Gentlemen

I am writing to let you know that the Washington Township Senators will not be playing in the SJMSBL in 2012 nor beyond. Instead, we will be moving to the NJIBL, where I will act as (interim) Vice President of their 45+ Division. I wanted to make sure you had plenty of notice so that you can better plan for the season.

I played in the SJMSBL for 16 years, and for a great majority of that time, I believed it was the best MSBL league in the country, and I enjoyed every minute of it. But I am making this move now out of necessity — quite simply, I know it is the right thing to do for me and my players. Here, below, are some reasons why I feel this move is necessary for our Senator clubs right now. I hope these don't seem harsh; they are what I believe to be simple truths at this time.

• The competition in the NJIBL is now at least equal to, arguably better than, that in the SJMSBL at all levels. More importantly, the potential for growth — players moving up in age groups — is far greater here than it is in the SJMSBL, a fact that has been proven out over the past five years, as we have all watched the older divisions age and erode.
• The NJIBL is clearly better run, better organized, and more forward-thinking on the whole. It is a "night-and-day" situation now, and that is undeniable (though some may try).
• The entrance fee is cheaper — I've seen the numbers and they do not lie.
• The league has a young, pro-active, more long-term management team in place with a long-term plan for this to always be the case. They listen to the constituency and act upon what they want, and encourage extensive participation in the decision-making process. Every single person I've spoken to who plays in the league and has been privy to the management process has backed up this point of view.
• They have a better, more stable relationship with the area umpiring organizations, who respect the league because of their efficiency in scheduling games (just ask the umps: I certainly did).
• The NJIBL's use of technology is well ahead of the curve.
• The NJIBL has made it a point to align itself with many area businesses and charities, taking a "local first" approach to the league. It does not have a national focus — one is NOT needed, because it provides little benefit to the players.

And of course, having all Senator teams in the same league simplifies field scheduling for all our capable managers.

This move will include both the 35+ and 45+ Senators. My dear friend Ken Bevenour will continue to run that club, with some help from me and others. They will play in the NJIBL's 35+ Division, of course.

Thanks to Joe Basara (and also to Lloyd Terry) for his efforts over the years with the 35+ division, and to Mike Dunleavy for his work in the 45+ Division the past few years. I want to thank Gary Brown, in particular, for everything he did for the league over the years. I will always believe him to be a good guy with the league's best interests at heart. I wish you gentlemen the best going forward.

Onward and upward.

Sincerely,

Nick Frese
General Manager

The Senators took an 8-6 decision from the Moorestown Marlins on Friday night for a 1-0 advantage in the best-of-three finals. And they held a 6-4 advantage in the Saturday morning's Game #2 before the rains came in the bottom of the sixth inning, halting play.

Is it final or is it not?

SJMSBL rules state that a game is final and official if stopped after five innings of play by inclement weather. The local rules do NOT in any way address playoff games. However, MSBL National rules indicate that playoff games must play to completion. This whole situation was complicated by the fact that this EXACT QUESTION had been asked of Joe Basara one week prior in regard to the 35+ Senators game at Washington Lake Park, in which they were training in the sixth inning, in the rain. Basara's response was clear and final: "the game is official after five innings." This decision was backed up by 45+ President Mike Dunleavy, who addressed the EXACT SAME SITUATION in his playoff game the prior week (something that came to light well after the Saturday game was complete, it should be noted).

So obviously, the Senators had every reason to believe that would be the case on Saturday morning.

Apparently not.

After the fact, the Marlins maintained that the league must use the National rules rather than adhering to the local rules, as they do NOT specifically address the playoffs. This might have been a conversation to have PRIOR to EITHER game, but instead the Senators went into that fifth inning of Game #2 certain they need to capture a lead in case foul weather stopped the game early.

They did their part, scoring four times to take a 6-2 lead. The Marlins got two in the bottom of the inning to make it 6-4.

And mother nature then did her thing in the bottom of the sixth inning, with the Marlins threatening. The rains came and washed away the field with one out and two on.

Now the Senators have a decision to make. Many on the team feel that it would be wrong to continue the game based on the above facts. However, the over-riding issue is player availability. Because of the way things went down, the club believes it should entitled to have ALL of its players available should the game be continued. And this is NOT going to be an easy thing to do now that September is here in force. With the league scheduled to complete by the end of August, many of the Nats have full calendars in Septmeber.

Additionally, the team offered a Labor Day weekend game to the Marlins, but the Fish declined this option, stating that they could not field a team either day. 

That's all anyone knows at this stage, and uncertainty reigns. Where it all ends up is anyone's guess.

The Washington Township Senators got their revenge. They gave the South Jersey Hot Stovers back what they got last year, taking out the Stovers in two straight to move into the Championship Series for the second time in three years with a 19-2 decisive victory. John DiPietro once again tossed the complete-game to pick up the win.

The offense went long and deep, piling up 17 hits and adding eight walks. An incredible THIRTEEN players scored runs, and 11 guys hit safely. Frank Izzi wielded the biggest stick, going 4-for-5 with three RBI. Angel Rivera continued his torrid streak, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. Mark Alessandrini collected three more RBI, and Bobby Wood had two hits and two RBI. The Senators blasted four doubles in the game to boot.

The game ended with the Senators still batting in the 9th inning, as the pitching-short Stovers decided to pack it in, an understandable move considering the circumstances.

The Senators now await the winner of the Marlins-Reds contest, which will be played next Saturday at Rotary Field in Cherry Hill. That series is knotted 1-1, the Reds winning the opener 11-10 and losing the second game by a 3-2 score. Should be berry interesting!

After a scary injury in the season finale last week at Cinnaminson, it sure looked like John DiPietro was done for the year.

What a difference a week makes.

The Senator ace made a miraculous recovery, and all he did was toss a 140-pitch complete game at the SJ Hot Stovers, as the Senators took a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three semi-final series. It was an amazing performance from a guy who could not even lift his arm just seven days ago.

The Senators did not play their best game of the year, and DiPietro did allow 18 baserunners. But the right-hander did his best work with men on, and a few key DPs early stifled the Stover offense. Mark Alessandrini continued his fine season with two hits, as did Chris Johannes. Eight Senators hit safely.

Next Saturday, the Nats will try to close out the Stovers with a second consecutive victory. The game is expected to be played at Camden County Vocational School on Cross Keys Road in Sicklerville. If a Game 3 is necessary, it would likely be at Deptford High School on Sunday.

Yes, the Washington Township Senators picked up a 14-1 win over the Cinnaminson Reds yesterday. But the meaningless victory was rendered even more meaningless when ace hurler John DiPietro left the game after sustaining a shoulder injury. He was in quite a bit of discomfort, and the Senator Nation awaits a status report from the training staff. Although they are very deep in pitching, the loss of DiPietro's arm would be a serious blow to the team's championship hopes.

In the game, Angel Rivera continued his torrid hitting with a 3-for-4, 2 RBI performance.  Kurt Ley, Miles Reader, Chris Johannes, Nick Frese and Billy Trotman all had two hits each, and Johannes and Mark Alessandrini had three RBI. Frank Rose picked up the win in relief of DiPietro, working four innings and allowing zero earned runs.

