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 2004-07 News / Info |
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Saturday, June 17
SOUTH JERSEY MSBL ROUNDUP
SJMSBL TO TAKE ON BUX-MONT IN ALL-STAR SELECT GAME
On July 1st, 28+ and 38+ South Jersey MSBL all-star select teams will take on the select team from Bux-Mont (PA) MSBL in a pair of challenge games to be played at Waterfront Park in Trenton, beginning at 10 AM. The contact persons for selecting players are Terry Annese for the 28+ division and Joe Basara for the 38+ division. All teams should nominate up to 2 position players and no more than 1 pitcher (as well as one alternate - either position player or pitcher) to give us an initial selection pool to choose from. Teams will consist of roughly 25-30 players each, including 5-7 pitchers. Final selections will be made following the games of June 25th.
WASHINGTON DC REGIONAL TOURNAMENT
The 28+ division is also looking to send a ballclub to represent South Jersey MSBL at the Washington DC MSBL Regional Tournament over Labor Day Weekend. Any players interested in getting involved please contact Terry Annese at marltonathletics@aol.com.
MIDWEEK LEAGUE
We currently have 5 teams interested in playing in the 2006 SJMSBL Midweek League, which is scheduled to begin in early July. The A's, Clippers, Blues and Phillies are returning from last season and a new team from Glassboro is interested in forming. All games will be 7-inning contests and played in the evening (7 PM starts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays) at several existing SJMSBL lighted fields, including Wesley Bishop, Rotary Field, Lindenwold Park and S. Delsea Drive Park in Glassboro. We may also play a few dates at Marlton Memorial as well.
IF YOU HAVE ANY PLAYERS INTERESTED IN PLAYING ON A MIDWEEK TEAM LET US KNOW ASAP AND WE WILL GET YOU IN TOUCH WITH A TEAM.
THERE WILL BE A MEETING OF INTERESTED MIDWEEK TEAMS THIS COMING THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2006 (7:30PM) AT THE MARLTON DINER, LOCATED ON RT 70 W, JUST WEST OF THE MARLTON CIRCLE (ACCESSABLE FROM RT 70 or RT 73 OFF OF RT 295).
Stovers win 38+ National/Colonial Championship
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2006 SOUTH JERSEY MSBL CHAMPIONS
28+ DIVISION: DELAWARE COUNTY DEVIL RAYS
38+ AMERICAN DIVISION: WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP SENATORS 38+
38+ NATIONAL/COLONIAL DIVISIONS: HOT STOVERS
47+ DIVISION: HOT STOVERS
MIDWEEK: VOORHEES PHILLIES
FALL: MARLTON ATHLETICS
Click here for South Jersey MSBL Stats Central
Please View and Contribute to the SJMSBL Message Board!
SJMSBL 28+ Squad Charges Back to Knock Off Bux Mont, 5-4
5-RUN 6TH LEADS COMEBACK
July 1 - The South Jersey MSBL and BuxMont MSBL split a pair of All-Star challenge games between their respective 28+ and 38+ ballclubs, today up at Waterfront Park in Trenton.
In the opener, the South Jersey MSBL 28+ ballclub sent nine men to the plate to erase an early four-run deficit, capping off a five-run sixth inning with a Troy DiLemme game-winning RBI single and a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over the Bux-Mont MSBL. Bux-Mont came back to win the nightcap, trouncing the South Jersey 38+ squad, 9-1, behind a 7-run third inning. (38+ story to come)
Trailing 4-0 entering the home sixth, the South Jersey 28+ rally was started with a lead off walk to Jersey Devils' OF Brian Reinart. Delco D-Rays OF Kevin Fahy followed with a perfectly executed hit-and-run single as Reinart advanced to third with nobody out. After Fahy stole second, Riverside Pirates' 1B Ed Kenney bounced a single of his own, scoring Reinart to get Jersey on the board at 4-1. Delco's "Big" John Shannon followed with his second hit of the game, a single that plated teammate Fahy to cut the deficit to a pair at 4-2. After Glouco D-Jaxx' SS Manny Lopez singled to load the bases, Camco Mudcats' OF John Mader popped up for the first out of the inning. A passed ball to Voorhees Phillies' IF Joe Cruz scored Kenney to make it 4-3, as Shannon moved to third with the tying run. Cruz wasted little time to get things even, lifting a sacrifice fly to tie the game at four. The 28+ comeback became complete one batter later as Bordentown Patriot 1B Troy DiLemme stroked an RBI single to right center to score Lopez and give Jersey a 5-4 lead.
In the seventh, Delco righthander Johnny "The Turban" Gonzalez came on in a save situation for Washington Twp. Senators' hurler and eventual winning pitcher Bruce Shaw, who was on the benefactor of the Jersey rally after having hurled three innings of relief of Glouco Diamond Jaxx starter Jeff Weiner. Gonzalez got into immediate difficulty, hitting the first batter he faced, but got out of that mini-jam as well as another in the eighth with the help of 2B Joe Cruz, who with a man on first snared a hard line drive to his glove side and tossed to first to complete the double play. Gonzalez closed things out with a 1-2-3 ninth to pick up the save.
