 |
Randy's Ramblings Randy Seidman is a constant at
Washington games and has offered to file reports. We appreciate his hustle. Randy
graduated from Washington, which his two sons have also attended. Randy is an
award-winning producer of televised sporting events and now works for CN8, in addition to
doing free-lance work for major networks and The News Gleaner. His career highlight --
producing games, on back-to-back days, when Julius Erving
scored his 30,000th point and Mike Schmidt slammed his 500th homer. He
may be reached at rseidman9@aol.com. |
---
JUNE 6
ALL-PUBLIC BANQUET
ALL-PUBLIC BANQUET
Rosewood Caterers
Ramblings from The All-Pub Banquet:
* The room was
still buzzing about Central's victory one day earlier against West
Chester Henderson. It was The Pub's first time winning an outdoor
game in the states. The Lancers will try to advance to the
semifinals when they meet Central Dauphin on Thursday at 1 pm.
Lancers coach Bob Barthelmeh, who has been on a whirlwind the
last few weeks, thought he would be able to come to the banquet and
relax with his players. WRONG! When the guest speaker was a no-show
(I won't name names, although see below), Bob was one of a trio of
fill-ins, and talked about the respect he has for all of the teams
in his division. He pointed to two areas for the success Central has
attained this season: defense and pitching, and implored all of the
athletes to consider the importance of good defense.
* The
All-Public honorees were then introduced. Handling the honors for
Division "A" was Frankford's Bob Peffle, Division "B" was
Roxborough's Howard Leight, Division "C" was Philadelphia
Electrical's Chuck Puchon, and Division "D" was Swenson's
Shawn Williams. The MVP trophies went to Frankford's
Ramon Reyes (A), Saul's Enrique Meletiche (B), Philly
Electrical's John Bowers (C), and University City's James
Allie (D). Allie is a junior, the other three are seniors.
* Ramon
Reyes will be attending La Salle in the fall. Even though there
was a possibility of being selected in the second day of the Major
League draft, Ramon is ready to start his college career at 20th and
Olney.
* There was a
moment of silence for Mastbaum legend Ralph "Bones" Schneider,
who recently passed away. Saluted as a great teacher, and a man who
was liked by everyone, Bones will be missed.
* The umpires association was
represented by Steve Kupsov, Joe Lieberman and Ivan
(or as some like to call him, Ian) Lieberman. Kupsov
presented The Good Sportmanship Award to Bok. Although their brief
stay in Division "A" didn't yield any wins, the team and their coach
were commended for their manner. Longtime Public League coach, and
character, Frank "Roscoe" Natale, is out on sick leave, and
was unable to attend. He recently donated a kidney to best friend
Rick Pergolini. Ivan Lieberman presented an award for catchers
displaying courtesy and a great attitude towards umpires. In a very
classy move, the award is being named in honor of Eric
Gregg, the former West Philly High student who went on to be a
major league umpire. Eric suffered a massive stroke and died the
previous night. The initial recipient is GAMP's Eric Funaro.
The final award went to "a very deserving individual," as Joe
Lieberman stated. Winner Ramon Reyes received a cash award to be
donated to the school of his choice.
NO MISTAKING THIS UMPIRE
Joe Lieberman is always
a man who gets noticed wherever he is. The same is true when he is
driving. After leaving the Central state playoff win, I was stuck
behind an SUV with a license plate that simply read: I UMP
CARPENTERS
UNION
Because Central won
the Public League and District XII crowns, Bob Barthelmeh will
be the skipper for this season's Carpenter Cup entry.
Frankford's Bob Peffle had that duty the past three seasons, and
will be a very valued assistant coach for this squad. The Pub
plays next Wednesday, June 14th against an all-star team
representing the Suburban National and Bicentennial Leagues. You
might want to stop at Dunkin Donuts, game time is 9:30 a.m. at
Penn's Murphy Field. This season, only the Carpenter Cup
championship game will be played at Citizen's Bank Park. All
other games will be played at Penn.
DID HE GET LOST IN
OXFORD CIRCLE?
It's
a shame the guest speaker wasn't able to attend. Dickie Noles,
the former Phillie reliever, has a great message to deliver to
today's youth, recalling the troubles he had with alcohol during his
career. In all fairness, Dickie makes numerous appearances on the
Phillies' behalf, and gives a lot back to the community. His absence
sent emcee Joe Stanley into a scramble mode, and he didn't
have to look far. He came up with a trio of very seasoned Public
League veterans, who were able to deliver with unscripted remarks.
First up was retiring School District Director of Athletics,
Cliff Hubbard. He remarked about his dream to have a beautiful
baseball diamond in Philadelphia for the league's use. Next up was
Rich Yankowitz. Boy, for a guy who's "retired," he's all over
the place. Coach Yank stressed the importance of academics and SAT
scores to the student-athletes, and noted that if you need help in
schoolwork, then go out and make that happen. Last to speak was
Central coach Bob Barthelmeh,
currently the
toast of the town. He flashed back one day earlier to his team's
state playoff win. "When they (West Chester Henderson) got off the
bus, someone said to me, did they send the football team over here,"
commented Barthelmeh. "These guys are huge. They must have spent a
lot of time in the weight room. Henderson never expected to lose
yesterday. You could just see that in them. I think we caught them
totally by surprise, with our aggressiveness and our good talented
play. We were victorious, and it's a thrilling position to be in.
This was a victory for the Public League, and hopefully this is an
indication of what we will continue to do each year we reach out and
go further." It's nice that The Pub has a deep bench to call on when
needed. Next time a Phillies reliever is slated to speak, perhaps
they can see if Eric Junge, Doug Nickle or Steve Schrenk
is available.
2006 PUBLIC LEAGUE
CHAMPIONSHIP
JUNE 1 - Campbell's Field in Camden, NJ
Central 7, Frankford 1
Championship ramblings in no specific order:
JUNE 1 - Campbell's Field in Camden, NJ
Central 7, Frankford 1
Championship ramblings in no specific order:
* How 'bout
the fact that this game entered the sixth inning, and was scoreless.
