 |
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. |
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GEORGE WASHINGTON: THE EAGLES NEST
One pundit's suggestion: ala the Launching Pad
in Houston, GW could be The Maxi Pad, in honor
of coach Max Bilkins.
MAY 7, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Frankford 10,
Washington 0 (5 innings)
Earlier this season, I referred to Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche as "All-World." Well, he certainly is All-Public, and if I had a vote, which obviously I do not, he would be my choice as league MVP. And he is only in his junior season! Shortie is most valuable to his Pioneers team, whether fielding flawlessly at shortstop, or dominating on the mound. At bat, he does what every great leadoff hitter needs to do, and that is, get on base. The Pioneers have been a fairly free swinging team the last few seasons, but Shortie will be as patient as he needs to be to get on base, and set the table for Jeffry Bru, Edwin "Tito" Rohena and slugger Jose Burgos. Shortie lived up to the hype in his outing against Washington. He mixed his fastball with a sharp curve, and a changeup, that had several Eagles batters taking called third strikes, or flailing desperately. Meletiche was perfect in all but the fourth inning. In that frame, GW sr 1B Eddie Sabara laced a 1-1 pitch in the hole to deep short. Pioneers jr Jon Bracero did all he could just getting to the ball, but the speedy Sabara had an infield hit. Junior catcher Damien Wilmer and Sabara are the only two Eagles to reach base safely, by hit or walk, in every game this season. Dave Mullen then reached on an error. GW was trailing 7-0 by this point, but with second and third and no outs, Shortie was at his best. He humped and got his seventh strikeout of the game, and after walking Wilmer to load the bases, struck out the next two batters. Shortie's final line: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 11 K, 79 pitches (50 strikes). Three batters had memorable games: jr catcher Robinson Rodriguez, sr 1B Kevin Roche, and soph CF Tito Rohena. Rodriguez went 3-for-3, with a double, 3 RBI, and a run. Roche went yard at Peffle Park, which in this case, means Pratt Street. He finished 2-for-3, and has four hits in his last five at bats against GW this season, with two doubles and a homer. Rohena had a key two-run single in the six-run second inning. Frankford gained a measure of revenge against Washington, the only team to beat them this season. In addition, the win clinched the division title for the Pioneers for the 6th straight season. They are 80-4 in the regular season during that span.
Earlier this season, I referred to Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche as "All-World." Well, he certainly is All-Public, and if I had a vote, which obviously I do not, he would be my choice as league MVP. And he is only in his junior season! Shortie is most valuable to his Pioneers team, whether fielding flawlessly at shortstop, or dominating on the mound. At bat, he does what every great leadoff hitter needs to do, and that is, get on base. The Pioneers have been a fairly free swinging team the last few seasons, but Shortie will be as patient as he needs to be to get on base, and set the table for Jeffry Bru, Edwin "Tito" Rohena and slugger Jose Burgos. Shortie lived up to the hype in his outing against Washington. He mixed his fastball with a sharp curve, and a changeup, that had several Eagles batters taking called third strikes, or flailing desperately. Meletiche was perfect in all but the fourth inning. In that frame, GW sr 1B Eddie Sabara laced a 1-1 pitch in the hole to deep short. Pioneers jr Jon Bracero did all he could just getting to the ball, but the speedy Sabara had an infield hit. Junior catcher Damien Wilmer and Sabara are the only two Eagles to reach base safely, by hit or walk, in every game this season. Dave Mullen then reached on an error. GW was trailing 7-0 by this point, but with second and third and no outs, Shortie was at his best. He humped and got his seventh strikeout of the game, and after walking Wilmer to load the bases, struck out the next two batters. Shortie's final line: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 11 K, 79 pitches (50 strikes). Three batters had memorable games: jr catcher Robinson Rodriguez, sr 1B Kevin Roche, and soph CF Tito Rohena. Rodriguez went 3-for-3, with a double, 3 RBI, and a run. Roche went yard at Peffle Park, which in this case, means Pratt Street. He finished 2-for-3, and has four hits in his last five at bats against GW this season, with two doubles and a homer. Rohena had a key two-run single in the six-run second inning. Frankford gained a measure of revenge against Washington, the only team to beat them this season. In addition, the win clinched the division title for the Pioneers for the 6th straight season. They are 80-4 in the regular season during that span.
THE MAN
Bob
Peffle is
winding down his final
season as Frankford head
coach, and what a ride
it has been for the
Pioneers baseball
program. I think of all
the young men he has
mentored and guided over
the years, and it is a
bit overwhelming.
