The final games of the OTHG Double Elimination Tournament were played this past Tuesday and Friday. The loser bracket finals pitted Barco against Hampton Air Tuesday with the winner earning the right to face winner bracket winner Synergy Friday in the finals. Unfortunately for Barco the year came to a disappointing end as their season long plague of an inconsistent offense was readily apparent in their 15-1 loss to Hampton Air as their bats took the night off. Hampton jumped out to a two-run lead in the first aided by two Barco errors but Air's bats were hot as well as they scored five in the second and another four in the third to go up 11-0 after three effectively putting the game out of Barco's reach. In lieu of game highlights, the Barco team at this time would like to thank Dave Diamond who once again gave up his Friday nights to keep score and provide constant encouragement. Dave has been a long time fixture in Barco's dugout and is considered to be one of the team who appreciates his yearly participation.

Hampton Air certainly had peaked at the right time after having an off year during the regular season finishing as the tenth seed. After losing in the second round to Synergy, Air reeled off four wins in a row to get a second chance against them in the finals. To win the championship Hampton would have to beat a tough Synergy team twice on the same night. The evening started off very well for the underdogs as they edged Synergy 12-10 in the opener but Synergy rebounded to take the second game 7-3 to win the 2006 OTHG Tournament. The night was also typical of what the league incurred all year, and that was less than the best of weather conditions. This night being cold which was actually more suitable for football than softball. In their victory, Synergy had one of those nights where singles meant everything, and that was for both games. In a league where everyone bats in a rotating lineup, teams need contributions in some way from everyone and that is what the Synergy team did. After filling in for pitcher Richie Dargie in the first game, who was forced out after injuring his wrist, Dennis "Ace" Oehl pitched a beauty in the second, keeping the powerful Hampton bats at bay. Aldo Balducci, Benny Macchia, Big Mike Mormino, and Al Devine led the offense for Synergy while Dave Rubino came up with key hits when they were needed most. Denny Oehl finished off an outstanding season with a big night as well along with Tommy Vanasco who made game saving catches in the outfield to cap an excellent job in the playoffs. Congratulations Synergy on your excellent play and in winning the 2006 Tournament.

The OTHG League would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate the Nassau County Umpires Association but especially our own Aldo Balducci on earning the National Indicator Fraternity Award. Aldo plays for Synergy and is the league's representative with the ASA. This year Aldo held an information meeting with their association members regarding our rules prior to the start of the season and appears to have had a positive effect. Well done Al.

The following is the letter received by the league from Jillian's family in response to the OTHG's annual fundraiser.

"Dear Members of the OTHG, Friends4Jillian and the Farmingdale Community:

We are absolutely overwhelmed by the efforts and results of August's All-Star event.

In a time of uncertainty, worry and stress for our family, the community support illustrated by your work gave us hope, strength and comfort. For us, and our family, being surrounded by caring friends and concerned neighbors was a gift more valuable than any other.

As members of the Farmingdale community, we could not be more proud of yet more humbled by what you each have given - your time, your effort, your assets and your hearts.

Baby Jillian's health has been improving, and we hope to welcome her home soon. Though she faces two more open heart surgeries and other medical hurdles, the love and strength shown by the community she is entering will certainly continue to benefit her. Thank you all so much.

With admiration, Baby Jillian's family"

For more information visit www.othgny.com. To contact Gary Jambor or the Over the Hill Gang, email othg_gj@yahoo.com.