* Stat of the
Game: Frankford stranded 9 runners (7 in scoring position). They had
5 left on base in the first 2 innings.
* Central's
battery: Jared Farbman and Joe Magdovitz
- WOW! Jared's back; good luck to Joe at Cornell.
* Bob
Barthelmeh, the Lancers' always intense skipper, really
enjoying himself in the postgame celebration, and getting an ice
bath, not bad on a typical humid Philly/Camden day
* The class of
the Frankford players. After a tough loss, they still came over and
mingled with the Lancers before boarding their bus. The class of
Bob Peffle, Juan Namnun, and for that matter,
the entire Pioneers rooting section, which makes
attending any Frankford game, an event. I am sure the Pioneers
were disappointed, but baseball's a great game, and in this case,
their season continues. This is a resilient bunch, and I am hoping
to see them advance in the states.
* I may be
wrong, but it looks like Central and Frankford could meet again. All
they would have to do is win their first AND second round games.
Theoretically, that would meet in the state semifinals. Hey, who
knows, anything can happen.
* Make-up
companies are lining up for Central's endorsement for next season.
The Lancers easily led The Pub in eye-black this season. Many of the
Lancers were sporting the Ultimate Warrior-Tammy Faye Bakker-Micah
Winterstein look as the playoffs progressed.
* The play of
the game (and there were many): In the 2nd inning, Central 1B
Jim Benek showing flexibility by snaring an errant
infield throw, and tagging batter Edwin Burgos for
the third out. It prevented Tito Rohena from
scoring. If Jim doesn't make that play, at least one run is in with
Ramon Reyes and Juan Carlos Torres
on deck. It was a game-altering play. What a feeling that must
be...to come up big for your team in a big game.
*
Cliff Hubbard threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and
awarded medals after the game. He is retiring after 46 years on the
job in the Philly School District; that's almost unbelievable. He
says he'll still be around. When asked about his biggest
thrill: coaching Roxborough to the Public League baseball
championships in 1989 and 1990...and the biggest change in The
Pub: competing in the PIAA (wishes it would have happened sooner)
* Veteran PIAA
official "Jack Kapp" manned the PA mike at
Campbell's Field for the semifinals and the championship. Hey, the
guy is good, although he kinda sounds like ESPN Sunday Night
Baseball Guy Jon Miller with his Latin
pronunciations.
* Unsung (or
in this case), Sung, Hero of the semis and championship game: GAMP
student Luis Figueroa, whose renditions of the
National Anthem and God Bless America, were on the mark. Click
here
for Ted's picture.
* Picture of the Year: Tell me the picture
that Ted took last week of Northeast Vikings sensation Joe
Breitweiser
warming up
is not among the best you've seen in
a while. I believe it could be an award winner!
PUBLIC LEAGUE - THE
FINAL FOUR
MAY 24 - SEMIFINALS
Central 2, Northeast 1
Frankford 10, GAMP 2
JUNE 1 - CHAMPIONSHIP: #1 Frankford vs #2 Central, 3:30pm, Campbell's
Field in Camden
Although GAMP lost
twice to Frankford in the regular season, they played the defending
champs tough in both games. That was not the case this time. Perhaps the
best team in the second half of the season, GAMP picked a bad time to
have a subpar game. Frankford rolled out to a 7-0 lead after three
innings. Ramon Reyes, who put on a good show for the
scouts following his every step, was responsible for staking Frankford
to a 2-0 lead. After a one-out walk to sr LHP Edwin Burgos,
Ramon laced a 1-0 pitch to the open spaces in left field for an RBI
triple. Reyes, the MVP of Public League Division A, then trotted home on
a wild pitch from jr LHP Andrew Caines. GAMP players,
who had been sky-high since their 12-2 quarterfinal flogging of
Washington two days earlier, lost focus in the next two innings, and it
cost them dearly. Three walks and a pair of errors contributed to a
Frankford 4-spot in the second inning. Bob Peffle's
squad only had two hits in that frame. The key blow was delivered by sr
1B Juan Carlos Torres. With first base open, GAMP coach
Art Kratchman ordered an intentional walk to Reyes.
Torres then crushed 2-run single to left on Caines' first offering. GAMP
committed another pair of errors in the third. Giving a team like
Frankford extra opportunities in an inning is not advised. This time,
9-hole hitter, soph RF David Doggett, was clutch with a
2-out RBI single. Meanwhile, Burgos was able to keep GAMP off the board
until the visiting 4th inning. A pair of defensive gems by Frankford
helped limit GAMP to just one run in the 4th. Frosh sensation
Edwin "Tito" Rohena made a big league catch in center to start
the inning. Anthony Venafro lofted a 1-0 pitch to
shallow center. Rohena got a great jump on the ball and was able to make
a shoestring catch. With runners on second and third, and two outs, GAMP's
soph 1B Christian Matticks lined an RBI single to left.
Kratchman took a gamble and tried to score his runner from second base. Jeffry
Bru's throw from left field was slightly off-line, but Reyes
short-hopped it and positioned himself perfectly to apply the tag for
the third out. GAMP also had something going in the next
inning. A pair of leadoff walks and a one-out single by fiery jr catcher
Eric Funaro, closed the score to 7-2, and was the end
of Burgos' day on the hill. As usual, Peffle made the right moves at the
right time, and summoned soph Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche
to the mound. At the same time, he repositioned four of his players.
That has been one of the hallmarks of the great Frankford teams...their
versatility. Meletiche, showing no ill effects of his recent injury to
his pitching hand, then induced a routine ground out. Ryan
Challender's swinging bunt was pounced upon by Reyes, who threw
a perfect strike to Torres to end the inning. That was to be GAMP's
final offensive thrust. Frankford sealed the deal with a trio of gift
runs in the home fifth. With two outs and two on, Jeffry Bru (a member
of Ted S's All-First AND All-Last Name Teams), hit a high fly to right.
Routine for the third out. Nope. It was lost in the lights, allowing two
to score. Bru subsequently came in on a wild pitch. Shortie shut down
GAMP in the final two innings, as Frankford celebrated its fourth
straight year with a win in the semifinals. Of course, their last loss
in this round was to the 2002 GAMP team, which went on to win the
championship, in what is now part of Public League lore.