Assistant Juan
Namnun has had
a pleasure being around,
and learning from the
coach. So many proud
parents have had the
gift of their son
learning from a master.
Of course, Peff is
always quick to point
out how much he learned
from his teacher,
Skip Wilson, who
coached Temple
University to 1,034 wins
in 46 seasons. My
favorite Peff moment was
right after the Pioneers
defeated Northeast for
the 2004 Public League
championship. As the
players rejoiced at
LaSalle's DeVincent
Field, they formed a
circle around Bob's
aging and incapacitated
dad. The look on the
faces of the father and
son was priceless. It
was just another lesson
in life that Peff was
able to share with his
players. He still has
that fiery competitive
streak in him, and is
looking forward to going
out with another PL
championship.
-------------------------------------------
Note: The following report
contains notes on Washington's
previous four games. What the
heck else am I going to do in my
hotel room in Chattanooga, where
I am on assignment covering the
2007 Golden Gloves National
Boxing Championships ... go
visit the "Choo-Choo," or have
grits for supper?
MAY 3, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
GAMP 3,
Washington 0
In a critical game with playoff seedings at stake for both teams, GAMP prevailed with a 3-0 win, behind the complete-game, five-hit, 13-strikeout performance of senior Andrew Caines. The lefty walked three, and was able to come up with the big pitch to thwart rallies in three of the first five innings. Only one Eagle runner reached third base. Caines' 21 outs were the result of his 13 K's, seven fly outs and one pick-off (by catcher Eric Funaro). GAMP got all the offense they would need in the first inning, scoring two runs on RBI singles from Penn State Abington-bound seniors Anthony Venafro and Brandon Henson. For GW to get out of the inning with only a 2-0 deficit was a minor accomplishment. GAMP had four singles and two walks against Eagles jr RHP Dan Engelberg. A line drive DP off the bat of Christian Matticks prevented the Pioneers from having a huge inning. Meanwhile, Caines, also headed to Penn State Abington in the fall, was on cruise control, recording nine whiffs among GW's first eleven outs. Engelberg was able to keep the game close, aided by his defense, which registered three DPs in the first four innings. Washington LF Marquis Murray showed off his accurate arm, throwing out two runners trying to advance. G-Dub threatened in the fifth as juniors Stan Borodyansky and Andrew Goodman opened the frame with back-to-back singles. With Marquis Murray attempting to advance the runners with a bunt, the stage was set for the Randy's Ramblings Play of the Game. After Caines went ahead in the count 0-2, Funaro noticed the runner straying from second base. He uncorked a perfect throw behind the runner, picking him off. Instead of first and second with no outs, it was now runner on first with one out. Although the Eagles were able to load the bases with two outs, three-hole hitter Isaiah Johnson flied out on a 2-0 pitch to end the inning. GW never threatened after that. GAMP added an extra run in the home sixth on a bases loaded sac fly by soph Eugene Aversa. With the win, the Pioneers swept the season series, and have now won four straight against the Eagles over the last two seasons, including a playoff win in the 2006 quarterfinals.
In a critical game with playoff seedings at stake for both teams, GAMP prevailed with a 3-0 win, behind the complete-game, five-hit, 13-strikeout performance of senior Andrew Caines. The lefty walked three, and was able to come up with the big pitch to thwart rallies in three of the first five innings. Only one Eagle runner reached third base. Caines' 21 outs were the result of his 13 K's, seven fly outs and one pick-off (by catcher Eric Funaro). GAMP got all the offense they would need in the first inning, scoring two runs on RBI singles from Penn State Abington-bound seniors Anthony Venafro and Brandon Henson. For GW to get out of the inning with only a 2-0 deficit was a minor accomplishment. GAMP had four singles and two walks against Eagles jr RHP Dan Engelberg. A line drive DP off the bat of Christian Matticks prevented the Pioneers from having a huge inning. Meanwhile, Caines, also headed to Penn State Abington in the fall, was on cruise control, recording nine whiffs among GW's first eleven outs. Engelberg was able to keep the game close, aided by his defense, which registered three DPs in the first four innings. Washington LF Marquis Murray showed off his accurate arm, throwing out two runners trying to advance. G-Dub threatened in the fifth as juniors Stan Borodyansky and Andrew Goodman opened the frame with back-to-back singles. With Marquis Murray attempting to advance the runners with a bunt, the stage was set for the Randy's Ramblings Play of the Game. After Caines went ahead in the count 0-2, Funaro noticed the runner straying from second base. He uncorked a perfect throw behind the runner, picking him off. Instead of first and second with no outs, it was now runner on first with one out. Although the Eagles were able to load the bases with two outs, three-hole hitter Isaiah Johnson flied out on a 2-0 pitch to end the inning. GW never threatened after that. GAMP added an extra run in the home sixth on a bases loaded sac fly by soph Eugene Aversa. With the win, the Pioneers swept the season series, and have now won four straight against the Eagles over the last two seasons, including a playoff win in the 2006 quarterfinals.
