The 2004 FBLI GreenDogs recently returned home to Farmingdale after participating in a successful, weeklong baseball tournament in Oneonta, NY where they have given a commendable effort while representing Farmingdale, as Farmingdale Baseball League's 2004 12-year-old Cooperstown team. After playing nine exciting games in five consecutive days - playing teams from Jacksonville, Florida to Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Farmingdale's GreenDogs proudly came away with a second place finish, and an enjoyable week of teamwork and fun.

Upon arrival last Saturday afternoon at Cooperstown Baseball World's SUNY Oneonta Baseball Facility, the GreenDogs began by checking into their individual rooms at the campus dormitory, where they would spend the rest of the week together as a team. From there, they participated in Opening Day ceremonies on one of the facility's premiere fields, where teams from all over the country were introduced. The tournament's individual skills competitions, which were originally scheduled to take place on opening day, were unfortunately cancelled due to unfavorable field conditions due to poor area weather. The scheduled games however, went on unaffected as the weather generally improved through the week.

On Sunday morning, the GreenDogs faced their first opponent of the tournament, the Buffalo Grove Wildcats from Illinois. After an early five run lead, the GreenDogs fell to the Wildcats, suffering their first defeat early in the competition. Later in the day, the GreenDogs faced the Toms River Warriors in a tight game, which ended in yet another disappointing loss for the 'Dogs by a close score of 5-3. Their luck didn't improve much on Monday, as they went on to face Florida's Jacksonville Storm and the Diamond Dawgs from Massachusetts.

The GreenDogs appeared down, but they were definitely not out. Somehow, with a little expertise and guidance from the coaching staff, the players came to the realization that GreenDogs don't die. The team was able to regain the poise and control necessary to bounce back from a 0-4 start, embark on a four game winning streak, and propel themselves back into the race for a championship finish. The GreenDogs played strong on Tuesday and Wednesday, defeating the South Harlem Reds two games straight. They continued on their winning streak and were able to topple the playoff's undefeated top seed Milwaukee Angels by a score of 11-8. The GreenDogs faced their next opponent, the Westchester Frozen Ropes on Thursday morning, keeping their winning streak alive by defeating the Ropes by a score of 5-3.

By Thursday afternoon, the stage was finally set for the Championship Game between the Farmingdale GreenDogs and their worthy opponent, the Toms River Warriors. One team would become the tournament's first place champion, while the other would end their week as runner-up. Having already suffered a loss to the Warriors earlier in the tournament, the 'Dogs realized that they had their work cut out for them. They came on to the field full of energy, ready to give the Warriors a run for their money. Unfortunately however, they came up just a little short. The Warriors scored two runs early in the game, which were quickly answered by the 'Dogs. The game remained tied at two, until the Warriors were able to tack on two more runs in the bottom of the third inning. As the game went into the fifth inning, Toms River was able to post four more runs, leaving the GreenDogs with few options but to graciously accept the respectable position of second place.

It seems that through their hard work and team spirit, the 2004 GreenDogs managed to surprise many - while raising the bar - as expectations for success, prior to this tournament, were somewhat limited. Certainly not limited however, was this team's overall, combined level of individual talent, along with their commitment to play together as a team. The 2004 GreenDogs did an outstanding job - played their hearts out. On the field and off, all of these athletes conducted themselves as true professionals while treating the game - as well as each other - with respect and dedication. Through it all, they were highly motivated and competitive, never giving up. They were able to prove that GreenDogs don't die. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and families involved in this tremendous achievement. You should all be very proud of this accomplishment.

Farmingdale Baseball League's 12-year-old 2004 GreenDogs include: #4-Joseph R. Castrogiovanni, #15-Gregory Coppola, #3-James Darcy, #14-John Galanoudis, #19-Joseph Kennedy, #7-Patrick Kircher, #44-Hayden Kirk, #27-Christopher Langon, #1-Christopher Leo, #36-Joshua McDowell, #18-Chris Napolitano, #9-Jake Rachiele, #22-John Speelman, #11-Derek Venezia, and #23-Brandon Veracka. Team manager - FBLI President, Tom Sabellico. Team coaches - John Speelman, Russ Castrogiovanni and Ike Galanoudis. Team Special Assistant Coach / Trainer - former MLB & NY Yankees player, Frank Tepedino.

The next scheduled event for the GreenDogs is the annual Plainedge Baseball Tournament here locally on Long Island, which will take place during the first two weeks of August. Come out and root-on the 'Dogs.