The Senators now await the winner of the Mariners-Hot Stover game next Saturday, as they begin their quest for a title with a home game at either Deptford or Washington Township High School. If DiPietro is unable to make the start, it is expected that Frese will go with Johannes in this game.

And so they wait...

In a bafflingly bad performance, the Senators dropped an 8-5 decision to the Cinnaminson Reds on Thursday night. The Nats used five pitchers, and not a single one of them allowed an earned run despite the fact that the Reds scored eight times. Adding to the debacle, the Senator offense ran itself out of FIVE run scoring opportunities on the bases.

Yes, it was ugly!

But fortunately, the game didn't matter a lick in the standings, and it can easily be forgotten, and in fact, avenged with a win Sunday in Cinnaminson. And that's what we need to do.

Kudos to Miles Reader for his Campy Campaneris/Cesar Tovar performance. Miles played ALL NINE positions in order in the game. It's a shame that it had to occur in a loss.

Onward and upward.

Well, it's three years in a row now: the Washington Township Senators will be the first place team in the SJMSBL's American Division.

On a Tuesday night at Washington Lake Park, Angel Rivera and Hector Colon led the way as the Senators defeated the short-handed Maple Shade Mariners by a 10-3 score to clinch the title. The game ended after four-plus innings due to an on-field incident (read: fight) between two Mariner players.

It was a fine evening for baseball, and the Senators played errorless ball and got a stellar pitching performance out of Rivera in his first start of the year. His emergence as a hurler does not bode well for the rest of the division. Colon had a huge hit in the game, clearing the bases with a three-run double in the fourth. The Nats got 10 hits in their four-plus at-bats. Not too shabby.

The Senators now have two meaningless contests against the Cinnaminson Reds, the first Thursday night at Washington Lake Park, and the second Sunday morning at Cinnaminson Memorial. Then they begin the playoffs on Sunday, August 7 against the winner of the 4 vs 5 "play-in" game on Saturday.

Pitching plans and lineups will be announced.

The Senators roared to an 8-0 early lead against the Moorestown Marlins on Sunday at Washington Lake Park, and then they handed the ball to John DiPietro and relaxed. The result: a 10-1 victory that move the Nats a step closer to another division title.

Kurt Ley had a big offensive day, collecting three hits, three RBIs, and three runs scored, plus a couple of steals. Mark Alessandrini and Frank Izzi were each good for two hits and two RBIs. And Bob Wood, Chris Johannes, and Hector Colon also had two hits each. The Senators stole seven bases in the first two innings.

DiPietro was masterful, scattering eight singles and allowing just two baserunners through the first five innings of work. The Marlins threatened several times thereafter, but #45 held them to just a single run. John Kosmowsky did a nice job of keeping the Senators off-balance after relieving Steve Gaunay in the fifth, but the horse was way out of the barn by then.

Next up: the Senators face a weeknight game vs the Maple Shade Mariners at Washington Lake Park, with the Mariners as the home club in the contest. The Senators pitching plans are unclear at this time, but Rose and Angel Rivera are certain to see some innings.

Another nice win for the Senators on a bright, hot, sunny day at Hammonton Lake Park. Frank Rose picked up another win with seven solid innings, and Jim Toth got on the field for the first time, finishing the game with a four-pitch eighth.

The offense heroes were Hector Colon (3-for-4 with three RBI on a bases-clearing triple) and Dan Laudisio (2-for-2 with three RBI). Mark Alessandrini, Frank Izzi, Rose, and Bruce Schumin each had two hits. And Miles Reader did a very nice job at shortstop in place of Angel Rivera, who could not make the game due to family obligations.

The game remained painfully close for five innings, but the Senators offense went to work in the sixth and sealed things u with a five-run outburst. The home team (yes, the Nats were home club) collected 17 hits on the morning, and looked pretty sharp.

Next up: a big match with the Moorestown Marlins at Washington Lake Park, an 8:45 am start time. Then on Tuesday, July 17, the Senators are back at the Park as the visiting team for a make-up game against the Maple Shade Mariners. A lot should be decided in that three-day period.

Well, that one was a very special win.

It's not often that a Senator team falls behind by nine runs in a game. I bet that in the history of the team, that has happened maybe five times. And although I don't know for sure, I am willing to wager that was the biggest comeback (in terms of numbers) in team history. A GREAT job by all, but particularly Chris Johannes,who stood tall for us in his first mound appearance of the year.

Chris added three hits, as did Frank Rose, Hector Colon and Angel Rivera,who was the offensive spark plug for sure — the Senator leadoff hitter had lots of pep in his step, and it rubbed off for sure.

Miles Reader added two doubles to the offensive mix (19 hits), and Kurt Ley and Frank Izzi had two RBIs apiece. Kudos to Rose for taking that stiff beating and then walking out onto the mound in the ninth and saving the game for Johannes. A very, very cool moment!

With the victory, the Senators claim a virtual tie for first place in the division. This sets up a key rubber match against those same Marlins on July 17. Should be fun!

Next up: a week off before the Senators return with a home game at Hammonton Lake Park against the Black Sox.

The Senators rode the momentum of a 7th-inning comeback rally to a sweep of the Maple Shade Mariners by scores of 3-2 and 9-7. John DiPietro got the win in the opener, and Frank Rose brought home the bacon in the nightcap.

Frank Izzi and Dan Laudisio delivered the big hits in the bottom of the 7th in the first game to give the Senators the come-from-behind win. After trailing 1-0 the entire game, the Mariners pushed across two runs in the top of the 7th, helped by an atrocious call. But the Senators were up to the task, responding with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take the win.

The Senators then scored in every inning of the nightcap, taking that game by the 9-7 score despite being out-hit 11-8 by a solid Mariner offense.

Next up: another road trip to Rotary Field for a rematch with the Marlins.

The Senators took a 10-7 loss yesterday thanks to some sloppy defense, too many free passes, and an offense that didn't wake up until late in the contest. All in all, a team loss for sure.

Dan Laudisio had a nice 4-for-4 day, while Angel Rivera, Frank Rose, and Billy Trotman each added two hits. The Senator offense collected 15 hits to the Marlin's 9, but they simply couldn't climb back into this one. 

John DiPietro worked seven innings, tossing 139 pitches, but the Senators continually shot themselves in the foot with key mistakes. C'est la vie.

Next up, the Senators come back home for a match against the Cinnaminson Reds as they hope to turn things back around quickly.

Maybe the headline should have been "No No-No".

Because that was clearly the story of the day, this despite some Senator offensive thunder that featured 20 hits and 19 runs. 

Frank Rose tossed 6-2/3 no-hit innings, before Ken Rehrig's clean single to right on a 3-2 pitch broke up the masterpiece. Rose had five strikeouts and walked just one batter in dispatching the Pirates.

Mark Alessandrini had the big day with four hits and four RBI. Kurt Ley added four hits and three RBI, while Chris Johannes and Rose had three hits each. Each of the nine Senators present had at least one hit, and all but one had an RBI to boot. 