Jeff Weiner got the nod for the Jersey squad, hurling two scoreless innings before a flurry of soft hit balls to the infield led the lefthander into troubled waters in the BuxMont third. DeGaetano led off with slow roller to the back hand of Marlton second baseman Gary Shears, whose throw was too late, which was followed by leadoff man Boritt topping a soft roller to the backhand side of Glouco shortstop Manny Lopez, who was unable to make a throw, putting two men on with nobody out. O'Keefe followed with a grounder to Lopez, who flipped to Shears for the first out, but O'Keefe beat the relay as DeGaetano crossed to third. After Weiner enduced still another groundball, as Balaban plated DeGaetano with a fielder's choice of his own, it looked as if Jersey would get out of the frame down just one run - however, Costa had other ideas, stroking an RBI double into the rightfield corner and advancing to third after the relay throw from the SJ Angels' Zack Edelman went awry. Wanninger would make it 3-0 with an RBI single to right center before Weiner got Bowers on strikes to end the inning.
Bruce Shaw came on in relief of Weiner in the fourth and pitched a 1-2-3 inning before tip-toeing in and out of trouble in the fifth, as the righthander allowed a pair of one-out singles to bring up Costa, who had already launched an RBI double in his previous at bat. However, Shears and his protege, Devils' SS John Plunkett, quickly took care of things with pretty 4-6-3 double play, bringing 3-Nation fans to their feet in approval (and laughter). With the score still at 3-0 entering the sixth, BuxMont set the scoring table once again after an infield error and a double put men on second and third with one out. South Jersey skipper Terry Annese brought the infield in - which almost paid off in aces, as Shaw enduced Kowalski to hit a hard ground ball to third that RV Pilots' 3B Gregg Delso picked on his glove side. However, Delso's throw home took WT Senator catcher Mike Pavlik in towards the field of play, allowing the runner Bowers to make a hook slide that safely avoided Pavlik's lunging tag. That made the score 4-0 BuxMont, setting the stage for the dramatic South Jersey comeback in the bottom of the frame.
D-RAYS REPEAT AS 28+ CHAMPS
DiPietro Guides Senators to Second Consecutive 38+ Crown
PHILLIES WIN 2nd STRAIGHT MIDWEEK LEAGUE TITLE
AMAZIN'S CAPTURE FALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP
| January 31 -
The first SOUTH JERSEY MSBL MANAGERS' MEETING of 2007 was held on MONDAY, January 29th at "Swing Batter", which is a new batting center located on Roland Avenue in Mt. Laurel (located across the street from where Grand Slam used to be).
Prior to the meeting the League announced the formation of its second new division in the past two seasons, with the planned April 2007 debut of the South Jersey MABL 18+ Division, to be helmed by former Glouco D-Jaxx skipper Ed Noone. The 18+ division expects to field 6-8 teams this season. Four clubs have confirmed potential interest, located in Medford, Washington Township, Williamstown and Edgewater Park, with 2-4 four teams expected to be drafted over the next two months.
The 38+ division meeting kicked off at 7:00pm, with League President Lloyd Terry reviewing the league realignment, which included bringing one team (Cherry Hill Bombers) up from the National Division to the American, to make a total of 8 teams in that division. The remaining two divisions are also expected to have approximately 8 teams each, with the addition of at least one 47+ team to the Colonial Division.
The 28+ Meeting followed with the announcement that the division will likely field 20 teams this season, as three clubs (Cherry Hill Cards, Phila. A's and Glouco D-Jaxx) have folded while one new ball club (North Hanover Whitesox) has joined the league. There are still talks ongoing with a few already existing 28+ ballclubs from area leagues interested in joining - however, at the moment we are expecting to go with 20 teams with either four 5-team divisions or possibly a 3-divisional structure with 6-6-8 teams.
The 28+ season Opening Day is tentatively scheduled for April 1, 2007, with the 38+ division starting |
two weeks later on April 15, 2007. Both age divisions will hold split championships amongst the various conferences, returning to the format the league used in its earlier years. The league intends on having the regular season end by the end of July, with playoffs running no later than the week after Labor Day.
The South Jersey MSBL registration fee was increased by $5 to $100 per player to cover the increased costs for player onfield injury medical insurance. In addition to holding a intra-league All-Star Game, the league discussed establishing both 28+ and 38+ level 'elite' teams to compete at a tournament level or head-to-head against area MSBL-affiliated leagues.
One final issue of debate discussed was the MSBL National proposal to lower the age limits 2-3 years each to 25+, 35+ and 45+. 28+ President Terry Annese has vowed not to decrease the 28+ age limit this season by any means in order to help promote the new 18+ division. 38+ President Lloyd Terry also tabled the issue for the time being so that league officials can get feedback from the league's managers and study the effects that such a move would have on existing teams in the 28+ and 38+ divisions.
The second South Jersey MSBL Managers' Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the week of FEBRUARY 12th (LOCATION/TIME TBA), at which time all teams are required to put forth the balance of their $500 team deposit. Registration forms will be distributed at that meeting and all deposits become final on March 1st.
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE: Additional meetings are tentatively scheduled for the WEEKS OF MARCH 5th and MARCH 26th.
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| February 14 -
Pitchers and Catchers. Three words that will make any baseball junkie forget the ice and snow of wintertime in the Northeast. Yes indeed as we here at South Jersey MSBL dust off the arms and start our indoor hitting regimes, our younger and better compensated brothers of the diamond have begun their pilgrimages to the sunny fields of Florida and Arizona.