ACROSS THE RIVER:
The atmosphere was festive at
Campbell's Field. GAMP had several sections of rooters, and even had
a group of drummers show up to offer their support. Frankford, as
always, had their unique, and equally as spirited, cheering section.
This is the first time The Pub ventured to the other side of the
Delaware. It would appear that with more promotion, and a concerted
effort on the part of member schools, this could be a real working
situation.
SIGN HIM UP:
The ceremonial first pitch was thrown
out by Paul G. Vallas, Chief Executive Officer for
the School District of Philadelphia. Not only is the man a leader
with vision, he also has a nasty slider.
GOING TO STATES:
Frankford and
Central are excited to face each other for the Public League
championship. With their semifinal wins, they also qualify to
play in the PIAA Tournament. GAMP and Swenson will also
participate. Unfortunately, every time I think about Frankford's
last foray to states (a game vs Neshaminy, played at LaSalle), I
can't help thinking about a controversial (and lousy) 4th
inning balk call, that allowed Neshaminy to tie the game,
1-1, en route to a 5-1 win. But I guess....that's baseball!
HONOR ROLL:
The coaches
All-Public selections recently were announced and no fewer
than 12 of those players participated in the battle of the
Pioneers. Frankford First-Teamers: Juan Carlos
Torres, Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche, Edwin Burgos, Ramon
Reyes. Frankford Second-Teamers: Richard Jimenez,
Edwin "Tito" Rohena. GAMP First-Teamers: Anthony Venafro, Ryan
Challender. GAMP Second-Teamers: Foster McKoskey,
Brandon Henson, Eric Funaro, Andrew Caines.
Congrats to all!!
--
MAY 22
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS
GAMP 12, Washington 2
PUBLIC LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS
GAMP 12, Washington 2
With many members of the
2002 GAMP championship team rooting them on, the 2006 GAMP edition
defeated Washington, 12-2, to advance to the semifinals. Art
Kratchman's Pioneers have played the best baseball of any
Public League team since mid-season, and will now get the chance to
defeat the three-time defending champs, Frankford, under the lights.
That semifinal is Wednesday at 6:30, following Central's contest
with Northeast at 3:30. The doubleheader has shifted from LaSalle's
DeVincent Field to Campbell's Field, home of the independent
Atlantic League's Camden Riversharks.
The last time GAMP went
this far in the playoffs was that magical 2002 season. The Pioneers,
only 5-9 in the regular season, caught lightning in a bottle, and
went on to beat Bok and Central in the first two rounds. In that now
legendary semifinal, GAMP raced off to a 8-1 lead, and withstood a
furious Frankford comeback, to win 8-7. They claimed the
championship with a hard-fought 8-6 win over Northeast in the
finals. In 2002, it was Anthony Caines who was the
glue in the infield. Mario Malatino was the tall,
lanky lefty that anchored the pitching staff. Fast forward to
2006, and now it's Andrew Caines, Anthony's
brother, who is the tall, lanky lefty anchor. Andrew, a junior,
was recently was named Second-Team All-Public.
Andrew started and pitched
the first three innings, to record the win in the shortened 5-inning
game. (All four quarterfinal games this season, ended early, thanks
to the 10 and 15-run rules.) The last time these teams met at the
GAMP Grounds at 7th & Packer, Washington jumped out to a 2-0 lead in
the first inning. Final score - GAMP 15, Washington 2. In the
quarterfinal, GW again took the early 2-0 lead. Final this time -
GAMP 12, Washington 2. However, there were good moments for the
Eagles. Senior captain Chris Phares, led the game
off with a double to the right-center gap. After a Dave
Mullen sac bunt, Phares scored on senior captain
Rolando Fontanez' ground out. With two out and none on, the
last of the three senior captains, Sean Engelberg,
hit one straight-away to center. It was back, back, back, gone, but
only after jr CF Brandon Henson got leather on the
ball. It was Engelberg's first homer of the season, and he
immediately took over the team lead with that solo blast! GAMP
reversed the momentum in the bottom half of the inning, taking
advantage of Washington mistakes. As they have done all season long,
the Eagles shot themselves in the foot once again, with their lack
of defense. A pair of errors, a walk, and a bloop double that could
have been caught, led to two unearned runs. Washington probably led
the league in unearned runs this season. My bad, it's The Pub, there
are many other worthy contenders for that dubious honor. Both teams
had first and second with no outs opportunities in the second
inning. Washington didn't convert, GAMP did. The Pioneers broke the
game open in the third inning on a two-out, grand slam by
Anthony Venafro, his second dinger against GW this season.
Caines was relieved by soph Foster McCoskey, who
retired the Eagles in the final two innings. Sr John Dunn
ended the game with a two-run double in the fifth. With the loss,
GW's streak of reaching the semifinals is snapped at four.
EAGLES SENIORS:
A salute to those
Eagles, who played their final game in a varsity uniform. Chris
Phares turned in some inspiring pitching performances. One of the
finest displays I witnessed, was in the 10-0 shellacking Northeast
laid on GW. The defense totally deserted Chris, but he stayed
focused, and showed what determination and leadership are all about.
For the record, when Chris shut out Edison earlier this
season, he was credited with 6 K's in the report filed by Owls coach
Larry Oliver. He actually had 10. Sean Engelberg
always put his best on the line. His offensive improvement over the
last two seasons is remarkable. He was also a quiet, calming
influence on a bunch of rather rambunctious Eagles. Now it comes to
Ro. It will be hard to say good-bye to graceful centerfielder
Rolando Fontanez. Ro went from being the young guy on last year's
team, to the senior guy on a team with 9 juniors and 4 sophs.
Congrats to Ro, and his biggest supporter, dad Hector,
on being selected as a All-Public Second-Teamer. Two other important
parts of this team were the unsung heroes: senior
1B/funnyman/overall good guy Jared Shafer, and
senior catcher Mike Goldberg, who worked harder
than anyone in practice.
THE JUNIORS:
Although it was a
disappointing season, in terms of GW baseball, the future is bright.