The game really didn't feel like a blowout until the sixth inning, when the Pirate bullpen was touched up for three runs. The Senators made things ugly with nine runs in the seventh.

Next up for the Nats: a post Memorial Day road trip to Rotary Field for a match against the Marlins. Enjoy your holiday weekend!

The offense, pitching and defense continued to shine, as the Senators delivered a nifty 11-6 win over the Maple Shade Mariners at Deptford High School Sunday. John DiPietro picked up win #3 in keeping the Senators perfect in 2011, at 3-0.

The big stick belonged to Frank Izzi,as the big guy pounded four hits, including two booming doubles, scored four runs and stole a couple of bags to boot. Mark Alessandrini was 2-for-3, scoring three runs. And Dan Laudisio had a 3-for-4 performance, driving in three. Bobby Wood also made the most of his lone single, collecting two RBI thanks to a sacrifice fly.

With their five-run first frame, the Senators have now scored a total of 13 runs this year in the first inning alone, and 19 in innings OTHER than the first. Boy, does that help a pitcher!

Next up, the Senators await some resolution to what has now become "The Hot Stover Issue". The Nats are scheduled for two at Rabinowitz Field, but with the Stovers threatening to say adios to the league, the games are in great peril. More on this as it develops.

The Senators offense continued to sparkle here in the early going of 2011, as the Nats collected 15 hits and took down the SJ Hot Stovers by a 13-1 score Sunday at Deptford High School. Frank Rose picked up three hits and three RBIs to lead the charge.

And the pitching was stellar, too -- John DiPietro tossed seven innings of four-hit ball to get the complete-game victory. 

And yes, the defense was also again on its game, as the Senators committed just one meaningless error and turned FOUR double plays to help DiPietro's day. All systems were "go" on this Sunday.

Next up: the Nats face the Maple Shade Mariners in a single game at Deptford High School. The second game of this scheduled twin-bill will be resecheduled for later in the year, probably at Washington Lake Park on a late June or early July evening.

The Senators started the 2011 season in fine fashion, continuing a three-season trend of being 1-0. They beat the Cinnaminson Reds 8-2 behind the stellar work of John DiPietro, who tossed six innings to pick up his intial 45+ victory. Frank Rose and Angel Rivera closed things out with three shutout innings of relief.

The Senator offense got off to a smashing start, collecting five runs in the first and then crusing to the win. The boys had 14 hits, and they were widely scattered up and down the lineup. Frank Izzi, Dan Laudsio, Chris Johannes, Bill Trotman, and DiPietro each had two hits. Rivera was on base in three of four trips as the leadoff hitter, too.

Next up: the Senators travel to "beautiful" Aces Field in Maple Shade for a game against the Mariners. DiPietro is once again expected to take the hill.

As the Senators prepare for Sunday's season opener at Deptford HS against the Cinnaminson Reds, they were happily celebrating Reese Witherspoon's marriage to DLed Senator Jim Toth (click here to read the story).

"Well, opening day is a very special time for all us baseball players," GM Nick Frese said, "But to have a blessed event like this occur in the same time frame is almost too much. We knew Toth did a lot of traveling for 'business', but who knew the guy was romancing Reese the whole time?? I can tell you the guys are pretty excited."

John DiPietro gets the starting nod Sunday vs Reds, but all the Senator 45+ rookie could talk about was the Toth nuptuals. 

"Baseball schmaseball," Dipietro enthused. "This goes way beyond a simple ballgame. We've all seen Jimmy in the locker room, and sure, you have to be impressed. But you would think these Hollywood actresses see stuff like this all the time. I guess not."

Toth, who is expected to miss games well into June due to knee surgery scheduled for April 21, is happy to have some company during his rehab.

"Reese is a little bit younger than me," Toth said, "So I'm hoping I'll be able to keep up with her as she leads me through some special exercises to help me get back to the ballclub soon. I mean, we have a championship caliber team here and I don't want to miss the whole thing."

Thanks to her relationship with Toth, Witherspoon has apparently gained a vast appreciation for 45+ baseball. Industry rumors indicate she is currently working on a documentary project about the league. Working title is "Old Balls and Why I Love Them" or "Going Deep With Real Men."

"We're sure hoping to see Reese at one of our ballgames this year," Frese said. "We don't get a lot of fans out, and she is sure to draw some people. Plus, it will make all my guys run faster."

With the signing of John Dipietro,and Frank Izzi,it is clear that the Washington Township Senators are in no way resting on their laurels in 2011 — they are loading up and going for the gold once again.

"Hey, the league got better so we gotta get better," said GM Nick Frese. "I knew we had to make some key moves, and we were very fortunate that Frank and John were interested. From the looks of things on paper, we should be able to do a lot of things that the other teams might not be able to do."

With Izzi, the Senator offense can be described as fearsome and deep. And with Dipietro, the Senators have the pitcher they need to win the big games.

"We are, of course, a bit worried about the status of Chris Johannes," Frese said. "Given his injuries, we are just not clear on when — or if — he will be able to pitch effectively. Same story for Jimmy Toth. But Frank Rose, Bobby Wood, Miles Reader and Billy Trotman do give us some other options to fill out the rotation."

A roster 19, or even 20, deep might give some managers major-league headaches. But Frese did not seem overly concerned with the sudden increase in numbers.

"One thing I know for sure," Frese said. "I have a TEAM here, a bunch of guys who are willing to play together — and even SIT together at time — in order to reach the ultimate goal of a league title. I know I can get everyone to contribute during the regular season, and then in the playoffs we will simply throw the best or hottest eleven guys out there and go after it. That's the way the Senators do business."

With opening day set for April 10, the Senators are close to seeing how this all translates between the lines.

The Washington Township Senators, fresh off a 22-0 campaign in 2009, face a whole new world of challenges in the revised SJMSBL 45+ Division this year.

First of all, old friends the Moorestown Marlins have moved up along with the South Jersey Hot Stovers, and both clubs are certain to make things interesting. A new divisional alignment means tough games each and every weekend, and repeating last year's success is certainly a daunting task.

And the Nats have lost a stalwart in hurler Chris Lawrence, who is hangin' 'em up after many years as a Senator. To fill his shoes, the Senators have added their old super leadoff hitter Mark Alessandrini, who should able fill Lawrence's role at the top of the order. He may also close games.

Hector Colon,a former Delco Astro, comes to the fold as well. Hector will play some middle infield. And also joining the Senators is old friend Kurt Ley, formerly of the Winslow Tigers. Kurt played with Frese and Rose back on the 2001 Indian Mills Yankees. He brings a solid lefty bat and great versatility to the fold, as he can play OF, INF and even back-up Danny & Miles behind the dish if needed.

So it's almost here. And if another 22-0 seems like a VERY long shot, another championship is anything but!

The Washington Township Senators yesterday began an innovative spring training program during which they will forgo the standard cages/batting practice for personal training sessions. According to GM Nick Frese, the Sens might not see the bats and balls until March.

"I gotta admit, this came from my lack of conditioning of late," said the GM. "Last year I constantly felt like I was a step behind everyone, and I have a stinking suspicion I wasn't the only one feeling it based upon the number of pulls and tweaks we saw in 2010."