However, this year South Jersey MSBL is sending someone along for the ride - former Marlton A's pitcher Scott Mitchell, who got "the call" this off-season with instructions to report down to Palm Beach this week to the Spring Training Camp of the Florida Marlins. The interesting twist is that the righthanded hurler was not reporting to pitch, but to coach. Mitchell, 33, concluded his six-year pro career back in 2001, making it as high as 'AAA' before injuries curtailed his major league dream. However, that dream would gain new life in 2002, when Scott joined the Marlins' minor league coaching staff, eventually working his way up to the 'AA' level, as the pitching coach for the Southern League's Carolina Mudcats.
After four years coaching, Scott decided to take a sabbatical from the pro game in 2006 and came home to South Jersey to be with his growing family, which by then included his wife and two daughters. To cure his baseball fix, Mitch spent last summer pitching and playing the outfield with the Marlton A's weekend and midweek teams. During the winter, Scott was able to work out a deal to return to his old position with the Mudcats - where he once again will tutor some of the best young arms in the minor leagues. A number of Mitchell's prior "students" have gone on to make it to the show, including the Marlins' starting trio of Dontrelle Willis, Scott Olsen and Jason Johnson and Mets' reliever Justin Vargas. Here's hoping that Coach Mitchell gets there someday too. Good luck Scott!!
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SJMSBL 2/12 MANAGERS' MEETING NOTES
The second SOUTH JERSEY MSBL MANAGERS' MEETING of 2007 was held on MONDAY, February 12th at the Mt. Laurel Public Library. Amongst items covered were the collection of any remaining team deposits and the distribution of registration materials to all teams present. We also reported on the continuing growth of our new 18+ division, which is expected to easily field 6 teams this season and is moving towards fielding 8 teams if possible.
The issue of moving down the age requirments to 25+/35+/45+ was discussed and tabled for the 2007 season while MSBL National continues to incorporate the new age guidelines into its various tournament formats. It is very likely that the issue will be revisited by the SJMSBL Board after the current season and any decision to adjust the age limits (if any) will be announced to the member clubs long before the start of the 2008 season.
The 28+ season Opening Day remains tentatively scheduled for April 1, 2007, with the 38+ division starting scheduled to start two weeks later on April 15, 2007. Both age divisions will hold split championships amongst the various conferences, returning to the format the league used in its earlier years. The league intends on having the regular season end by the end of July, with playoffs running no later than the week after Labor Day.
The third South Jersey MSBL Managers' Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the week of MARCH 5th (7PM) at the Mt Laurel Public Library, at which time the league will start collecting player registration forms. Please note that all deposits paid become final on March 1st.
UPCOMING MEETING SCHEDULE: The final league meeting is tentatively scheduled for the WEEK OF MARCH 26th.
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| March 22-
The South Jersey MSBL is proud to announce the addition of eight new 28+ ballclubs, all of which will play in the new SJMSBL Jersey Shore (Metal Bat) 28+ Division. The newly created division will be headed up by Margate Hurricanes' manager Rich Kurtz, a long time shore area ball player and manager.
The Shore Division is expected to begin play on April 22, 2007 with a 16-18 metal bat (-3) schedule, as well as 2-3 crossover games against the wood bat 28+ division. In addition to the Margate Hurricanes, the Shore Division will include teams from Ventnor, Moorestown, Lower Township, Middle Township, Somers Point, Ocean City and Egg Harbor Township. A potential metal-bat optional All-Star Game as well a limited number of Midweek League crossover games are in the works as well.
Welcome aboard!!
SJMSBL 3/5 MANAGERS' MEETING NOTES
The third SOUTH JERSEY MSBL MANAGERS' MEETING of 2007 was held on MONDAY, March 5th at the Mt. Laurel Public Library. Amongst items covered were the collection of any remaining team deposits and the distribution of insurance certificates and scorebooks to all teams present. We also welcomed two new ball clubs to the 28+ division, the Gloucester City Lawmen, managed by Peter Farlow and the Philadelphia Generals, led by Greg Cornwell and Mike Erhmann. That brings the 28+ wood bat division to 22 teams,
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The 38+/47+ division alignment has been set, with four ball clubs playing in the 47+ division this season. They include two returning 47+ clubs, the Washington Twp. Senators and Edgewater Park Indians, as well as two new ball clubs, the South Jersey Phillies and the Burlington A's, both of whom played previously in the West Jersey MSBL 48+. The 2007 47+ Champion Hot Stovers elected to move back down to the 38+ Colonial Division this season.
The 28+ wood bat season Opening Day was moved back to April 15, 2007, and will now coincide with the 38+/47+ divisions. All age divisions will hold split championships amongst the various conferences, returning to the format the league used in its earlier years. This includes the new 28+ metal bat Shore Division, which will play a metal bat schedule amongst themselves whil also playing a limited number of wood bat crossover games. The wood bat regular season should end around the end of July, with playoffs running into mid-September. The Shore Division expects to finish about 2-3 weeks later.
The fourth (and likely final) preseason South Jersey MSBL Managers' Meeting is tentatively scheduled for the week of MARCH 27th (7:30PM) at the Mt Laurel Public Library, at which time the league will be collecting all player registration forms and distributing baseballs. Please note that all deposits paid became non-refundable on March 1st.
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Monday, April 16
Jones' Riversharks Tryout a Success on Many Fronts
 |  | | Jonesy getting his swings at the 'Sharks tryout |
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South Jersey MSBL's own Chris Jones (Voorhees Phillies) did the league proud this past week - showcasing his baseball talents at an open tryout with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League.
Chris, a Courier-Post sports copy desk editor by day, recounts his personal observations of his Riversharks' adventure, as well as his other 2007 baseball experiences, on his blog located at the Courier Post website. Naturally, this will be GREAT reading for all you SJMSBL players and fans!