This season provided many lessons to the young Eagles. They entered
it with little or no varsity experience, and now have a solid year
under their belt. The fact that this is a particularly close-knit
group of guys also bodes well. Dave Mullen had an outstanding season
at the plate, and is willing to do whatever he can to help the team.
Shortstop Ed Sabara showed some pop in his bat. His
double off the right field wall at Central against Jared
Farbman was highlight-film material. Joe McCaffery
finished the regular season with a 7-game hit streak. Isaiah
Johnson took advantage of his increased playing time, and
looks to have a big senior season. RHP/1B Corey Seidman,
like Phares and Engelberg, pitched his heart out, but had little to
show for it. He made tremendous strides in the last year, and will
only get better. Same goes for Tim McHale, who
gained some valuable playing time this season. Likewise, Rob
Eder and Jim Galen should flourish with
increased playing time as seniors.
THE SOPHS:
Catcher Stan
Borodyansky is another player who made significant
improvements in the past year. He must have set the unofficial GW
single-season record for foul tips held for strikeouts.
Damien Wilmer had a frustrating season, due to injury, but
should be oh-so-strong for next season. Danny Engelberg
paid his dues as a soph, and now looks to get more involved in 2007.
Eric Eder got the opportunity to pitch in the
second half of the season, and looks to be a major contributor next
year.
THE COACHES:
Max Bilkins
knew coming into this season, that it was a young group. Now he can
think look ahead, and know that he will have a much more veteran
team in the spring. In a very trying season, Moxi qualifies for The
Purple Heart Award, but he handled this season with class, and a
great sense of humor. Assistant Jay Welte once
again showed how much GW baseball means to him. It's a great feeling
to see somebody like Jay give back to the community.
NPDL:
The fourth season of
the Northeast Philly Development League will get underway in early
June. Look for a schedule to be posted by next week. Players from
all over are encouraged to come up to the Far Northeast to improve
their skills. Games are played weekday mornings at Somerton Field at
Southampton and the Boulevard. Two players who were Co-Rookies of
the Year in the 2005 NPDL, took their game to the next level in high
school. Franklin Towne Charter soph Keith Rycek was
a Division B First-Team All-Public performer, and Penn Charter's
Rob Amaro was named to the All-InterAc team...as a
freshman! Details to come in my next posting, which will augment
Ted's coverage on the semifinals.
MAY 3
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 14, Washington 8
Just 48 hours after
losing their first league game in two years, the Frankford
Pioneers visited Bustleton & Verree with the intent of getting
back on the winning track. Washington had thoughts of pulling
the upset, and midway through the game, held a 7-4 lead. Could
the mighty Pioneers lose back-to-back Pub games for the first
time this decade? Certainly, they have been tested several times
this season, yet managed to always find a way to win, until
their loss to Central earlier in the week. Frankford once again
showed why they are still the team to beat, as they re-grouped
and came back to even the game at 7, then started to pull ahead
in the later innings. The Pioneers were content to get out of
The Eagles Nest with the "W," knowing that they won, despite not
playing their best. As for the young Eagles, this is a team that
is still trying to learn how to win, yet seem to be headed in
the right direction. GW can still salvage this season with a
strong playoff run, and could prove to be a dangerous team to
play in the postseason.
Washington soph
Eric Eder was making his second career varsity start,
and was opposed by savvy, senior lefty Edwin Burgos. Edwin
was fresh off a dominating 14-strikeout win against
Northeast, and staked his team to an early lead with a 2-run
homer in the first inning. GW recently erected a
portable outfield fence in left and center fields that connects
with The Grey Monster in right-center field. Now I am not going
to say that Farrell Field resembles Citizens Bank Park, but...
The sign in the left-center gap reads 340, and I have been
assured that it is accurate, but... Burgos still got all of the
ball, and probably would have bagged a triple in the pre-fence
days. Eder was able to get out of the inning without further
damage. Washington reversed the early momentum, scoring three
times on two infield singles, a walk, a pair of sac flies, and a
Pioneers error. Fundamental baseball is what coach Max
Bilkins always preaches to his troops, and he finally
saw his squad execute. Burgos settled down after that, and
retired 11 of 12 batters in one stretch, recording 8
Ks. Washington (5-7) then went on the offensive, scoring four
runs in the home 4th to take a short-lived 7-4 lead. Key
hits: Northeast transfer Isaiah Johnson's long,
booming RBI double to deepest left field, an RBI single by soph
catcher Stan "Don't Make Me Have To Spell This Too
Often" Borodyansky, and a 2-run triple to right-center
by jr 2B Dave Mullen. The triple by Mullen was
one of four hits on the day. The last Eagle to accomplish that
feat was Matt Peterson, against Central
on April 20, 2005. Peterson played for Penn State-Berks this
season.
With a boisterous
group of GW players sensing a special moment, Frankford started
to mount their comeback in the fifth inning. Eder, like many
other GW pitchers this season, was forced to work harder because
of fielding/mental errors. Giving a quality team like Frankford
an extra out in this inning proved to be the Eagles' undoing.
With two out and two on after an infield error, coach
Bob Peffle once again displayed why he is the one of
the top baseball coaches in the area. He brought in pinch-hitter
Jose Burgos, facing the Eagles for the
first-time ever. Jose did not look at ease early in the at-bat,
but was patient, and saw a 2-2 to his liking. He drove it deep
to right, and it cleared The Grey Monster for a 3-run pinch-hit
home run, sending the Frankford players and fans into a frenzy.
Frankford (11-1) then
took a 9-7 lead in a highly controversial manner. After a walk,
Burgos hit a sharp grounder down the third-base line. The
ball was obviously foul (by at least 18 inches), but was not
ruled that way. Body language by the Frankford coaches and
players validated the blown call. The next batter, senior
catcher Ramon Reyes then lashed a two-run
double, giving Frankford a lead they never relinquished. I
rarely mention an ump on a missed call. It is just a part of
baseball, that should even out in the long run. However, when a
pattern of ineptitude is displayed game after game, season after
season, and nothing is done, it becomes a distraction, and takes
away from the game on the field. Obviously, this chap felt sort
of guilty, because the subsequent make-up calls on balls and
strikes, bordered on the ridiculous. I don't care if this young
man takes offense to what I have written, because, as in most
professions, if you are not doing the job, then action is
usually taken. Unfortunately, the action taken by The Pub
officials in years past, has been to reward such efforts with
jobs in the semifinal and championship round. Oh, boy, I really
did it this time. I might have to hire the sensitive Sopranos
enforcer Vito Spadafore for protection. On
second thought, maybe not such a good idea!