And so the Senators encamped Sunday night at Pinnacle Fitness in Turnersville, NJ for the first of 10 weeks of running, stretching, sweating, and pain at the hands of proprietor Phil Pirollo. "Phil was kind enough to design a baseball-centric program specially designed for 'mature' ballplayers," Frese said. "But trust me: it's not your grandfather's workout. The deadness in my legs today will attest to that fact."

In fact, at the first session, all three Senator age groups were represented, with Tony Frese of the 25s, Edwin Paduia of the 35s, and the GM and Hector Colon representing the old guard. And the younger Frese certainly appeared to have his tongue hanging out a little afterward. The young Sen had been quickly gaining weight in sympathy with his pregnant wife, Stephanie, who delivered him a son (Nicholas Anthony) earlier this month.

The Senators are expecting to see much larger numbers at the next workout, as both Chris Lawrence and Bob Wood missed this one due to illness, and Dan Laudisio, Miles Reader and Mark Alessandrini had other obligations.

"It was a good, core-centered, varied workout plan," Frese said, "And Phil is going to give out a home plan for everyone to follow next week, too. I think it will help the team compete during the long season, and be stronger come August when push comes to shove.

And according to league sources, the Senators are going to need everything they've got — word is that The Hot Stovers have added several very good ballplayers to an already potent offense.

"It's never easy to win in this league," Frese said, "And we love the challenge of good competition. That's why we're out here in January sweating our asses off to get ready." Frese also commented on the fact that the Sens would not be officially taking bat and ball in hand until late March, a plan he has no qualms about.

"If we don't know how to hit and throw by now, shame on us," Frese said. "Now, I know the pitchers will certainly need to start throwing a tad earlier, and that will be on them. But the rest of us? Two weeks of hitting is PLENTY to get ready for the season after 40+ years of playing baseball. If we can't do that, time to take up pool or darts."

And so it ends.

The 2010 season was challenging, with injuries aplenty and struggles a-many. And the SJ Hot Stovers finally put the Senators out of their misery, sweeping the defending champs with an 8-7 victory at Rabinowitz Field on Sunday. Chris Johannes took the loss.

The Senators picked their last game of the year to finally play errorless baseball, but it just didn't matter, as the Hot Stover offense piled up 15 hits. They made good use of all of them, too, collecting eight runs in the first five innings and forcing the Senators to again work from behind. They just couldn't keep slogging up the hill.

The Nats got two great relief performances in the series out of Jim Toth, but both came after the horse was well out of the barn. And although the team did deliver some offense, they were unable to break through with that needed big inning — the most they could manage in a single inning was just two tallies.

The winter looms large in the windshield now, with the Senators looking eagerly ahead to a chance to heal and get back into the fray in a big way in 2011. 

And then, they rested.

With a troubling 8-7 loss to the South Jersey Hot Stovers, the Washington Township Senators find themselves staring at a difficult task: they must now take two consecutive games from the Stovers at Rabinowitz Field next week or they relinquish their title.

They are not expected to go quiety.

The Senator lost a topsy-turvy game Sunday that featured 22 hits, 13 walks, and five errors -- it was not a Spalding Guide performance by either club. But the Senators wound up on the short end of the stick because they managed to do just enough things wrong in the game to lose it, and also because they just couldn't break things open when they had chances to do so. And the Stovers did not hurt themselves much defensively, save for one very costly mistake in the eighth inning.

Next Sunday, the Nats are simply going to have to play better baseball if they expect to continue on into deep August with their quest to repeat as 45+ Champs. And that, indeed, is the plan!

The Washington Township Senators offense finally seemed to arise from the ashes, as they collected 15 hits and beat the Moorestown Marlins 10-7 behind a complete-game effort from Chris Johannes. Frank Rose and Bruce Schumin led the offense with three hits and three RBI apiece.

The Nats were fortunate when Marlin hurler Steve Guanay came up lame prior to the contest. Guanay had handled them well in his last start, and Joe Basara was forced to take the hill in his place. He was not treated kindly by the Senator bats, and the Marlins hurt their cause by committing eight errors. Conversely, the Senator defense continued to improve, as they allowed just three errors, all of them early.

Big Jim Toth made his quick return from a heart malfunction, and #6 played the entire game at first base and showed no ill effects. The Senators had contributions from up and down the lineup, as is their custom, and it was a nice way to end the regular season.

Next, the Nats await a playoff opponent. It will be either the Marlins, Phillies or Hot Stovers, as the Mariners, by virtue of finishing in third place, would be the highest remaining seed should they advance. Rose will get the starting nod in the August 8 playoff game, and Johannes will have game #2 on August 15.

After a very shaky run during which the Senators managed to drop three games, they finally righted the ship and swept the Cinnaminson Reds Sunday by score of 6-3 and 11-1 to clinch the American Division regular season title. Frank Rose tossed a complete game in the opener, and Miles Reader matched his feat in the second game, winning his first-ever Senator starting assignment.

There were offensive heroes up and down the lineup, with Bruce Schumin collecting four RBI in the twin-bill, Kurt Ley getting three hits in the night-cap, and Bobby Wood picking up four hits and three RBI. In addition, the Senators managed to collect two consecutive bunt singles (Nick Frese, Hector Colon) in the first game to play small-ball and win the game.

And so the Senators are American Division champions for the second year in a row. But the road ahead is rocky, as the playoffs will be challenging in this new, improved division. Bring it on!

The South Jersey Phillies took a walk-off 8-7 win Sunday on a 90-foot grounder, the last of a spate of similar hits that left the Senators breathless, and suffering from a nasty two-game losing skeen that has seen defensive collapses and a sputtering offense sink the defending champs.

The Nat offense could manage just seven hits off Pat Duffy, two each from Kurt Ley and Nick Frese. And they wasted a pretty decent effort from comebacking Chris Johannes,plus three two-hit innings from Frank Rose.

The Senators have developed an amazing and frustrating habit of doing just enough to lose. And it seems like every hard-hit ball they had found its way into a Philly glove. But give the Phillies credit: Duffy did a terrific job of managing the Senator bats, and their offense did just enough to skate by with the big win.

Next up, the Senators travel to Cinnaminson Memorial Park for a doubleheader with the Reds. If the offense doesn't find itself, and if the defense continues to struggle, it could be a very long morning for the home town heroes.

The Moorestown Marlins came out swinging, and though the Nats fought back as best they could, a 12-0 lead was too much to overcome in the end. The Marlins walked (somewhat literally) away with a 13-8 decision on a sweltering hot day at Deptford High School.

The Marlins out-hit the Senators by just 15-13, but mix in eight walks, four errors and four hit batters, and oh well, it just ain't good. Fortunately, the Senators retain a big lead in the division, and barring an epic collapse, they should still be looking at a bye on the weekend of July 31.

Miles Reader did a very nice job out of the bullpen, as did Bobby Wood, as the Marlins were only able to score a single run after the fourth. As for the offense, it was just a tad shaky. But Joe Leo, Bruce Schumin, Billy Trotman and Jim Toth all managed two hits each.