The full text of the April 16th Courier-Post story on Chris Jones' day at the ballpark can be found by clicking here. You can also check out Chris's blog by clicking the headline above or the accompanying photo to the left of this story.
Jones' Riversharks Tryout a Success on Many Fronts
South Jersey MSBL is proud to present:
The 2007 SJMSBL Night at the Phillies' Phundraiser Game,
Wednesday, May 30, 2007 (7:05p),
when Phillies take on the Arizona Diamondbacks
at Citizen's Bank Park.
We have tix in Sections 146 and 147 at $27 each and in Sec. 110 at $38 each.
MAY 18th UPDATE: ALMOST 200 TIX ALREADY SOLD - SECTION 146 IS SOLD OUT!!!
We would very much like to see as many players, families and
friends of SJMSBL out to the game that evening, as the game has quickly
grown over a few seasons to become one of our most popular annual events.
As an incentive for our teams to sell tickets you should keep in mind that for every
ticket sold by a respective team, your team gets back a rebate of $8 per ticket, which is
applied as a credit to your 2008 team registration fees. Last year top two sellers, the
Voorhees Phillies and the Pitman Blaze each received credits totalling over
$650 each towards their 2007 registrations.
The past few seasons we have sold
between 250-400 tickets and our goal is to bust
all records this year!!
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2007
South Jersey MSBL |
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Night at the Phillies |
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Arizona Diamondbacks
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Philadelphia Phillies |
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at Citizens' Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA |
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Wednesday, May 30, 2007 |
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7:05pm |
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Tickets available in
Sections 146 and 147 ($27 ea.) |
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and in Section 110 ($38 ea.) |
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For more information contact your local SJMSBL Manager |
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or contact league President Terry Annese at marltonathletics@aol.com |
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Thursday, June 7
2007 All Star Game Manager Instructions
It is now time to select your All-Star representatives for our annual All-Star Games. The games, which are aluminum bat OPTIONAL, will be played on as follows:
Ventnor Field, Saturday, July 7, 2007
38A+ SJMSBL Wood vs. 38+ SJMSBL Jersey Shore, 10:00 AM
45+ SJMSBL Wood vs. 45+ SJMSBL Jersey Shore, 1:00 PM
Margate Field, Saturday, July 7, 2007
28+ SJMSBL Wood vs. 28+ SJMSBL Jersey Shore, 10:00 AM
38B+ SJMSBL Wood vs. 28+ C/D SJMSBL Wood, 1:00 PM
All players for the 1:00 PM games must be at their respective field
by 12:15 PM -- second game WILL start ASAP after 10:00 AM game finishes.
45+ SJMSBL Wood Team
The 45+ SJMSBL Wood team will be managed by Mike Dunleavy of the 47+ Senators and Tom Haas of the S.J. Hot Stovers, and will consist of players from the following clubs:
- Philadelphia Cubs
- South Jersey Hot Stovers
- Lindenwold Titans
- Marlton Braves
- Washington Township Senators 47+
- Burlington A's 47+
- Cinnaminson Indians 47+
- South Jersey Phillies 47+
Each manager should submit TWO players and ONE alternate for nomination, but NO pitchers or catchers. Instead, each manager should submit ONE pitcher and ONE catcher NOT from his own club, but rather from one of the other seven clubs listed above. Nominations must be submitted by June 15 to Mike Dunleavy at barbnmike15@hotmail.com. Note that in the case of the 38+ division teams above, the players selected do NOT have to be 45 or older -- anyone on your roster is eligible for nomination. When submitting names to the manager, please include contact information (phone and email) on the players nominated, and also the position they play.
38B+ SJMSBL Wood Team
The 38B+ SJMSBL Wood team will be managed by Matt Viarengo of the Marlton Red Sox and Andy Redfield and/or Lou Marshall of the Pennsboro Phillies, and will consist of the players from the following clubs:
- Marlton Red Sox
- Philadelphia Generals
- Maple Shade Mariners
- Cinnaminson Reds
- Swedeboro Orioles
- Philadelphia Panthers
- Moorestown Devil Rays
- Pennsboro Phillies
- Rancocas Giants
- Chichester Phillies
Each manager should submit TWO players and ONE alternate for nomination, but NO pitchers or catchers. Instead, each manager should submit ONE pitcher and ONE catcher NOT from his own club, but rather from the other nine clubs listed above. Nominations MUST be submitted by June 15 to Andy Redfield at a.redfield@comcast.net. When submitting names to the manager, please include contact information (phone and email) on the players nominated, and also the position they play.
38A+ SJMSBL Wood Team
The 38A+ SJMSBL Wood team will be managed by Nick Frese of the Washington Township Senators and Steve Alemi of the Tabernacle Tigers, and will consist of players from the following clubs:- Tabernacle Tigers
- Washington Township Senators
- Delco Astros
- Marlton Athletics
- Moorestown Marlins
- Medford Angels
- Sewell Sharks
- Cherry Hill Bombers
Each manager should submit TWO players and ONE alternate for nomination, but NO pitchers or catchers. Instead, each manager should submit ONE pitcher and ONE catcher NOT from his own club, but rather from the other seven clubs listed above. Nominations MUST be submitted by June 15 to Nick Frese at njfrese@comcast.net. When submitting names to the manager, please include contact information (phone and email) on the players nominated, and also the position they play.