APRIL 17
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 8, Washington 4
The Frankford Pioneers won
their 33rd consecutive Public League baseball game against a spirited
group of George Washington Eagles. Frankford (6-0) posted an 8-spot in
the second inning, and that would be all the offense they needed. Over
their last four innings, the Pioneers collected only one hit, and did
not score against senior relievers Sean Engelberg and
Chris Phares. That allowed Washington (2-4) to creep
back into the game. They scored a pair of runs against starter and
winner Esteban "Shorty" Meletiche, in the 4th inning,
With freshman Edwin "Tito" Rohena relieving in the
fifth, GW plated two more. The Eagles actually got the tying run to the
plate in the 7th inning, with two outs and the bases loaded, but a
flyout to right-center ended the game, the 9th straight time Frankford
has prevailed against Washington.
CUT AND PASTE SPECIAL
The last time these
two teams met was on May 16, 2005. I should have just cut and
pasted my report from that game, as it was almost a carbon copy
... The mark of a truly great team, is their ability to win,
even when playing at less than their best. Frankford is a team,
that when being challenged, always responds, and finds a way to
win. I’m sure the coaches, players, and parents of Central, GAMP
and Northeast, can fully understand. Just when you think you
have a chance to beat the Pioneers, somebody delivers a clutch
hit, makes the key play in the field, or gets the important
strikeout. Bob Peffle and Juan Namnun
have done a fantastic job over the years, and always seem to
get their players in a position to win ... very eerily the
final score of the 2005 game was also 8-4!
REYES OF SUNSHINE
Senior
catcher Ramon Reyes is the unquestioned
team leader of the 2006 Pioneers. He is in position to
be named an All-Public performer for the second straight
season. With a 3.6 grade point average and excellent SAT
scores, Ramon is carefully looking at his options for
the future, with coaches Bob Peffle and
Juan Namnun. When he came to Oxford and
Wakeling as a 9th grader, Ramon was not a catcher. His
willingness to learn a new position, and work hard in
practice at all times, has paid huge dividends for the
Frankford program, which is on the verge of becoming a
dynasty.
MULLEN IT OVER
GW
junior Dave Mullen came into
his first varsity season projected as a starting
outfielder. Perhaps the most athletic player on
this year's team, Dave was asked to move to
second base, to help strengthen an inexperienced
infield. Two games into the experiment, and it
seems to be working. Mullen has helped stabilize
the infield with his take-charge approach.
However, somebody should tell "Mull-Dog" that he
owes sr 1B/funnyman Jared Shafer
a happy meal. Shafer bailed Dave out with an
excellent scoop on a throw in the dirt, with two
outs and a runner on second, in the 5th inning.
SMOOTH
One player I will miss next year is
Frankford's sr 1B Juan Carlos
Torres. He has worked hard at
becoming a good hitter, and has had
success on the mound. But at first base,
he is a natural. His movements are
fluid, and he makes every play look
easy. Any young, future first basemen
would be well advised to watch his magic
around the bag.
MAYBE
NEXT TIME
There was an offer from a GW
player's parent to treat the
team to dinner, if the Eagles
could pull an upset. That
parent, who requested to be
anonymous, informed me that the
offer holds for the rematch, at
The Eagles Nest, on Wed., May
3.
CLASS
ACT
A recent addition to
Frankford's Baldwin Field
(a.k.a. Pioneers Park), is
the sign in right field
honoring former major
leaguer Bobby
Higginson. The
Frankford grad was on hand
in 2004, for the unveiling
of the sign. Bobby has
always been a friend to
Frankford, helping out in
numerous ways. When I was
flying home from Detroit,
after working a telecast of
Temple getting demolished by
Bowling Green in football
last October, I became aware
of one of his heartfelt
gestures. Bobby had taken
out a full-page ad in the
Detroit Free Press, thanking
the fans for their support
during his 11-year Tigers
career. His Tigers totals:
.272 average, 187 HR, 709
RBI, 1336 hits in 1362
games. His best season was
in 2000, when hit .300, with
30 HR, 102 RBI and 104 runs.
By the way, Higgy was
originally drafted by the
Phillies in 1991, but did
not sign.
APRIL 11
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 8, GAMP 7
Over the past several Public
League seasons, four teams that I dubbed "The Big Four," have been the
perennial favorites to reach the semifinals. Frankford, Northeast,
Central and Washington always seem to be there. In the regular season,
the "4" always took care of the teams in the bottom half of the
division, with few exceptions. GAMP has been knocking at the door to
join this club, and started this season with a 3-1 record. Washington,
on the other hand, was adjusting to life after their 14 seniors from
last season went their separate ways. The Eagles came in with a 1-3
record, including a loss to Edison, a team searching for consistency in
Division A. Sure it's still early in the season, but this was a huge
game for GW.
A pair of juniors took to the
mound, and pitched five very brisk innings, averaging a paltry 13
pitches per half-inning. GAMP led 2-1 after five innings. The Pioneers' LHP
Andrew Caines and GW's RHP Corey Seidman,
were able to get key outs, but both showed signs of tiring in the
6th. That's where GAMP extended their lead with a 5-spot. Key
RBI: single by LF John Dunn, 2-run single by leadoff
hitter Brandon Henson, and run-scoring double by DH
Ryan Challender. (Dunn and Challender were the lone
seniors in the lineup)
Although there was brilliant
sunshine up above, the Washington situation appeared gloomy. Staring at
a 1-4 start, the Eagles started their comeback scoring twice in the home
sixth, cutting the lead to 7-3, and causing GAMP to bring jr Anthony
Venafro to pitch in relief. Anthony quickly recorded a pair of
outs the end the threat. In the GAMP 7th, with runners at 1st and 3rd
and no outs, GW coach Max Bilkins brought in sr Chris
Phares to pitch for the first time this season. The little
lefty was able to end the inning stranding runners at 2nd and 3rd. In
the fateful bottom of the 7th, a pair of GAMP pitchers could not find
the strike zone, issuing five consecutive free passes. The GW hitters
were patient at the plate, especially a trio of underclassmen: jr
Jim Galen, jr Tim McHale, and soph
Stan Borodyansky, who for the next three years will now
be referred to as Boro (to prevent carpel tunnel).