Given Reader's ridiculous flexibility, manager Nick Frese is considering a bold move (should the situation allow): I think we are going to try and have Miles do a Campy Campaneris and play ALL NINE positions in a single game. Far as anyone can recall, the only spot #17 has not occupied over the years is first base, and that is easily remedied. So if we have a game to spare this year, we are going to see something special.

The Senators will now enjoy a much-needed respite, and hope to return to form on July 11 at Camden County College against the always tough Phillies.

The Senators stayed in the win column, bringing their new winning steak to two with a less-than-beautiful (but we'll take it) win over the Hammonton Black Sox at gorgeous Hammonton Lake Park on Sunday. Jim Toth picked up the win with six workman-like innings, and Mark Alessandrini led the offense with two hits and two steals. Nick Frese's two-out, three-run double in the second was a key blow as well.

The Senator infield was very generous to the Sox, committing an unacceptable SIX errors in the first five innings of the contest, but they settled down to play errorless ball for the remaining five frames. And the bullpen, led by Billy Trotman and Alessandrini, did a great job in relief of Toth.

As is usual the case with this Senator team, the offense was well spread apart -- the 4-8 hitters managed to go just 2-for-18, but the rest of the troops picked them up, scoring nine of the 10 runs.

Next the Nats travel to Camden County College for a big re-match with the vastly improved South Jersey Phillies. The Senators got by the Phils at Washington Lake Park in a 5-2 squeaker last time out. Frank Rose is once again expected to take the baseball for the Senators.

After coming up on the winning side TWENTY-SEVEN consecutive times, the Senators got a taste of defeat on Sunday, and the flavor was quite lacking.

The Hot Stovers came up with a 6-run sixth inning and then held on to hand the 45+ Nats their first loss -- EVER. Chris Johannes pitched good enough to win, but the Senators struggled to get the big hit, stranding 12 runners and making just enough defensive mistakes to make the difference.

But that quickly, the Senators started another winning streak, taking the nightcap by a 10-7 score in a sloppily played contest. Frank Rose went the distance, tossing 98 pitches and gutting his way through the rain to pick up the win.

As they have been doing all year, Mark Alessandrini and Dan Laudiso led the offense.  Alessandrini reached base in five of seven trips, and Laudisio banged four hits and made a highlights film diving catch that had to be seen to be appreciated. Miles Reader finally got a little jiggy, collecting three hits and driving in four runs in the twin-bill.

The Senators took the loss like a team, and then moved forward and did what they had to do to get the win in the second game. 

Next, the Senators take a welcomed week off to heal and then travel to beautiful Hammonton Lake Park to meet Mike Dunleavy's Hammonton Black Sox. 

I guess rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.

Frank Rose made his return to the hill a triumphant one, shutting down the South Jersey Phillies on eight hits and no earned runs for a 5-2 victory at Washington Lake Park. The white-hot Senator offense -- averaging 14 runs per game coming in -- slowed a bit, but Rose made sure it didn't matter.

Mark Alessandrini, Hector Colon, Nick Frese and Miles Reader each collected two hits to lead the offense. The Senators played a little shaky "D" early in the contest, but seemed to batten down the hatches during the latter portion of the contest. It was a nice, solid win, and a FAST game -- the boys were at the bar by 11:20 AM!

Next week: a key twin-bill against The South Jersey Hot Stovers at Deptford High School. Chris Johannes will make the Game #1 start, while Rose takes the hill for the nightcap.

Chris Johannes worked seven solid innings and Jim Toth banged out four hits as the Senators handled the Reds by a 16-4 score on a windy, cold, un-May-like morning at Washington Lake Park. The Senator offense was again in high gear, as they scored in seven of the eight innings played.

Mark Alessandrini was on base four of five times, and Danny Laudisio collected two hits and scored four runs. Mike Dettra made his 2010 debut a good one by slamming a double and picking up two RBI. Johannes also added two hits, as did Don Tash.

The Senators came into the game averaging 14 runs per game, and amazingly, they saw that average rise. And an unnoticed, perhaps underappreciated fact: the Senator defense has been stellar all year, as they've made just seven errors in four games. That really helps the pitching do it's job.

The Reds were very short-handed on the cold morning, having just nine players. And the Senators were missing Frank Rose, Hector Colon, Bobby Wood and Bill Trotman. But the bats didn't miss a beat anyway.

Next up for the Nats: the hot South Jersey Phillies come to Washington Lake Park. Rose will return to the hill after his hamstring injury, and he is raring to get back into action. Colon is also expected to make his return from a groin pull hiatus, and Trotman should be back in the lineup as well. Bruce Schumin suffered a back injury during the game, however, and his status is in question.

There are wins, and there are WINS. Yesterday's 15-12 victory over the Maple Shade Mariners was the latter.

The Senators fell behind 10-4, lost two shortstop and one outfielder, and yet still sucked it up and came back to remain unbeaten. On a day when Frank Rose did not have his best stuff and suffered a nasty hamstring injury; with Hector Colon unable to finish the game due to a groin pull; with the Senators employing a left-handed shortstop (Mark Alessandrini) for the first time in club history; with all sorts of weirdness in the air -- the Senators held together and bludgeoned their way back into the baseball game.

Joe Leo pounded out four hits including a double. Bobby Wood had two hits and four RBI, and picked up the win in relief, working four innings. Danny Laudisio pounded two doubles and drive in two. Kurt Ley continued his torrid pace, collecting three singles and driving in two. Jimmy Toth, Jeff Goldstein, and Nick Frese all had two hits and drove in runs. And of course, Mr. Colon left the yard, the second 45+ Senator to get a round-tripper.

This, folks, was a win to be proud of against a very, very good offensive team.  Everyone should be pretty satisfied with the effort.

Things continue to be difficult, though. We face the always tough Cinnaminson Reds next week at Washington Lake Park, and it will be without both Rose and Colon for sure. But as always, I am confident this team will do whatever is necessary to get through this difficult stretch. After all, it's what we do.

Heavy rains late Saturday night and all day Sunday forced postponement of the scheduled game between the Senators and the Moorestown Marlins. The game has been tentatively rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on June 27 at Deptford, but the teams may try to play a night game at Washington Lake Park down the road, if that option is a possibility. More on that as it develops.

This week, May 2, the Senators travel to Aces Field in Maple Shade to meet the Maple Shade Mariners. The Senators handled the short-handed Mariners rather easily on opening day, but one would expect a much more difficult contest on the club's home field now that they have a few games under their belt. 

Linesup and starting pitcher will be annouced as we get closer to game day.

Bobby Wood and Danny Laudisio each had three hits, and Miles Reader drove in three runs as the Senators used another big first inning to roll to a 12-3 win over the impressive South Jersey Hot Stovers. Frank Rose was the beneficiary of the support, picking up his first win of 2010 in his initial outing.

The Senators hit the ball hard all morning long, and it look several very nice plays by the Stover defense to keep the score from being more lop-sided. On a warmer day at Rabinowitz, the Nat offense just might have had three dingers. But the gusty winds and cold temperatures made the long balls a pipe dream on this day.