If, after having gone through this process, the players nominated cannot go OR do not respond to the all star manager's requests for commitment in a timely manner, then the all star managers may solicit players of their choosing to be members of the squad.
Tuesday, June 26
South Jersey MSBL All-Stars Face Off Down The Shore
The South Jersey MSBL Wood Bat and Shore Divisions will host a series of All-Star Games on Saturday, July 7, 2007. Representatives from the 28+, 38+ and 45+ Age Divisions from each group will face off against one another in a aluminum-bat-optional format while the 28+ Liberty/National Divisions will face the 38+ National Division in a wood bat contest.
The full All-Star Schedule is as follows:
at Bernie Robbins (Surf) Stadium, Atlantic City:
SJMSBL 28+ Wood v. Shore (9:45 am)
SJMSBL 38+ Wood v. Shore (1:00 pm)
at Margate Field:
SJMSBL 45+ Wood v. Shore (9:30 am)
SJMSBL 38+ 'B' Wood v. 28+ 'C/D' Wood (1:00 pm)
Best of luck to all participants!
Monday, July 9
38A All-Stars Outlast Shore Division 13-10
In the predictable slugfest, the SJMSBL Wood Bat 38A All-Stars got past the new Shore Division 13-10 in a "wood bat optional" (i.e., aluminum bat) game at Bernie Robbins Stadium on Saturday in the scorching heat.
The Shore Division club, stacked with a ton of big hitters, had many of the same players who whipped the 47+ Division team at Margate Field earlier in the day by a 14-4 margin. But they were a bit less successful in the nightcap despite their 15 hits, which included a ninth-inning rocket of a homer by Frank Levin.
Chris Lawrence of the Senators was the winning pitcher, tossing two shutout innings to start the contest. The right-hander survived a two-on, none out-situation in the second, getting three consecutive pop outs to keep the Shore boys off the board.
Meanwhile, the Wood Bat offense -- now freely swinging those dangerous aluminum thunder sticks -- had a field day, scoring in seven of the nine innings and totalling 18 hits. The offense was led by Most Valuable Player Bill Haines of the Sewell Sharks, who clubbed a single, double and triple to come within one long ball of the cycle. Haines had a chance to complete the rare feat as he came to the plate in the eighth frame, but despite much encouragment from his mates in the dugout to "go yard," Haines walked on a 3-2 pitch to end his perfect afternoon.
Other highlights: Mark Snowof the Athletics got the offense kicked into gear with a first-inning triple to right center, and Bill Finley of the Marlins quickly singled him home to start the scoring. Astro thumper John Johnson collected two singles and ripped a foul homer to left that rattled the stands. Tom Milsop of the Athletics doubled off the fence in left, a ball hit so hard that it probably dented the signage. Milsop had an RBI single in the next inning hit just as hard. The Senators Miles Reader almost left the building in the fourth, blasting a double to the fence in deep left center. Tiger slugger Dave Braunstein enjoyed a perfect day at the plate, collecting two singles and walking twice. Bomber newcomer Matt Knoff was on base three times with a two-out RBI single, and the right hander also tossed a nifty scoreless inning on the hill. Veteran hurler Gabe Masterangelo closed things out on the hill, working two innings, allowing just two unearned runs in the ninth, and collecting one of his specialties -- he picked off an unsuspecting runner at first with that sneaky move of his, this to the delight of the SJMSBL dugout, most of whom had seen it many times before and knew it was coming. After the game, the Channel 40 (Atlantic City) news crew interviewed Wood Bat Manager Nick Frese, Shore skipper Gregg Ballin, and Senator catcher Dan Laudisio. The segment was aired on the 11:00 broadcast Saturday night. The league will try to obtain a copy so it can be posted on this website for everyone to enjoy.
Tuesday, July 10
38+ Marlins' Dave Baril on Mend
Dave Baril, member of the 38+ Moorestown Marlins, is recovering today at Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia after undergoing a heart valve replacement operation on Monday, July 9. Dave has missed the majority of this season, saying he was feeling "sluggish and tired." Now we know why. Dave has been a member of the SJ MSBL since 1993 when he began his playing career with the 30+ Marlins. Since then, Dave has played for the 30+ Phillies, 38+ White Sox and his current team the 38+ Marlins. Dave is expected to be released in about 10 days. If you want to drop him an e-mail, his address is: barildave@hotmail.com.
Report courtesy of Marlin Manager Mike Maconi
28+ American/Colonial Stars Come-from-Behind to Nip Jersey Shore, 10-8
Throughout the early summer, our newest members of the South Jersey MSBL from the Jersey Shore had taken the veteran 28+ suburban Philadelphia ballclubs to the "wood" shed, winning eight of twelve 'crossover' matchups to date. That trend would not hold form this past Saturday in Atlantic City, however, as the American/Colonial 28+ All-Stars broke a 6-6 tie with four runs over the final three innnings, en route to a 10-8 All-Star Game victory over the Jersey Shore All-Stars - in a "metal bat optional" contest played at Bernie Robbins Stadium.
