The OTH Annual Charity Tournament came to a close this past week as the semi-finals were played on Tuesday while the finals were held on Friday, as was the yearly Home Run hitting contest. The first semifinal game pitted bracket winners Moby Drugs and Hampton Air East Sprinklers against each other. The heavy hitting Hampton Air team had their bats working again (as they have all season long) as they pulled out to what appeared to be a comfortable 13 run after lead after seven but the resurgent Moby Men wouldn't go down without a fight. Moby's bats came alive as they scored nine runs in the 8th fueled by Paul Nardone, Henry Hasemann and Tommy Hess homeruns. Unfortunately for Moby, the rally came up short as the game ended with Air holding onto a 16-12 victory, ending Moby's terrific post season play. The second semifinal contest had wild-card winner Mers Pub facing off against the Barco Home Improvement team. Mers took a 1-run lead in their first at-bat but Barco came right back with 4 runs in their half on a monster grand slam HR by Kevin Moloney. Barco maintained the lead for the entire game although Mers kept fighting back right up to the last out. With both teams scoring in virtually every inning, the game was an exciting battle which Barco finally won 15-13. For Barco, the victory was a team effort as 10 different players scored along with eight players having RBIs. The big bat was again Kevin Moloney as he had 2 HRs and 6 RBIs, who had supporting help from Dave Saur who added a HR and 3 RBIs. Others having good nights at the plate were Rick Pedone, Bob Diamond, Dennis Ryan and Gary Jambor.

Prior to the finals, after two regular rounds and a tie-breaking round, Mer's Byron Bodine came out this years HR Hitting Champion. The finals had Hampton Air East Sprinklers team meeting the Barco Home Improvement team for the 2005 Charity Tournament Crown. Hampton Air opened the scoring by pushing across a run in the 2nd but Barco responded big with 6 in their half. Kevin Moloney was again the Barco catalyst as he blasted a HR over the centerfield fence to start the scoring. As it has been all season for Barco, the entire team contributed as 10 players had RBIs and scored runs. Barco went on to score 13 unanswered runs over the next six innings to take a 13-1 lead that eventually turned into 13-3 victory. Everyone in the lineup had a hit with Terry McPartland, Dave Ringer, Dave Saur and Gary Jambor getting 3 apiece. On the defensive side, Barco's defense was sharp, particularly OF Dave Saur, SS Terry McPartland and 3rd baseman Bill "Myrtle Beach" White. Comic relief was provided by Gary Jambor as he joined the infamous "Called K Club." While this may appear to be a shocking development for the Barco team, not that Gary looked at a 3rd strike, but that it made the article (see Terry!).

For Hampton Air it was unfortunate timing for their bats to cool off, ending what has been a terrific comeback season. They won their division at 13-3, swept their tournament bracket and semis, closing out with a 17-4 record. For the Barco Boys, it has been a long journey as this was the first time winning the year end tourney in their 18 year existence. It is especially gratifying for original members Phil Tripoli and Gary Jambor who have been through some dismals seasons, and rewarding for long time (and only) team sponsor Artie Bartone as well, who was also an original player when the team was formed way back when.

I would like to thank all those family members and friends that come out to support our league, all the players and to give the park a wonderful atmosphere every Friday night. I personally like to thank the Barco family support group, who at times refer to themselves as the "Boisterous Barco Babes", Terry Burke, Tina Diamond, Denise Falcone, my gorgeous wife Anne Jambor, Donna Ringer, Deanna Stack and Debbie White. Not only do they show up every week, they do a great job organizing all our wonderful team functions. A special thanks also goes to my wonderful stepdaughter, Sara Cook, for all those "good luck" kisses (they work) and Dave Diamond, who despite going to Hofstra full time keeps coming back to be our scorekeeper, team supporter and 17th member.

A special article will follow regarding all the hard work and efforts that went into this year's charity, support for our local troops fighting over seas.