19th through the 24th. I'm taking a 35+ wood bat team.
I guess I proved that I have enough contacts now to take a team without any Albany guys. My heart is with Albany but we just don't step up and support the tournaments. I will ask a select group to go to fill in around the core players I already have.
So many of you are missing so much of what this league has to offer.
Enjoy your 4 months of baseball. We'll see you in Phoenix!
The tournament in Vegas was all I thought it would be even though I couldn't play. The group of players Joe recruited were outstanding both on and off the field.
A great cast of characters made the trip enjoyable and entertaining to say the least.
A couple of guys especially went above and beyond the call of duty to make my first trip to Vegas a memorable one.
First, I want to thank Joe Careccia for inviting me to room with him and a local (Mike) who couldn't find his way home after any of the games so he had to sleep in our suite on the couch after a night out of drinking. Mike was a great guy but also a crazy sort as he would consistently give driving directions that were out in left field so to speak. We weren't sure if he actually thought his directions were good or if it was the actual brain surgery he endured several years ago that caused his misdirections. Anyhow, the running joke was that Mike could get lost between the living room and the bathroom of our suite if he tried hard enough.
Another great guy was Rico from the Bronx right here in NY. Rico invited several players to join him for dinner at DelMonicos at The Venetian which was first class all the way. The bill for the dinner for 7 (2 wives and 5 players) was over $1000.00 and was all comped by the hotel due to his penchant for blackjack at the casino. All I can say is that the food was out of this world Filet Mignon and Lobster Tails. Thanks Rico for having us as your guests.
I must agree with Joe about having better representation from our Albany League for any upcoming touraments out there. It was a great time and the level of play outstanding. Our league is definately competitive and our players would do excellent in these tourneys so let's get some more guys involved next time. It is definately worth thr trip.
Nice showing Joseph! Woulda been there if not for being in the wedding party last weekend in Boca.
If Rico is the same guy who went with us to Philly, he's a helluva team guy.
Save the date......the week before your fall tourney, I'm taking a team for the second year to Philly for a 35+ wood bat tourney. We went down with bare bones last year (it was the CDMSBL all-star weekend) and were competitive. Lost 2-1, 3-0, then 8-2 v. the Chester County Cobras. If you don't know the Cobras, check out your Hardball magazine....they're in just about every tourney listed.
October 11-12 this year, I already have four Jr. suites reserved at $120 each - 2+ per room (2 beds) depending on if you want to spoon with your double play partner.
It's not a bad drive, and the board members I've talked to have thanked me for letting them know the dates in advance so we don't have a conflict.
I can take two 32+ players, but they aren't eligible to pitch.
Tip of the hat to the '07 squad, which included Jim Bonaparte, Tony Parella, Fred (and Susie!) Phillips, Fred McIntosh, Rico, and a few of the local fellas.