The American/Colonial team jumped out to an early 1-0 advantage when Sean Jackson (RV Pilots) led off the game with a single, stole second and scored on a 2-out single from Chris Lebron (Marlton A's). Righthander Johnny "the Turban" Gonzalez (Swedesboro D-Rays) retired the Shore club 1-2-3 in the bottom of the first, but ran into immediate trouble in the second, as Lou Deman (Ocean City Astros), Steve Morris (Pigs Heaven Herd) and Glenn Donahue (Ventnor Dodgers) led off with back-to-back-to-back singles. After retiring Matt Leusner (Middle Twp Yanks) on a pop-up to first, Gonzalez hit Ken Marchelle (EHT) with a 2-strike pitch to tie the game; and then walked Chris Shover (Margate Hurricanes) to give the Shore a 2-1 lead. The American/Colonials escaped further damage when Gonzalez induced Steve Kolwicz (Moorestown Wolfpack) to ground into a 1-2-3 double play to end the inning.
The Shore club added to their lead in the third off of Aiden Lawlor (Marlton), who loaded the bases on a single and two walks, before Nick Domenico (EHT) plated a run with an RBI ground out and Bob Sullivan (Lower Twp Marlins) scored on a wild pitch that made the score 4-1.
Just as it started to look like Rich Kurtz' Jersey Shore boys were going to pull away, the American/Colonial squad responded back with a three-run rally in the top of the fourth to get back in the ballgame. George Felder (Marlton) was hit with a pitch to lead off the inning and moved to second on John Mader's (Camco Mudcats) single to rightcenter. Joe Cruz (Voorhees Phillies) followed with a fly ball to left that would drop in for single, however, Felder initially broke back to second, thinking the ball might be caught, and was only able to cross over to third on the play. Meanwhile, Mader, seeing the ball from a different angle, motored around second and over to third - resulting in a rundown play with Felder eventually being tagged out. Lebron was then hit with a pitch to reload the bases and Rich McNee (Marlton) beat out a potential double play grounder to make it 4-2, as Cruz moved over to third. Designated runner Lebron then stole second and both runners scored when Jeff Vance (Camco) ripped a 2-run double down the left field line - tying this see-saw contest at four.
The Shore shrugged off the American/Colonials' uprising and bounced back to grab the lead in the bottom of the frame when Brian Smith's (Margate) two-out single off of reliever Tadd Kozienewski (Voorhees) scored Kevin Hallman (Margate) to make it 5-4. The American-Colonials used their trademark speed game to tie the game in the top of the fifth. Ray Vetter (Bordentown Patriots) led off with a single, moved to second on a single by Paul Graber (Voorhees) and came all the way around to score from second on a wild pitch. The same formula gave Terry Annese's ballclub the lead one inning later, when Sean Jackson led off the sixth with an infield single, stole second, moved to third on Felder's sacrifice bunt and scored on a passed ball to make the score 6-5, American/Colonials.
Of course the Shore would not allow the deficit to last for long, using just three batters to re-tie the game in the bottom of the sixth. Deman led off with a double to left center off of reliever Steve Ehrlich (Camco) and one out later Mark Kraus (Moorestown) singled him home to make it 6-6.
Not to be denied, the American-Colonial squad took the lead for keeps with a pair of runs in the top of the seventh. McNee led off with a long double that bounced off the left-center field wall, moved to third on Vance's second single of the day and scored on Vetter's sacrifice fly to centerfield. Gregg Kuzma (Marlton) extended the lead to a pair with a RBI single to center, plating Vance to make it 8-6. That score would hold as Ehrlich turned the ball over to Joe Ruffino (Voorhees), who came on trying to collect a 6-out save.
After a scoreless eighth inning for both clubs, the American/Colonials got Ruffino what would turn out to be a pair of very important insurance runs in the top of the ninth. The rally once again started with Jackson, who led off with his third single of the day and once again stole second. After Mader reached on an infield single, Cruz and Tom Eckel (Cinnaminson Indians) followed with RBI singles to make the score 10-6. The Shore would not go home without a fight, however, mounting its final stand in the bottom of the ninth. Mark Remey (Ventnor) led off with a single, moved to third on Kraus' double to right center and came home on Hallman's RBI sacrifice fly to left to make the score 10-7. Ruffino then struck out Mike Pron (Lower Twp) for the second out but Smith followed with an RBI double to left that brought the tying run to the plate. However, Ruffino ended the drama by getting Dom Tantum (Margate) to lift a pop up behind home plate that catcher Nick Graber ranged back to the screen and snatched out of the air - ending the ballgame with an American/Colonial 10-8 victory.
Notes: Rancocas Valley's Sean Jackson (3-for-4, 3 SB, 3 RS), Voorhees' Joe Cruz (2-for-3, RBI, RS, HBP, SB) and Camco's Jeff Vance (2-for-2, 2B, BB, 2 RBI, SB) paced the American/Colonial offense; while Ocean City's Lou Deman (2-for-2, 2RS), Margate's Brian Smith (2-for-2, 2 RBIs) and Ventnor's Glenn Donahue (2-for-2) led the Shore attack. Camco's Steve Ehrlich picked up the win with two innings of relief, allowing a run on three hits to go with a pair of strikeouts. Ruffino pitched around ninth inning trouble to collect the save, going two innings and allowing two runs on three hits, walking one and striking out one.
Monday, July 16
The All-Star Game: A Jersey Shore Perspective
The Jersey Shore Baseball League played its inaugural all star games this weekend featuring players from throughout South Jersey. The Jersey Shore League founded by Rich Kurtz and Gregg Balin, former players and managers in the US Over 30 League challenged the Men's Senior Baseball League of South Jersey (MSBL) to an all star tournament.
The games were played at Margate and Bernie Robbins Stadium by three different age group divisions. The divisions were for players from ages 25 and up, 35 and up and 45 and up.
