This is my one post for the year. I wanted to thank all the guys who spent this Labor Day weekend playing baseball in the 45 division. It was definitely the most fun I've had playing baseball this year - a great group of guys who between all of us came very close to keeping the trophy in the Capital District (our hats off to the connecticut team).
Pete, Ray, Mike & Mike, Steve, Dave, Tim, Herb, Eddie, Ron, Larry, Matt, Joe and Ted (I don't believe I missed anyone - my sincere apologies if I did)- it was a pleasure sharing the field and the horse liniment with you guys. 5 games in 24 hours isn't an easy task to fulfill but we did it well and with class. Nice job!
this is also my only post of this year, and first in a very long time, but I have to say, I agree with Steve, this was the most fun I've had playing in a while. Haven't played 5 games in 2 days since the Florida trips over 10 years ago. Too bad we couldn't push that 3rd run across to tie it in the 7th, but hey, we gave them a good game and made a good showing for the hometown in the finals. On top of that, I played and made friends with about 10 guys I never met before, which is always fun. Thanks for the invite, Steve VanGelder, I hope the A's contingent of Demers, Class and myself carried our weight enough to get an invitation next year. Dave VanWormer
I've known all the guys on this team, but more in a passing way - we'd see each other as friendly opponents in a 2 hour baseball game. To have gotten to know each of them better through this team has been a great pleasure and honor. Each individual listed in Steve's list brought with them great class, great spirit and a great sense of team play. All pulled and cheered each other - all gave up their spots rotating on the field and in the batting order to make sure everyone (even the challenged one - me) had a chance to contribute.
It was great fun with a greater bunch of people. Thank you Steve Van Gelder for putting this together.
Dave V and Steve L., well stated. The 5 games we played with one another was one of the most enjoyable times I've had in the 5 years playing ball again. Hopefully, we can do it again next year, and bring home a winner. Steve has always made it a point to recruit TEAM guys, as well as solid players, that's what made this experience so enjoyable, as it was on our 52 Damn Yankees club that brought home a championship, and going 13-0 as well. Let me name all the guys: Steve (Papa) Vangelder, Steve ( Hit Man!!)Lun....., Dave (solid) VanWormer,Ray (class) Demers,Ed (get it done) Class, Larry (great dude) Pape,Pete (the VET)Genalis,Tim (SMOOTH) Brown, Herbie (bod)Cepeda,Mike (Gramps) Eplite,Ron(Captain) McCarthy, Matt (Boggs) Kelly,Ted (Warrior)Martin, Jerry (meds) Solomon, Joe (rubber arm) Burns, Mike (do it all) Kane. Congrats on a premier performance from Joe Burns, who blanked the always tough Marlins, going the route, 9-0 to get us into the championship. In addition, Joe started game 1 on sunday against Vermont, throwing the first 3, then Herbie Cepeda closed it out the rest of the way for our game 3 victory. Steve L...... hit 3 Hr's in the tournament, and led the Yankees attack. Also homering were Ron McCarthy and Petey Genalis. The Yankees really utilized team speed, and must have stolen at least 20 + bases minimum, though the Leominster catcher put a lock on our base stealers which basically made it possible for the 4-4 tie in game 1, though we left something like 12 LOB in that contest. Mike Kane pitched a gutty performance, toughing out all 8 innings, great effort Mike. Petey Genalis went the full 7 against Vermont in game 2 getting the win, and saving some arms for out next 3. In the championship game against Bristol, Mr. Lefty really continued his dominance, though the Yankees staff pitched extremely well. Ted Martin started, though having a severe knee issue, but gutted out a few innings, only allowing 1 earned run, and Jerry Solomon finished up, giving up only 1 run, good job Jerry. Final Bristol 3 Yankees 2 Guys, if I missed something, please mention. Thanks to each and every player, it was most enjoyable having the feeling in having a shot to win it all. Great Job Steve, as usual running the club. LET"S DO IT AGAIN!!!!
Just wanted to thank Artie,' the man ' the myth' the legend' for an incredible weekend of baseball. Pitching in the first game he gave up 1 run in a game the Bristol manager said was a "classic".
We beat Leominster, with an fantastic pitching job from Ari from NH, in extra innings on a squeeze play, where after the game Artie said he just had a feeling it would work.
Lost to Bristol in the first round of the play-offs after scoring five runs in the first. Artie came in to save us, but ran into a very determined line-up, but still did a great job. Great playing with Ari(From NH(please come to Florida with us) (Bob Wiez(game saving snag at second against Leominster with second and third), Joey(fire your damn Boss)Carrecia, Jimmy(Roy Hobbs), Ricky(, pitching a gem against the R H Chili Peppers)Lafreddo, Donny Ball,(great behind the plate and listens to Anya before game)not that there's anything wrong with that-
Vinny( I can' stop dancing) Koster, Andy( "A" game, I didn't bring my "C" game,)Sheehan,
Dave,(the sweetest swing in the league)Booker crushing the ball all tourney-
Eddie(triple in the 8th inning against Leominster, squeezed in from 3rd avoiding the tag at the plate,
silent Johnny from the A's(I coached my son at Cook park, it's nice to finally play here), and last but not least Mike (I'll play third ,second, ss or any place you need me,)Aiello.
Proud of the 45 divsions guys who competed on all these various teams. its good to see us get 3 teams into the semis and battle so well. Bristol is a national championship team that knows how to play these tournies. hats off to you guys. however I am most pleased to see that guys went from their regular teams to play with other players, and it looks like they actually got along! no better time to discover new things than when you travel and ....at our own tourny?!
This was Kevin Jackson's final year out of several running this tourny. ( he wants to play for a change) . Q has said he will step in as tourny director next year. Kevin has done a great job running this. I know it takes from early summer to the final trophy and then some to do this right. He has carried the mantle well and maintained the pride in our tourny of "the longest continoulsy held MSBL regional". I know its in good hands with Quentin and I can see him some day saving the tounry from torrential rains as Kevin and others had done in the past. I am told besides Q, Don Wixon was instrumental in helpiing out this year.
I would also like to extend congrats to the Albany Nationals for regaining the title in the 25+ divsion.
and to our out of town guests I hope you enjoyed the baseball and will spread the word and come back next year for the 17th annual northeast regional.
Ralph you forgot to mention Ralph "Smooth" Caputo who played a tremendous shortstop and hit the ball all tourney as well. It was without doubt one of the most enjoyable teams to manage and play with. The defense all tourney was superb and an attitude of never quitting was just great.
Thanks again Mudcats for the fun and laughs.... we'll be together in the Championship next year.
On behalf of CT Bristol, just wanted to thank everyone involved on running the Labor Day tourny and especially Kevin Jackson for another great weekend. We always look forward to coming up here to play and although it looks like this was the final season for the Bristol team as a regular season group, we will try to play again next year in this tournament as an annual get together. If not, if anyone is looking for a lefty pitcher, just give me a call. See you next year Chris Arconti