Whereas the young guys set the table, the three senior tri-captains took
care of the rest. Bases loaded walk to Phares, 2-run single to tie the
game by CF Rolando Fontanez, and the game-winning
single by 3B/RHP Sean Engelberg. The
GW bench exploded at their sudden come-from-behind heroics. It was a
bitter pill to swallow for GAMP, but behind the leadership of fiery jr C
Eric Funaro, they will come back more determined when
games resume next week.
UH-OH, IT'S REPORT CARD TIME
Many of the Public
League teams may look a little differently next week, after the
third set of report cards come out. In past seasons, some teams
have been dramatically affected. It's pretty simple, guys - you
better take care of business, or you won't be in uniform!!
THE THROW
Rolando
Fontanez was a full-time player last season, and was
expected to be a key contributor this season. Ro got off
to a slow start this season, but everything seemed to
turn around starting with "The Throw." With GAMP runners
on first and second and no outs in the second inning,
soph 1B Christian Matticks singled
sharply to center. GAMP coach Art Kratchman
never hesitated to send the lead runner home. Fontanez
unfurled a throw from medium-deep center that went all
the way in the air to the afore-mentioned Boro, who
applied the tag...the proverbial perfect strike!
Fontanez came up in key situations at the plate, and
produced going 2-for-4, with a walk and 3 RBI for the
game.
THE GAMP GROUNDS
Washington will finally get its chance to travel to South Philly for
the rematch on April 26. Originally, the game was to be played on
April 3rd. Just two problems: 1) the weather was miserable, although
the three other games in the division took place, and 2) who in
their infinite wisdom would choose to have GAMP host a game the same
afternoon the Phillies are playing their season opener. Oh, the
humanity! Pretty funny that the GAMP softball team also had a
scheduled home game that day. Would it take more than 45 seconds for
The Pub schedule makers to go to phillies,com for any possible
conflicts of this nature?
THE GAMP GROUNDS, II
The best part
of playing at GAMP (besides the expressway traffic) is the
sign out in right field. It's not glitzy, it's actually kind
of plain. But it should be a symbol of hope to all teams
playing there, including GAMP. It should be an inspiration
that anything is possible. GAMP - 2002 PUBLIC LEAGUE
CHAMPIONS (GAMP took their 5-9 regular season into the
playoffs, and eventually shocked Frankford in the semis,
before winning it all against Northeast)
SHOOTING THE BREEZE
Always a
pleasure to see GAMP coach Art Kratchman. The last time I
saw coach was a memorable moment. It was after The Pub lost
their only 2005 Carpenter Cup game at Penn's Murphy Field.
Art was among Frankford coach Bob Peffle's
assistants for the squad, and so was Yank. Rich
Yankowitz, Dobbins' longtime and legendary
coach, was hanging 'em up, and was in his Dobbins uniform
for the final time. In the parking lot after the game, Art
and Yank told story after story about how it used to be. It
was as if Yank just wanted to keep talking sports...and
life...and was in no hurry to take off his Dobbins colors one
last time.
APRIL 7
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Central 13, Washington 3
Central's 6'3" junior RHP Jared Farbman
has helped jump start his Lancers to a 4-1 start. Coming into the game
against Washington, Farbman had been nearly unhittable. After
one-hitting Lincoln in the season opener, he tossed a no-hitter against
Northeast in his next outing. Against GW, he finally ran into some
adversity. After the Lancers posted a 3-spot in the first (3 hits, 2
errors), Washington responded by scoring twice in the second, via the
small-ball route. After Ed Sabara was hit by a pitch to
lead off the inning, sr 1B/funnyman Jared Shafer
executed a sacrifice bunt. Senior Will DelValle reached
on an infield hit, and soph catcher Stan Borodyansky
lofted a sac fly. Co-captain Chris Phares'
opposite-field single brought in the second run. In the GW third, sr RHP
Sean Engelberg smashed a double off of the facing of
the school in deep right-center field. Two batters later, Sabara missed
a home run by 8 feet as his shot to right ricocheted off of the wall,
onto a ledge, and then back to the playing surface. That made the score
4-3, and that was as close as GW would get on this day. Farbman got
stronger as the game wore on, shutting down the Eagles over the final 3
frames. Central took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the sixth, before
exploding for 8 runs, and ending the game, sending the Eagles to their
third defeat in four games. Central's hitting stars: sr SS Matt
Smith (2-for-2, 3 R, RBI), jr 1B Jim Benek
(3-4, 2 R) and soph 3B Aaron Esbensen (3-4, 3
RBI). Despite the lopsided score, the difference in this game came down
to defense. Central's infield play was exceptional, led by the SS/2B
tandem of Smith and sr 2B Nick DeLeo. Washington
continued its early-season trend of shoddy fielding, committing five
errors. Farbman's line for the day: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 HB, 5
K, 93 pitches (excellent ratio: 32 balls, 61 strikes).
THE EDISON GAME
In past seasons, Edison was a major thorn in the side for Central.
However, their new team to torture is Washington. There is no doubt
that Edison hitters crush the ball offensively, as was evidenced
with their 20-11 mugging of GW. Coach Larry Oliver's
team has now beaten Washington in each of the last two seasons.
Fortunately, my assignment working the Chicago Bulls TV feed out of
South Philly, prevented me from witnessing the carnage at The Eagles
Nest at Farrell Field, which has become a haven for visiting teams
so far this season.
WHAT'S IN A NAME
How is it possible that on a team peppered
with brothers (of current and former players), that the two
DelValles on G-Dub not only aren't brothers...they're not even
related! Junior Alex DelValle and sr Will DelValle
will not be appearing together at family functions anytime soon. For
the record, former GW football standout Adam DelValle
has no relation, either. Goofy!