The booming Senator bats picked up 16 hits on the morning, and the boys showed a solid defense, turning two double plays and eliminating the mistakes on the unseasonably cold morning. The Senators also showed off their footspeed, stealing five bases. They were also helped by six Hot Stover errors, most of which seemed to come in key spots. 

The game was much closer than it might look, as the Hot Stovers brought the tying run to the plate in the 7th inning. But Rose was able to retire the very dangerour Mark Leise on a grounder to second to keep it to 7-3 (at that point). But the Nats picked up seven more runs over the next two frames to put some distance between themselves and what appears to be a formidable Stover offense.

Next up: The Senators return home for a match against their old friend, the unbeaten  Moorestown Marlins. The Fish edged the SJ Phillies 7-6 on opening day, and thrashed the Delco Dodgers 11-1 yesterday. Chris Johannes is expected to take the ball against his ex-mates.

The Washington Township Senators offense was firing on all cylinders early, as the Nats scored 15 runs in the first four innings to handle the Maple Shade Mariners by a 15-8 score. Mark Alessandrini and Kurt Ley made their 45+ debuts good ones, as they each colleted three hits and three runs scored, and stole three bases between them. Jeff Goldstein also chipped in with three hits, and Chris Johannes picked up the win and got two hits of his own. Bobby Wood drove in three runs.

Senator rookie Hector Colon made a great debut as shortstop, and he hit into very tough luck, going hitless despite hitting the ball on the nose every time up. Those will even out, Hector!

Next week the Senators travel to Rabinowitz Field to meet the South Jersey Hot Stovers. Frank Rose will make his 2010 debut on the hill for the Nats.

The 45+ Washington Township Senators are ready to step up and start defending their title in the SJMSBL this Sunday morning against the team they met in the finals last year, the Maple Shade Mariners. And they have no illusions that this is 2009.

"Last year was magical, special, and frankly freakish," said skipper Nick Frese. "Yeah,  we're gonna go out there every single week and give everything we have. But as manager of this team, no, I am NOT expecting us to get through this tough competition without taking it on the chin a few times. We'll do everything we can to PREVENT it, but to expect it would be ridiculous."

Veteran lefty Chris Johannes will be handed the baseball on opening day for the Senators. The lefty had a superb 2009 campaign, and he is rarin' to go Sunday. The tentative line-up for this game is:

1. Mark Alessandrini-CF
2. Kurt Ley-3B
3. Bob Wood-RF
4. Dan Laudisio-C
5. Miles Reader-LF
6. Chris Johannes-P
7. Bill Trotman-2B
8. Hector Colon-SS
9. Jeff Goldstein-EH/1B
10. Bruce Schumin-1B/3B
11. Don Tash-DH/OF

Bench:
Nick Frese (1B)
Mike Dettra (2B/3B)
Jim Toth (P)

Absent:
Joe Leo
Frank Rose

As always, subject to change based upon player availability and the whims of the manager.

45 years.

That's how long I've been playing "organized" baseball and softball. Started in 1964 with Randolph Chevrolet at Whitman Park Little League. Moved on to high school ball at St. Joseph Camden. Played Garden State for Whitman Park. Went on to softball from 1976-1992, then back into baseball for the West Deptford Athletics and finally, the Washington Township Senators.

In all those years, not ONE team that I played on EVER did what this team did: went an entire season without suffering a single defeat.

People might say it was the competition (or lack thereof). I will disagree with that wholeheartedly, as we had PLENTY of chances to lose games this year. We simply refused to do it. And that is something that really needs to be appreciated, and celebrated.

So enjoy, my fellow Senators. You did something this year that you may never, ever do again!

Congratulations to the 2009 SJMSBL 45+ Division CHAMPS!!

After countless rainouts, cancellations and plenty of antici....pation, the Washington Township Senators will finally get a chance to finish what they started come Sunday, as they face off once again against the Maple Shade Mariners in the SJMSBL 45+ Finals, Game #2. Chris Johannes will get the baseball as the Nats attempt to complete their perfect season.

Game #1 of this series is but a distant memory already, having been played several weeks ago in the morning sunshine at Washington Lake Park, which will also be the scene for this next game. The Nats managed to win that game by a 13-10 margin, holding on for dear life in the ninth after holding a 13-3 lead for much of the contest. 

If the Senators can take the game, the season ends and they are Champs. If they should lose, a second game will be played immediately after the first to determine the division champion. After playing just five games between August 9 and October 11, the Nats will certainly be hot and bothered to get this done in one.

"Yeah, we'd sure like to finish the job in the first nine innings," said skipper Nick Frese. "With all these delays and layoffs, you just never know how much gas the guys have left in the tank. But it's not going to be easy because this Mariner team can certainly hit the baseball."

Yes, they can. And they proved it in the first game, scoring seven runs in that final frame before Chris Lawrence was able to put out the fire, finally.

"That's why you build up a lead like that, I suppose," Frese said. "And that's why we kept on stealing and scoring for the entire game -- you can't take this stuff for granted when your opponent can hit. You can damned well bet we'll be doing the same things this Sunday."

The weather forecast for Sunday looks good, if a bit football-like in temperature. So it appears that on October 11, the longest "summer season"  in baseball history will finally end.

The Senators hope it ends well for them.

Veteran hurler Frank Rose will have the baseball come Sunday. Who he will throwing it by is anyone's guess.

The Washington Township Senators, winners of their last 20 ballgames, await the winner of a rubber match between the  Maple Shade Mariners and the Burlington A's to see who they will face on Sunday. So it looks like either Danny Hill or Bobby Morell will be on the hill come Sunday -- since both clubs really feature just one pitcher.

There is some question as to whether the "two-games in two days" scenario is a plus or a minus for the A's or Mariners. But the Senators can't think about that stuff. They simply need to think "WIN."

"On or off Saturday? Doesn't matter a lick," said Senators skipper Nick Frese. "We know what we have to do, and we just have to be prepared to go out and do it on Sunday, period. It's not complicated. Though at this advanced age, I'm thinking the day off can't hurt!"

 The Nats will either face the2007 league champs in the A's, or a Mariners team that lost in the finals to the 2009 champ, the Cinnaminson Reds. Either will be a tough hill to climb.

With their 13-10 victory over the Maple Shade Mariners yesterday, the Washington Township Senators stand one victory away from their first 45+ SJMSBL Championship. Frank Rose picked up the win with eight strong innings of work, and manager Nick Frese led the Senator offense with a 4-for-4, four RBI performance. Don Tash also added three safeties.

The Senators built up a seemingly comfortable 13-3 lead entering the ninth inning, but somebody forget to tell the Mariners. Hence, the Nats had to live through a white-knuckle, 7-run, bat-around inning that featured a few miscues and a LOT of hits. They managed to hold on, with Chris Lawrence fanning the last two hitters with two runners aboard.