In game one, the Jersey Shore Stars 45 age group, was led by player/manager Gregg Balin. Jersey Shore defeated the MSBL Stars 13 to 4. In the first inning the Jersey Shore team jumped to a quick lead after successive singles by Pop Julio, Gregg Balin and Rich Carlucci (RBI). Ralph Pappas followed with a 3 run blast to give the Jersey Shore team a 4 run lead. Jim Cramer (winning pitcher) scattered 4 runs over 5 innings earning the win. Steve Seminara threw 3 innings and picked off two base runners with a great move to first. The Jersey Shore team pounded out 7 runs in the 8th and 9 th innings led again by Ralph Pappas with a 2 RBI single. Gregg Balin (2 hits with a double), Derrick Seymour (2 hits with a double) Bob Rauzzino, Rich Carlucci, Derrick Seymour, Pop Julio all had 2 hits and Don Brooks doubled in a run.
Game 2, Bernie Robbins Stadium - Jersey Shore + 35 vs MSBL + 35:
In game two played at Bernie Robbins Stadium between the Jersey Shore +35 All Stars and MSBL + 35 All Stars. The MSBL team won 12 to 9 in 9 innings. The Jersey Shore team was led by Rich Kurtz with 2 hits and an RBI, Fran Casey 2 hits with a triple, Mike Unger had an RBI double, and Frank Levin blasted a home run to deep left centerfield in the 9 th inning to drive in a pair of runs.
"The all star tournament was a great success, possibly better than what we initially anticipated. Players were excited about joining together and being teammates rather than rivals and then playing new teams and making new baseball acquaintances with MSBL. That was an added benefit because we'll see these new players once or twice a year in tournaments and all star games and have some fun things to remember together.
Adding the new +45 age team was a way to add more players to the tournament and the level of play was great. We are definitely doing this again next year. We had great pitching and many excellent defensive plays were made, 2 home runs were hit, three triples and a lot of doubles (probably 6 or more and that's all star baseball. Frank Levin was clocked on the radar gun at speeds nearing 90 mph and he hasn't pitched much in the last few years.
Don't ever let anyone think these guys can't play baseball because of age.
Thursday, August 7
Devil Rays Kris Doiron Enshrined in Drexel University Hall of Fame
Kris Doiron is considered one of Drexel’s most accomplished players ever to play on the baseball diamond at Drexel. At the plate, Doiron was the all-time leader in career batting average at .370, hits in a season (85) and at-bats. He led the team in runs batted in all four years and is second all time in runs, hits and runs batted in. He was the toughest in the nation to strike out in both 1995 and 1996. On the mound, Doiron posted career numbers of 247 innings pitched, 26 wins and 3.21 earned-run average. He was second all time with 202 strikeouts. Doiron holds single-season records with a 2.16 ERA, nine complete games and two shutouts. In each of his four years he led the Dragons in strikeouts.
Doiron was named First Team All-Conference three times and was a Second Team pick as a freshman. In 1995, he was named the NAC AEC All-Tournament MVP. He is the only baseball player to have his number retired.
*courtesy of Drexel Athletic Department
SOUTH JERSEY MSBL 28+ (WOOD) PLAYOFF SCOREBOARD
Tuesday, August 14
Burlington Athletics Take 47+ Title For 2007
Congratulations to the Burlington Athletics, 2007 Champions of the South Jersey Men's Senior Baseball League's 47+ Division! The A's swept through the playoffs, going a perfect 4-0 and certainly proving to be the class of the division this season. Great job, Fred Abrams & Company!
The A's faced off against the Edgewater Park Indians in the first round of the playoffs, and they did NOT treat the Tribe kindly, picking up decisive 17-7 and 15-0 victories to move into the finals.
Meanwhile, the South Jersey Phillies got past the Washington Township Senators, clubbing the Nats 12-0 in Game #1 and then sneaking past the Senators by a 9-8 score in extra innings in the clincher. This set up a Phillies-Athletics final (A's vs Phillies -- shades of Philadelphia, PA in the early days of baseball)!
And the finals were pretty much all Athletics, too. The first-year club, who came to us from the West Jersey MSBL, pounded the Phillies by scores of 11-3 and 19-6 to display their dominance of the division. Now it will be up to the remaining clubs -- and whatever new clubs come into the league -- to build 2008 teams to compete with the Champion Burlington A's.
The went pretty smoothly for the most part -- there are always going to be the glitches here and there. But we will always be looking to move forward and improve things, and all of your input will be greatly welcomed over the winter. I am planning on having some on-line "chat" sessions on the league's chat room for this, and those will be announced as they are scheduled.
We are certainly going to try and add teams to the Division next year. We have already been told that 38+ Delco Astro manager, William Taylor, intends to put a 47+ team in next year, and that will certainly be a solid club, as William has great resources in Delaware County. We should also be able to pick up at least one more club to bring the number up to six for 2008 -- though eight teams would be even better. The ultimate goal is to have 47 teams play ONLY other 47 teams, and as soon as we have enough clubs, that's exactly what will happen.
There is some talk about matching the MSBL National and dropping the age divisions to 25+, 35+ and 45+, but this has NOT yet been decided, and the league we'll be looking for input from the managers on this going forward regarding how -- and IF -- it will be implemented.
If you have interest in playing in our Fall league, please stay tuned here for details over the next few weeks. The fall league generally begins in early September, and features players from ALL of SJMSBL's age divisions. It is more relaxed than the summer league, but still offers some good competition for those looking to extend the season. Sunday morning play only, as usual.
