Superstars Manhasset-Plandome Softball Champs

The Superstars, after a five year drought, recaptured the Manhasset-Plandome Softball League championship by sweeping the Titles by scores of 12-8 and 16-8. The Superstars, who finished third during the regular season, reached the championship series by sweeping the Mavericks, 11-4 and 5-3, and by taking two out of three from the Wallbangers (including an 8-0 shutout in the opening game). The Titles, by virtue of finishing first during the regular season, received a first round bye in the Playoffs and then earned the right to play for the championship by defeating the Sportsmen.

The Superstars are one of the original teams in the Manhasset-Plandome Softball League, which started play in 1975. Over 23 years of the league's existence, the Superstars have had the most success. During an eight year period in the 1980s, the Superstars appeared in all eight championship series and won five of them. After winning the championship again in 1991, the team fell on hard times. Only six players remain from the 1991 campaign, Tom Killeen, Charlie Rexer, Platon Elias, Joe Potenza, Lou Najarian and Tony Mastrogiovanni, a rookie in 1991. Gone from the 1991 team are Steve O'Leary, Gene Papa, Tony Tortalani, Tom and Danny Quinn, Chris Kivlen, Bill Ming and the erstwhile pitching great, Carl "Hubbell" Kapikian. Denny Vianna remains on the injury reserve list.

After the loss of so many players who had significantly contributed to the Superstars earlier successes, it was only natural that a period of adjustment would follow. But the Superstars were unaccustomed to losing. Throughout their successful years, they won on elimination prior to the championship round, the Superstars were determined to reverse their fortunes in 1997. A year earlier, they recruited Mario Harris to handle the bulk of the pitching. This year, they added several new players who solidified the defense, particularly in the infield. In addition, the Superstars hit like they never hit before. During the regular season, the team had a .409 batting average and a .554 slugging average. During the playoffs, they stepped it up, batting .459 and slugging .614.

The greatest addition to the success of the 1997 team was the considerable contribution from second generation players. The first father and son team to play for the Superstars was Tom and Danny Quinn, who played a major role in the 1991 championship. In recent years, Charlie Exer's sons Charles, Will and Robby, Tom Killeen's son Brendan, Lou Najarian's son Adam and Tony Mastrogiovanni sons Joey and Mickey participated from time to time. But for various reasons, they did not make major contributions. This year, Charles and Robby Rexer were two very important cogs in the Superstars re-emergence as champions. Charles played near flawless left field and provided power and speed to the lineup. In the playoffs, he batted .526 and led the team with 10 RBI. Robby was also instrumental in the team's new found success. During the regular season, he helped stabilize the outfield by playing all four positions well and hit .396. In the playoffs, he supplanted Tom Killen in the outfield and his .313 with a home run. During the regular season, Brendan Killeen, Aram Najarian, Will Rexer and Mickey Mastrogiovanni all contributed to the team's resurgence.

Next year, the Superstars will see yet another missing from their ranks. Joe Potenza has moved back to his native Massachusetts. Not to worry, the Superstars have assistant statistician Bobby Elias down on the farm team. It is rumored that Carl Kapikian is teaching him how to throw the high arc, reverse spin pitch.

In its 23 years of existence, the Manhasset-Plandome Softball League has played nearly 1,500 games and approximately 1,000 men have participated. The league plays its games in the spring and fall, taking the summer off for vacations and attention to family matters. The league is always looking for new players. If your interested, call Commissioner Frank Viola (no, not the former St. John's and Major League pitcher) at 365-8621.