The Plainview Old Bethpage John F Kennedy High School Baseball team finished the 2003 New York State Class AA Baseball Playoffs in second place out of 760 teams in the State. The Hawks were the first baseball team from Plainview to win the Nassau County Championship, the Long Island Championship, as well as the Semifinal game versus Greece Arcadia.

The Hawks arrived in Binghamton Friday in preparation for the game 10am Saturday with Greece Arcadia to determine who would be in the New York State Class AA Final.

However, the weather did not cooperate. The game would be postponed until Sunday morning. This gave the team an extra evening together. It turned into one of the most memorable nights the players, and all other attendees could have wished for. The Hawk Captains Bryan Cippola, Jason Bonder, and Michael Rutcofsky each gave a talk on their time with the Hawks.

Then seniors Jamie Spithogiannis, Spencer Wein, Brandon Steinberger, Leo DiSalvo, and Jason Garfield were given a moment to reflect on their experiences with the Team. This was quite a moving, and inspiring time for all involved. To hear the way the men shared a commitment to each other was worthy of the memories that will endure from the occasion. The comments then came from Coaches Colleluori, Rothman, Wagner, as well as travel team Coaches Joe Green and Alan Rutcofsky, and team fan Marvin Thal. Msgr. Domenick Graziadio from St.Pius X Church in Plainview had some moving words for the Hawks. There wasn't a person in the packed house who was not touched.

The game Sunday morning against Greece Arcadia had the Hawks as Home Team. Sophomore Ben Green took the mound for the Hawks, and pitched a gem. Ben was given All Conference honor in the 2003 Season. He dominated the competition while mixing his pitches with All Division Catcher Anthony Rosato. Greece -Arcadia tried to get things going, but Ben had great stuff, and did not let up.

The Hawks came to bat and did what has been the calling card. They had Jason Appel lead off, get on base. Jason's ability to get on base should land him on the 2003 Empire Team. Jamie Spithogiannis really came on since the middle of the season. Jamie had a nice run in the playoffs as well, reaching base regularly. Uh-Oh. Bryan Cippola has hit the ball hard, hit a home run, or been hit by a pitch. The senior has been the most feared hitter on Long Island this year. Bryan is a (2) time All County player, showed them why hitting a home run in game 1. Jason Bonder had another big hit that drove in 3 runs and landed him on second base. Jason's consistent play garnered him All County status this year.

Oh Lay, Oh Lay, Oh lay, Oh Lay, Oh Lay, Oh lay. Thomas Hopkins came up in a big spot, and delivered a run-scoring single that drove in Jason. Tom has come up big for the Hawks regularly, landing him on the All County squad. Michael Rutcofsky is the shortstop with a rifle for an arm; to throw runners out. Michael is in his third year with varsity team. This is an indication of the quality of play he brings to the field, as well as how hard he works off it. Jason Garfield has come up with some clutch hits. But it was his comments Saturday night that brought out the hankies. Anthony Rosato was the battery mate of Jason, Tom, and Ben in the playoffs. Anthony's play behind the plate showed he knows how to handle a top flight pitching staff.

Lenny Wiener has had his moments this year behind the plate, and with the bat. The teamwork these guys have is clear.

Rob Schenker has held down the hot corner for the Hawks this season. Rob has been reliable at third base for the Hawks. There has been a complementary group of players that has come in when slated to the task.

Brandon Steinberger, Ryan Blumenthal, has played the infield positions when called up. Ryan will be back next year for another run. Anthony Zito, Alex Regensberg, Justin Rose fit the same bill for the outfield. The call up player will make an impact on the team in the years to come. Scott Eliot, Jim McCann, Tom Giulietti will make their mark next year.

The Hawks won the Semifinal with great pitching from Ben Green, great fielding behind him, and outstanding hitters who scored runs. These have been the attributes that have brought about the Hawk success.

The final against Union-Endicott Titans started in the Hawks favor. Thomas Hopkins was on the mound in final. Tom was backed up by some instant offense in the form of Jason Appel's first inning blast over the wall in right field for a home run.

The Hawks have been cheering for each other all year. This was in the form of songs, or chants that motivated the guys. In the second inning the coach of Endicott requested the umpire ask Plainview players to stop cheering for each other. The umpire did so to Plainview's disagreement. In the second inning, a Plainview coach was asked to be moved into the dugout from his seat just outside the dugout. These were not the most honorable moments of the weekend.

Thomas coasted through the Titan lineup with a no hitter into the forth inning. The fourth inning was one that Hawks would like to have back. After the fourth the Hawks were down 5-1.

Plainview would threaten to get something going but were unsuccessful. Senior Pitcher Spencer Wein came into the game in relief. Spencer is going to Washington University in St.Louis. (Good luck Spencer.)

Jason Appel would relieve Spencer. Jason did a great job in relief as he has all year long. The Final game ended 9-2.

The Bus ride from Binghamton to Plainview was about 4 hours. Upon arrival in Plainview the Plainview Fire Department welcomed the boys at the library with an escort to the school. Upon arrival at the school the boys were greeted by an even bigger surprise. The ladders of (2) Firetrucks extended to form a gateway, with a massive American flag unfurled from it. Pictures of the event can be seen at www.plainviewfd.org. This was a great way to welcome the player's back after their successful trip to the State Finals.

The players showed what they were about. After the Final game there was not a dry eye among us. This was not the result of the final score. But this would be the last time this group of players would grace our fields together.