The Sandy's team we took to Readington was very competitive and, for a new combination of players, half of whom have little or no 50+ tournament experience, gave opponents something to think about.

This weekend the team has several new faces, experience and numbers to bolster its strength and endurance.  Although it seems we will not have Andre Thomas due to a bout with vertigo, we are adding the acclaimed bat of Gary Crosby, a power and high-average hitting infielder well-known to Jay and Steve Toth.  John Kalan will be coming out to play.  John's powerful bat is one of about 8 that will push this team from the weaker hitting AAA division into the more potent majors - a shift that brings us into competition with Sweet 50 - one of the country's best 50+ Major level teams.  Frank Bersterman and Steve Toth, both Ocean teammates of ours, play on the Sweet 50 team. 

Tony Vodola, Eddie Sindoni and Russ Casey will again be with us, lending their considerable talents to the infield, outfield and offense. 

Another factor in our favor will be the warmth and time of the season.  In Readington most of our players were very rusty compared to the practice other teams had prior.  Other teams no longer enjoy that advantage, as all of our tourney players have been playing and practicing elsewhere.

Andre would have been a significant addition to our team and fortunes, but Gary Crosby will offset his loss and John Kalan adds much to our hitting.  If we can avoid fielding errors we should compete for first place on Sunday.

Bridgewater is a qualifier for Phoenix, the biggest national tournament, in late October.  Winning Phoenix is the most prestigious event of the year, drawing the best of the best from the whole country.  The Tournament of Champions is supposed to be the most competitive but is not attended well enough by winners to compare to the quality of the teams going to Phoenix.