DON'T GIVE UP AWARD
In the midst of the Eagles woes, here's a
positive story. Although his playing time has been limited, sr
catcher Mike Goldberg is thrilled to be on this
season's team. He was the final cut on last year's team, but
continued to come to practice to help out. He was rewarded with a
roster spot on this year's team. A lesson to all: hard work and
perseverance lead to good things. Way to go, 2-0-Kid!
LANCERS AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Farbman credits a lot of his success to
learning from older teammates, such as Andrew Reynolds.
Of course, everybody knows him simply as Potter, for his likeness to
that boy (now, man) wizard, Harry Potter. Andrew is
matriculating at Eastern University, and has excelled in his
freshman season, leading his team with a .412 batting average. He
has also pitched 5 complete games. Ironically, one of Andrew's
teammates at Eastern is Nolan Potter. Another
Lancer standout, Brandon Watson, is ripping the
hide off of the ball for Elizabethtown College, checking in with a
.361 average in 22 games. One other Central player, Kurt
Haberle, attends Arizona State. He doesn't play baseball
there, but I just wanted to mention him, because he looks really
cool with his shades on. Just ask him! Much cooler than Tom
Everett Scott in "That Thing You Do," for any movie buffs
out there.
MORE FARBMAN
My feature on Jared Farbman will appear in
this Wednesday's Northeast News Gleaner. Since only
about 8 people actually get home delivery of the Gleaner, I will
include a link to the article later in the week, probably with
the GW-GAMP report. By the way, GAMP coach Art Kratchman
agreed to move the make-up game from South Philly to the
Northeast this Tuesday (April 11th). Gametime is 10:30 a.m. -
ouch! The April 26th rematch will now be played at the GAMP
Grounds, in the shadows of Citizens Bank Park.
WILL THE REAL POTTER PLEASE STAND UP?
My very last mention of Potter for
today...Current 2B Nick DeLeo actually looks more like the Boy
Wonder than Andrew Reynolds. If you don't believe me, check out
the Central team picture from last season basePLpics05.htm
DeLeo had perhaps the best plate appearance I've seen this
season, when he extended Sean Engelberg to an 11-pitch at-bat.
After fouling off five pitches, the patient DeLeo finally drew a
walk.
MARCH 29
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 20, Bok 2
Coming off a tough season opening loss to Northeast,
Washington rebounded with an offensive assault on 2 Bok pitchers in the
3-inning game. It almost took the Eagles longer to reach the Bok Bowl, at
11th & Bigler, than to play the game. The Eagles scored 9 times in the
first, and 10 times in the second, en route to the win against the Wildcats,
the first time these teams have met in this decade. Bok coach Frank
"Roscoe" Natale's team has the unenviable task of trying to compete
in Division A. Last season, they won Division B with a 15-1 record, and
their reward was to move up to the Gold Division. But that's not necessarily
the greatest thing in the world. Go ask Steve Lesh from
Mastbaum and Barry Strube from Olney about that. Their
teams posted a combined 0-27 record against the rest of Division A in
2005. Those teams are now back playing in the cozy confines of Division B.
GAME STUFF
Oh, yeah, I forgot there was a game to report on. After
facing Joe Breitweiser from Northeast in the opener, the
baseball must have looked more like a beach ball to GW hitters against Bok.
Washington (1-1) wasted no time getting on base, and coming around to score.
With leadoff batter Chris Phares still recovering from the
flu, jr OF Dave Mullen assumed that position, and got the
Eagles going. In 4 plate appearances in the 3-inning game, Dave went
3-for-3, with 2 singles, a double, and a sac fly for his 3 RBI. Jim
Galen, the junior second baseman, went 3-for-3, with 4 RBI, in his
first career varsity start. Senior captain Sean Engelberg
pitched 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 3, to record his 2nd
career win. Bok (0-2) got on the board in the second on a booming RBI triple
to left-center by jr Sam Cubilette, who wound up scoring
after GW threw the ball around.
BAD NEWS, GOOD NEWS
Frank Natale had a successful run as the Bartram Braves
football coach, and got accustomed to winning. Coaching baseball at Bok,
at least this season, will be a tall order indeed. Frank moved over to
Bok to replace a real Philly original, Tom DeFelice.
The bad news for Natale is that his team will struggle against the upper
echelon teams of the division. Here's hoping that the Bok players come
to practice and their games every day with the right attitude, and stay
focused. Frank will be equal to the task. The good news for Bok is this
year's team features only one senior, Nick Perrone (also played
football), so there will be opportunity to improve.
FROGGY SIGHTING
Is Mark "Frog" Carfagno the mayor
of South Philly, or what? The guy is everywhere. Last week, he's
busy getting scolded for being a "homer" in the press box at the
state basketball finals. He was there with the tedsilary.com
cohorts covering Prep Charter and Communications Tech's run to the
championship. Then I walk onto Bok's turf and there he is holding
court. Talk about another genuine Philly character, it's him. To see
what the Frog looks like and what he likes to ramble about, go to
Frog.
By the way, a big-time salute to both Prep and C-Tech for making
Philly proud. Way to go!!!!
RO'S DAD
There are many joys in watching sr captain
Rolando Fontanez play...his love for the
game...the way he's become a team leader...how he gets along
with everybody...and his dad, Hector. Dad was
at every game last season, but informed me that his work
schedule changed to nights. OUCH! Somebody gimme that boss'
name, I'll make him an offer he can't refuse!
YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST TIME
Congrats to jr C Isaiah Johnson.
Making his GW debut, he hit the chalk down the left-field
line, for a double in his first at bat, and then scored.
Isaiah also showed great hustle behind the plate and down
the line defensively.
THEY'LL BE BOK!
Even in defeat, Bok can take some positives out of
this game. Sam Cubilette attacked the ball in his only
at bat, and shows promise on the mound. Junior catcher
Matt Stewart and soph 2B
Kendall Johnson will only get better as the
season goes along. It also didn't help that Bok was
missing two starters for various reasons.