The offense was solid up and down the lineup all day long, and there were clutch hits aplenty. The Senators might have scored even more runs if not for a few baserunning gaffs that cost them. No matter: a win is a win! The infield also turned what is perhaps the DP of the year, when Lawrence picked a grounder deep in the hole, fired to Billy Trotman at second, who pivoted nicely and threw a one-hopper to Chris Johannes, who picked it cleanly to nip the batter-runner and end the inning.

Next Saturday, the two clubs will meet again for game two of the best-of-three series. Johannes will make the start for the Senators as they try to finish the job started back in April.

The Washington Township Senators spotted the Maple Shade Mariners an early six spot and then stormed back with 12 unanswered run in the next three innings, beating the Mariners 12-7 behind stellar relief work by Chris Lawrence. Jim Toth led the offense with two hits and four RBI.  Frank Rose added two hits and two RBI, while Dan Laudisio and Miles Reader also had two hits apiece.

With the win, the 2009 45+ Senators become the only team in the history of the franchise to run the table during the regular season, sporting a perfect 16-0 record moving into the playoffs.  But the Senators are still crystal clear on one vital fact: their record now is 0-0, and there is more work to be done.

That chore begins next Saturday, as the Senators host the South Jersey Red Sox Saturday for the first of a best-of-three opening round. The game will most likely be played at Deptford High School, but this is still to be determined. Game #2 on Sunday will be at Gloucester Township Community Park. Chris Johannes will take the baseball for the opener, with Rose working Sunday.

Frank Rose and Chris Johannes did what they always do -- throw goose-eggs, and the Senator offense provided plenty of support as the home town nine swept the Hammonton Black Sox 7-1 and 10-0 in a Sunday doubleheader at beautiful Hammonton Lake Park. Johannes added a 3-for-3 performance in the nightcap, and Bobby Wood electrified the Senators with a two-run homer in Game #1.

The Nats collected 24 hits in just 11 innings of work and also used the stolen base as a weapon, picking up eight on the day. There were heroes a-plenty, and it was a very good day to be wearin' the red...or navy blue!

The 15-0 Senators complete the regular season next Sunday at Deptford High School against the Maple Shade Mariners. 

The Washington Township Senators collected an underwhelming win over the Cinnaminson Reds last night at Washington Lake Park by a 4-3 margin. The win gives the Senators the American Division title for the regular season. Chris Lawrence worked long and hard for the victory, tossing 161 pitches in the 11-inning, complete game. This was the most pitches thrown by a Senator pitcher since back in the 90s, when skipper Frese let Frank Rose hurl a crazy 182 against a Stratford Phillies team.

Chris Johannes collected two hits to lead the offense, but the Nats could manage just six total off Red pitching. Meanwhile, Lawrence scattered 14 hits and allowed just the three runs to get the big victory.

Bob Wood got two key assists to preserve the victory, which the Senators were handed via a strikeout/wild pitch in the bottom of the eleventh -- certainly not the team's finest hour.

Next up: the Nats travel to Hammonton Lake Park for a twin-bill against the Black Sox. Johannes and Rose are expected to get the starting nods on Sunday.

Lefty Chris Johannes worked 8-1/3 innings of solid ball, allowing just a single earned run, as the Senators moved to 11-0, beating the SJ Phillies by a 7-2 margin. The Senators erupted for three first-inning runs courtesy of a booming triple by Miles Reader, and then Johannes and closer Chris Lawrence made them stand up. A four-run outburst in the ninth sealed the deal.

Billy Trotman added two hits and two RBIs to the cause, but the Senators were once again out-hit in winning the game -- the third time this year the Nats have done that. But pitching and a few key defensive plays certainly make the point moot.

The Senators continued  to use the stolen base as a weapon, collecting four of them, Reader leading the way with two.

The Senators return home next Sunday for a single game against the Edgewater Park Indians. Frank Rose is expected to take the hill in search of his sixth victory of the season.

The Washington Township Senators have named three players from their 12-0 squad to the American Division All-Star Team for the SJMSBL 45+ All-Star Game, scheduled for Friday, July 31 at Hammonton Lake Park. The three Senators so named are Frank Rose, Dan Laudisio and Bobby Wood.

All three are expected to play in the contest, and to participate in the skills competition prior to the game. The skills competition starts at approximately 6:15, while game time is 7:30 PM.

Congrats and continued success to these three deserving players!

Check out this great video/song! Craig Bickhardt will be performing along with Love Alive and The Refugees at The Flying W in Medford on Saturday, September 26, 2009 for the first Peace, Love & Music Festival. Get your tickets TODAY from Nick!

The Washington Township Senators had been waiting all year for a really big explosion, and boy, did they get it on Sunday. The Nats batted around in three consecutive innings and overwhelmed the Edgewater Park Indians by a 23-1 score in just five innings of play (only FOUR Senator ABs). Danny Laudisio led the offense with two singles, a double, a walk and four RBI. Chris Lawrence had two singles and a walk, three RBI and two steals. Bobby Wood drove in three runs with a double. Frank Rose worked four solid innings for the win and added two hits and three RBI. Jim Toth reached base in all four trips with a single, two walks and a HBP plus two RBI. Bill Trotman added two hits, an RBI, and pitching a 1-2-3 fifth to end the contest. Nick Frese walked three times and reached on an error. Bruce Schumin had two hits and an RBI. Yes, it was a pretty ugly game for the Tribe, who had a few pretty good swings off Rose, but had very little to cheer about beyond that.

Next the Senators face the second place Cinnaminson Reds for a night game Wednesday, July 22 at Washington Lake Park. Lawrence gets the starting nod for this 7 PM contest under the lights.

Frank Rose tossed a nifty complete game as the Senators bested the Cinnaminson Reds by a 5-2 score to move into double-digit wins unbeaten -- the first time a Senator team has managed the feat in club history. Bruce Schumin was the only Senator to grab more than one hit, collecting two singles. And the team used a whopping 11 stolen bases to great effect, scoring single runs in the first, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh frames to pick up the win over the defending champs.

Though it was not a big offensive day for the Nats, they did just enough to win -- something that has become a habit during this 2009 campaign.  And good pitching makes that work every single time. The Senators also got two important two-out runs, one on a clutch Jim Toth RBI single in the sixth and the other on Jeff Goldstein's seventh inning ribbie, his first RBI as a Senator believe it or not.

Next the Nats travel to Camden County College for a second meeting against the improved South Jersey Phillies. Pitching plans for this game are as yet uncertain, but it is expected that Chris Johannes will get the baseball.

The Washington Township Senators sweep a twin-bill from the South Jersey Red Sox by scores of 10-3 and 9-2. The Senators offense was clicking, as they drilled 15 hits in the first game, and used five hits and 11 walks to breeze in the nightcap.

As usual, it was the pitching that carried the team, though. Frank Rose and Chris Johannes were masterful, holding the Red Sox offense to just five runs in the doubleheader. Dan Laudisio had a nice offensive day, reaching base in seven of eight plate appearanes, while Rose and Nick Frese were on six times in eight trips. Rose added five RBIs to cap a great day on the ballyard.

 The Senators now awaiting a rescheduled doubleheader vs the Cinnaminson Reds to see what's next.

