Merillon Yankees at Cooperstown

By Coach Joe Renta

The Merillon Yankees of New Hyde Park embarked on a week- long tournament at beautiful Cooperstown Dreamspark in Cooperstown, N.Y. . The week was full of excitement and competitive baseball with 96 teams from all over the Country. The Yankees compiled impressive numbers while they were there. The stats are as follows: record 2-6, team batting average of .284, 4.75 runs per game, 60 hits, 5 home runs, and 32 stolen bases. Pin trading was one of the highlights at the park where players went up with 100 pins each that were designed by Michael Pugliese and traded with members of other teams from the time we arrived. Special thanks to Donna Pugliese for all of the work she did setting up the bowling fundraiser we had to defer the cost of the trip for everyone. I would like to thank Merillon AA for supplying us with needed equipment and for picking up the cost of the banner. I also would like to thank the Merillon board for their inspiration and encouragement on our journey. Many thanks to Mr. Cordona's of N-Sign's for reducing the cost of the team banner for us and The Knights of Columbus #2852 of New Hyde Park for their donation for our trip. To all of the parents who took time out of their lives not only to send there kids to Cooperstown, but for coming to the park and routing for their team. I especially want to thank my coaching staff Ray Simeoli, Al Pugliese, and Joe Carbone for helping me take care of the kids while at the park. The Merillon Athletic Association has been going to the Cooperstown Dreamspark for 5 of the last 6 years, and all of our players enjoyed the experience and competition while there. I want to say it was truly a wonderful experience that I will never forget. In closing all of the players were great on the field and off and I could not have picked a better group of kids to make this once in a lifetime experience with.

Boys Lower Farms

August 13

Gigi's Italian Restaurant "Dodgers" V. Modell's "Nationals"

The Dodgers faced off against the Nationals in an excellent game where both teams played well. The Dodgers were short-handed, but the fab-five came through with an outstanding performance. Matthew Rivera, Joseph Dampman, Patrick McTiernan, Sean O'Leary & Collin Cheung combined to make great plays in the field by moving to the ball and covering their respective bases. They all hit the ball hard to drive in runs and had loads of fun.

August 15

Modell's "Nationals" Vs Gigi Italian Restaurant "Dodgers"

The Nationals played the Dodgers. This was the Nationals' last game and all players showed tremendous improvement over the summer season. At this game Matt O'Neill caught a line drive and almost completed a double play. Jack Lynch made a nice tag play at second and Luke Tesoriero tagged a player out running to first. Nicholas Barry and Samuel Chiche both scored 2 runs while Joseph Griffin and Christopher Carbone both had 2 RBI's. Christian Riccobono ripped a ball down the third base line into left field and Daniel Bateman had 2 hits and a run scored.

Modell's "Nationals" Vs. Gigi's Italian Restaurant "Dodgers"

The Dodgers and the Nationals came into the season finale ready to show what they have learned this summer. Both teams showed they learned a lot with their much improved play and continued the streak of fun. The Dodgers high powered offense was led by the two Sean's, McClellan and O'Leary. Matthew Rivera, Patrick McTiernan, Collin Cheung, Daniel Goldberg, Christian Ugolini and Van Dyke Manners each had a multiple hit games. Collin Cheung and Christian Ugolini made their catching debuts for the Dodgers.

Boys Majors

August 13

Broadway Plaza Hotel "Ducks" (20) Vs. East Williston (0)

The Ducks beat East Williston team, with another super effort by all 20-0. Ducks pitchers Paul Reo and Vinny LaBruna combined to no-hit East Williston while striking out 8 batters. Everyone contributed with the bats today, pounding out 13 hits, 14 walks, and stealing 16 bases. Chris Sacino scored 3 times and had 2 RBIs. Alex Montalvo scored 4 times, drove in 5 runs with a double and a single, and walked twice. Vinny LaBruna singled, walked 3 times and scored twice. Chris Ferlazzo had 2 hits drove in a run and scores 3 times. Paul Reo drove in 6 runs on a 3 run homer and 2 singles. Peter Ferrante walked twice and scored a run. Belvin Kuriakose singled, walked and scored. Andy Ferrante singled and scored a run. Domenick Fazzolari scored twice on 2 walks and Ryan Marder smacked 2 hits and drove in a couple runs.