MARCH 27
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Northeast 6, Washington 5
Opening day of the 2006 Public League baseball season
got underway with a big match-up between two of the better teams trying to
unseat the 3-time defending champion Frankford Pioneers. Vikings coach
Sam Feldman and Eagles coach Max Bilkins
both lost key players to graduation, and are feeling their way through the
early parts of this season to develop lineups, defense and pitching. One
advantage the Vikings did have, was the return of senior Seth
Shapiro and junior Joe Breitweiser. Each is
entering their third year as a starter, and are very battle-tested. Shapiro
played a solid centerfield and batted 3rd (1-for-2 double, 2 walks).
Breitweiser batted 4th (1-for-3, triple, walk), and got the starting mound
assignment. Joe picked right up where he left off last June, when he turned
in a dominating Carpenter Cup performance (1.2 innings of shutout relief vs
Delaware County). With Brandon O'Malley now playing for
Philadelphia University, catching Breitweiser fell to Derrick Butler,
a second-year baseball player, and football team veteran. GW hitters
struggled at the plate all day. The keys for Breitweiser were his
early-season above-average velocity, mixed with an occasional breaking ball,
which was in or near the strike zone. Breitweiser lasted 6 innings, before
he started to tire. He left with 12 strikeouts, and allowed just 4
hits. Whereas Breitweiser is already an experienced and accomplished hurler,
his mound opponent on this day was jr RHP Corey Seidman,
making his first varsity start. Seidman was bidding for a spot in the
rotation this season, and was a pleasant surprise during Washington's recent
spring training in Florida. At the Disney Complex in Orlando, Corey had
successful relief outings against Friendship Christian (Tennessee) and
Philly rival Frankford. He followed that up with an impressive 4 innings as
a starter against a very powerful West End HS (Alabama) team. Given the
opening day assignment, Coach Bilkins was not sure how many innings he would
get from Corey. What the coach got was a gutsy, 7-inning complete game
performance. Bilkins has been concerned with his team's penchant for
allowing more than 3 outs in an inning, and that's what led to Northeast
plating 3 unearned runs in the first inning. Seidman yielded 3 earned runs
the rest of the way (2 of them on a Breitweiser lost-in-the-sun triple with
2 outs). Corey finished with 8 strikeouts, including Shapiro and Breitweiser.
Northeast (1-0) extended the lead to 4-0 in the 4th inning on a first-pitch
fastball to senior Kyle Bachmann. The ball was gone as soon
as it hit the bat, and landed over the rightfield fence (the infamous Gray
Monster), onto Northeast Avenue. The ball traveled an estimated 320
feet, and did not hit any of the passing cars (that day is bound to
happen)! GW finally broke through in the 5th on a clutch single up the
middle by soph C Stan Borodyansky, who also impressed with
a strong throwing arm. The score remained 4-1 until the final inning when
Northeast got a pair of runs on a flyball that was lost in GW Farrell
Field's notoriously brutal "sun-field." The high sun has eaten up many
center fielders on the home and visiting teams over the years. Those key
runs were pivotal, because Washington (0-1) mounted a furious comeback, that
fell just short. After a pair of singles, a walk, and a throwing error,
Breitweiser was replaced by jr 2B/RHP Jose Lopez. After
hitting the first batter, Jose hung on to earn the save by striking out the
side. The Vikings won their first game at GW since the inception of
tedsilary.com in 2000, a span of 7 games.
OH BROTHER
This year's Eagles squad features three players with
brothers who played under Coach Bilkins: sr 1B Jared Shafer (brother
Brett, Class of 2001), jr OF Dave Mullen
(brother Craig, 2001) and jr RHP/1B Corey Seidman (brother
Eric, 2004). In addition, there are 2 sets of brothers on
this year's team: sr RHP/3B Sean Engelberg & soph RHP/3B
Danny Engelberg, and jr OF/3B Rob Eder &
soph SS/RHP Eric Eder.
THE NEXT LEVEL
Northeast players on college rosters (3):
Bryan Adamson- soph at York College, Andrew Lihotz-soph
at Rutgers-Camden, and Brandon O'Malley-freshman at Philadelphia U. Lihotz
won his last 2 starts for Rutgers-Camden (12-6) vs Gwynedd-Mercy and Chapman
University (CA). Chapman was ranked 4th nationally in Division III at the
time. O'Malley, who only started pitching late in his senior season at NE,
has made 5 relief appearance for Philly U, in addition to his role as a
back-up catcher.
Washington players on college rosters (4): Brian
Morgan-soph at Penn State-Abington, Matt Peterson-freshman
at Penn State-Berks, Matt Yankowitz, freshman at Penn
State-Altoona, Marc Tankel-freshman at Temple. Tankel, one
of only two Pub players on a Division-I roster this season (Roxborough's
Mike Gibbs; Va. Commonwealth), and has made 3 appearances, including a
strong 7-inning start against St. Francis (NY).
VIKING-EAGLE CONNECTION
Former Northeast star and assistant coach
Dennis Weiner, a fixture at the Vikings first-base coach's box for
several seasons, has taken over the head coaching job at Penn
State-Abington. One of his top players, is former GW 2-time All-Public OF
Brian Morgan. Weiner's assistant coach is Rich Yankowitz,
the recently retired, legendary coach at Dobbins. Coach Yank's son, Matt,
was a member of the last 3 Eagles teams.
 |
IN MEMORIAM . . .
It is with a very, very
sad heart that I am reporting the news of the sudden death of
James Allen, a former Dobbins baseball player under Coach
Yankowitz. James came out to play in the Northeast Philly Developmental
League, which I have run for the last 3 years. I was always so happy to
see James coming to the fields at Somerton for the early morning summer
games. He was so devoted, and made the long trek to the far Northeast,
just to better himself in the game he loved so much. He made so many new
friends on his visits, and had a great time on the bench and in the
field playing with guys from different schools. The preliminary word
relayed to me is that he died from a heart attack. Rest in peace, Big
Guy.
James Allen (left) . . . as pictured on the NPDL website. And here's a link to the website of Randy's son, Eric. |