After a season-long slumber, the Senator bats finally stepped up, as the home town team outscored the Delco Dodgers by a 20-3 margin to sweep Sunday's twin bill by scores of 10-0 and 10-3. The offense collected 13 hits in each of the two games, and it was good to see it.

 As usual, the pitching was pretty much immaculate as well, with four hurlers combining to toss 12 innings of ball, allowing just 10 hits and only two earned runs. The defense was better, too, as the Senators made just three fairly meaningless errors. Bobby Wood continued his hot hitting, reaching base five times in seven trips. Jim Toth also got aboard in five of his six trips to the dish. Danny Laudisio added three hits and a walk, and Don Tash had three singles in five trips. Really, the offense came from up and down the lineup.

Carl Taylor made his Senator debut by fanning the first three batters he faced. But the tough righthander came up with an arm injury that shortened his perfect outing to just four batters faced. Hopefully, this is just a minor strain that will not keep him off the mound for long.

The Senators did most of the damage is just two innings, a six-run third in the first game and a seven-run second in the nightcap. It's still very early, but the Township Nine appear to be flying on all cylinders right now.

Next up: the Nats travel to beautiful Cinnaminson Memorial for a doubleheader against the defending champion Reds.  Jeff Goldstein is expected to return to the lineup for this twin-bill, and as usual, Chris Johannes and Frank Rose will get the starts.

While the bats remain strangely quiet and the defense takes a holiday, it's all about the pitchers as the Senators win another game they looked certain to lose, outlasting the Manahawkin Mets by a 3-2 score. Frank Rose continued his season-long streak, not allowing a single earned run in seven solid innings of work, and Chris Lawrence tossed two scoreless frames to pick up the victory.

The winning rally in the ninth inning, however, was a beauty. Don Tash got things started with a single to right, and stole second. Billy Trotman drew a walk, and Lawrence bunted them over perfectly. Danny Laudisio then did his job perfectly, lofting a sacrifice fly to right to plate Tash with the winning tally. Lawrence closed it out with a perfect ninth, fanning the last two Met batters.

Mike Dettra suffered a disabling hamstring pull in the eighth, but the Senator first baseman refused to pull himself from the game, sucking it up despite and the fact that he could barely move. And the walking wounded escaped with their fifth victory with no defeats.

Next up, the Senators return home for a doubleheader with Bob Gallo's Delco Dodgers. Chris Johannes get the baseball in the opener, while Rose works the nightcap.

On a day when they might have folded up the tents and accepted a split, the Washington Township Senators would not let that happen.

 Instead, with Jim Toth, Dan Laudisio, Bobby Wood, Joe Leo and Eric Holloway not present, and with Jeff Goldstein and Billy Trotman both nursing nagging injuries, the Senators prevailed 6-4 in the nightcap after besting the A's 3-2 in the opener.

 Frank Rose did his usual yeoman-like work in the first game, tossing six solid innings and allowing zero earned runs. Chris Lawrence picked up the first save in 45+ Senator franchise history with a scoreless seventh.

In the nightcap, it was Chris Johannes pitching a complete-game six hitter, fanning 10 A's, and working out of several jams to get the victory. Johannes added a clutch two-run single, as the Senators roared back from a 3-1 deficit, scoring four in the top of the sixth and a single run in the seventh to put the contest away and remain unbeaten.

Next up: the Nats travel all the way down to Long Beach Island (Manahawkin, actually) to face the Manahawkin Mets, a rookie team sitting at 3-2 in the Northen Division and making their share of noise.

Wet grounds at Monsignor Bonner High School have caused cancellation of the Senators scheduled game this Sunday, May 10, against the Delco Dodgers. This puts the Nats in the unenviable situation of having to play FOUR doubleheaders this year: May 31 vs A's; June 14 vs. Dodgers; June 21 vs. Reds; and July 26 vs. Black Sox. On the plus side, this will give the Senator pitchers ample opportunities for work. On the minus side, we lost a lot of innings and ABs. But you can't fight Mother Nature.

 Next week, it's the SJ Red Sox at Gloucester Township Community Park.

After seven innings of zilch, the Washington Township Senators came up big in the final frames, getting four two-out runs to slide past the Maple Shade Mariners by a 4-2 score in 10 innings. Frankie Rose led the way, driving in three of those runs, and Chris Johannnes and Jim Toth did a great job in holding the Mariners to just two runs, both unearned. Billy Trotman made his 45+ debut a spectacular one, going an impressive 4-for-4.

 In many ways, this was not the Senators finest hour -- five errors, some loose baserunning, and not much offense. But in other ways, it was all that and more, as the team showed great heart in battling back on a difficult morning to remain undefeated here in the early going.

 Next week the Senators return home for a big match-up against old rivals the Cinnaminson Reds, who have been in the league since the beginning. The younger Senator clubs had many fun battles against these great guys in the past, and we look forward to another one come this Sunday!

The Washington Township Senators started their inaugural season with a virtually flawless win over the SJ Phillies at Deptford High School. The Nats used that old baseball recipe of good defense and good pitching, sprinkling in the expected solid offense, and came up with one hell of an apple pie victory.

Frank Rose tossed six two-hit innings, allowing just one unearned run to pick up his initial victory at the 45+ level. Bobby Wood collected three hits, while Chris Lawrence, Jim Toth and Rose each added two. Toth also scored three runs. The Nats had the Phillies in trouble in every inning, and were it not for solid shortstop play by the Phillies, things could have been a lot worse. The Senators got 16 hits on the morning. All in all, it could not have been a better debut for this latest entry into a storied SJMSBL franchise.

Next up: the Nats travel to Aces Field in Maple Shade for a test against the Maple Shade Mariners. Chris Johannes will get his first 45+ start in his first game as a Senator.

On Sunday, the 45+ Washington Township Senators will make their debut as a team in the South Jersey MSBL in a game at Deptford High School vs the South Jersey Phillies. The new Sens are made up of an interesting combination of talent from the 35+ Senators, the Delco Astros, the Moorestown Marlins, the Winslow Senators, and more.

To keep continuity intact, Sunday's starting pitcher will be Frank Rose, the same guy who pitched the inaugural games for the both the 25+ and 35+ Senators in this league. The 45s will be managed by Nick Frese,with Bruce Schumin acting as coach.

The Senators are expected to contend hot and heavy in the 45+ Division this year, as they feature a superb balance of offense, speed, defense, and pitching.

The Senator offense was as hot as the weather, as the Nats pounded out 17 hits in beating the South Jersey Phillies at Camden County College on Sunday morning. Frank Rose gutted out a six-inning, 101-pitch effort to collect the "W". Chris Johannes slapped three hits to lead the charge. Kurt Ley, Hector Colon, Bruce Schumin, and Bill Trotman each had two hits.

The Senators had to use just about all of their pitching depth to get through this one, as five different pitchers took the hill in an effort to close out the Phils. Bob Wood was the last man standing, picking up the save with the bases loaded and one out in the ninth.

Next week, the Senators return to Deptford High School for their third game against the Maple Shade Mariners. The Nats are exected to take the league lead in courtesy runners requested during this game.