Thanks for all your cooperation this summer, and the best of luck to those 28+ and 38+ teams still in the hunt for a 2007 title.
GREENWOOD LEADS 28+ PHILLIES TO MIDWEEK CHAMPIONSHIP
VOORHEES' ACE HURLS 2 HIT SHUTOUT AT PREVIOUSLY UNDEFEATED TIGERS
LINDENWOLD - Mike Greenwood hurled a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts and the Voorhees Phillies made the best of their five hits to beat the Cherry Hill Tigers 3-0 for the SJMSBL Midweek Championship Wednesday night at Lindenwold Park. Greenwood, who finished his combined Sunday-Midweek season with a record of 13- 1 with 138 strikeouts, was in control from the outset. Only one Tigers runner reached second base. In a scoreless game after three innings, Mark Bergstrom led off the top of the fourth for the Phillies with a texas-league double down the right field line. Keith Harvey hit a sacrifice grounder to second to move Bergstrom to third base and Mike Bergstrom followed with a short fly ball to right to score his brother, who tagged on the fly and slid in just ahead of the catcher's tag. Greenwood singled and Mark Bergstrom, courtesy running with two outs for Greenwood, stole second before Chris Jones ended the rally with a line drive to right-center for a stand-up double to score Bergstrom. After Jones stole third, Joe Hartmann struck out to end the inning. The Phillies added an insurance run in the seventh. Mike Bergstrom hit an infield single and moved to third on a grounder to first by Greenwood. Jones followed with a sacrifice fly to left to score Bergstrom. Greenwood, who went 2-for-3 at the plate, retired the side in order in the seventh, striking out two, and the Phillies finally celebrated a title. The Phillies' championship was dampened only by the memory of finishing a 17-1 Sunday League season with a win over No. 2-seeded Bordentown on the Patriots' field, and a loss to top-seeded Gloucester County on the Diamond Jaxx's field in the loser's bracket semifinal which the Phillies led 5-2 in the eighth inning before a Diamond Jaxx grand slam and subsequent two-run homer over a 280- foot left-field fence did them in. The Phillies, who moments earlier just missed turning a triple play that would have gotten them out of the jam, yielded just one home run all season before that inning.
South Jersey MSBL Player Seeks Higher Office
Washington Twp. Senators' Infielder Ahart Throws Cap In State Assembly Race
October 18 [Some story information compiled from local news reports]: If you want change you seek out to make it happen by getting involved. That is exactly what Washington Twp. Senators' infielder Corey Ahart is doing, running for a 4th District seat in the New Jersey State Assembly. District 4 includes Clementon, Franklin, Glassboro, Gloucester, Laurel Springs, Lindenwold, Monroe, Newfield, Pitman and Washington Township. A Republican middle infielder, Ahart along with running mate Frank Winters are challenging Democratic candidates Paul Moriarty (Washington Township's current mayor) and incumbent David Mayer for two assembly seats. While the last thing we here at the SJMSBL league website want to do is take political sides, it is certainly nice to see one of our league's players seeking to make a difference in his community. Good luck Corey, win or lose - however if you do get into office I am sure we'll be calling you soon thereafter to try to get the league some money to build that nice little retractable-roofed stadium we've had on the back burner!
SOUTH JERSEY MSBL TEAMS DAZZLE AT DOUBLEDAY
The Marlton Athletics and Gloucester County Diamond Jaxx recently returned home from a successful trip to Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York, playing a doubleheader at the home of National Baseball Hall of Fame this past May 27th. The A's and D-Jaxx did the South Jersey MSBL proud, as both clubs displayed boundless heart and skill in representing the league to the many baseball fans from around the country who were in attendance. At the end of the day, it was the D-Jaxx taking a pair of games, by scores of 12-4 and 9-6. In all, six South Jersey MSBL teams were represented, as the rosters for the A's and D-Jaxx also included players from the Delran Cardinals, Glassboro Blaze, South Jersey Cubs and the Marlton Red Sox. (MORE ON THIS STORY TO COME)
Wednesday, February 15
Senators Announce Roster Moves (click here for full story)
WT SENATORS PRESS RELEASE (FROM NICK FRESE, SENS GM) - The O-28 Senators are pleased to announce the signing ...
Thursday, February 16
Joe Pavlik, 1957-2006
BY NICK FRESE: The Washington Township Senators family mourns the passing of one of our own, Joe Pavlik, who played for the club from 1996-1999. Joe lost his battle with cancer on Monday, Feb. 13. he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Viewing is Friday, Feb. 17 at Gardner Funeral Home on the Black Horse Pike in Runnemede, NJ 6-9 PM. An additional viewing will be held Saturday morning, Feb. 18 from 8:15-9:15 AM. Mass follows at 10:00 at nearby St. Theresa's Church. Burial is at St. Joseph Cemetary in Blackwood. Current 28+ Sens Manager (and brother) Mike Pavlik says there will be a gathering afterwards at Glendora Fire Hall for those who wish to come. Details on that will be announced at some point during the ceremonies.
In Joe's honor, both the Senator O-28 and O-38 clubs will wear his #41 on our caps during the 2006 season, which will be dedicated to his memory.
Farewell, old friend. May there be plenty of baseball Up There for you. And may the curve ball be biting.
South Jersey MSBL Photo Album
Click (photo or headline) to view images from prior South Jersey MSBL seasons, including numerous All-Star Games, Cooperstown, as well as playoff and regular season action.
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