------------------------------------------
MAY 2, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 15, Lincoln 0 (3
innings)
It was an historic game for the Eagles as they trounced Lincoln in this abbreviated game. Freshman Aaron Wilmer recorded a three-inning no-hitter, and making it extra special for the ninth-grade righthander, was that he was pitching to his brother, jr catcher Damien Wilmer. Aaron allowed just one runner on a third inning error. However, he wound up facing the minimum number of batters, as brother Damien nailed the would-be base stealer. The younger Wilmer recorded three strikeouts in his first varsity start. The Eagles got on the board early and often against their presidential rivals. Back-to-back-to-back RBI doubles by sr Dave Mullen, soph Will McFillin and sr Isaiah Johnson, and a two-run double by Aaron Wilmer, helping his own cause, enabled GW to take a 7-0 lead. In the third, Damien Wilmer stroked an RBI double and three batters later, Aaron ripped a two-run triple. The brothers Wilmer finished a combined 4-for-5 with 5 RBI and 5 runs scored. Unfortunately for the hapless Railsplitters, this was the second straight game they failed to get a hit. Frankford sr Jeffry Bru threw a five-inning no-hitter just 24 hours earlier in the Pioneers 12-1 win. As a footnote to this family day of baseball, the game was umpired by the father-son combo of Joe and Ivan Lieberman.
It was an historic game for the Eagles as they trounced Lincoln in this abbreviated game. Freshman Aaron Wilmer recorded a three-inning no-hitter, and making it extra special for the ninth-grade righthander, was that he was pitching to his brother, jr catcher Damien Wilmer. Aaron allowed just one runner on a third inning error. However, he wound up facing the minimum number of batters, as brother Damien nailed the would-be base stealer. The younger Wilmer recorded three strikeouts in his first varsity start. The Eagles got on the board early and often against their presidential rivals. Back-to-back-to-back RBI doubles by sr Dave Mullen, soph Will McFillin and sr Isaiah Johnson, and a two-run double by Aaron Wilmer, helping his own cause, enabled GW to take a 7-0 lead. In the third, Damien Wilmer stroked an RBI double and three batters later, Aaron ripped a two-run triple. The brothers Wilmer finished a combined 4-for-5 with 5 RBI and 5 runs scored. Unfortunately for the hapless Railsplitters, this was the second straight game they failed to get a hit. Frankford sr Jeffry Bru threw a five-inning no-hitter just 24 hours earlier in the Pioneers 12-1 win. As a footnote to this family day of baseball, the game was umpired by the father-son combo of Joe and Ivan Lieberman.
------------------------------------------
APRIL 30, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Northeast 16,
Washington 4 (6
innings)
It's been an exciting, yet unpredictable season for the George Washington Eagles. They handed Frankford their only loss, and beat defending champion Central twice. However, they were swept by arch-rival Northeast by a combined score of 33-11, in their two games. Playing at home before a rowdy crowd at Farrell Field, the teams were deadlocked 4-4 going into the fourth inning. The Vikings exploded for four runs in the fourth, five runs in the fifth, and three runs in the sixth (Joe Breitweiser 3-run HR). The beneficiary of this onslaught was lefty Brian Susten. The sophomore had an outstanding day on the mound and at the plate. Coach Sam Feldman needed innings from Susten, and that's exactly what he got. Brian (No F & Not Sugden) Susten was able to hurl a complete-game (99 pitches), enabling Feldman to rest ace pitcher Breitweiser for their important matchup against Central two days later. Joe turned in a gem against the Lancers with a complete-game win of his own, an extra-inning 4-1 win, with 12 strikeouts. In the GW game, Susten recorded seven whiffs, most in key situations. He also helped himself, picking off a runner, one of GW's many base running mistakes on the day. At the plate, Susten went 4-for-5, with RBI singles in each of his first three at bats. Breitweiser also went 4-for-5, with two singles, a double, and a three-run HR over the left-center field fence. Another of the soph sensations on Sam Feldman's "Kiddie Korps," catcher Tim Freiling, went 3-for-4, and became the first player this season to reach the right-field fence, aka The Gray Monster. With the wind blowing out to right at 25 mph, the 6'5" Freiling got one up into the gulf stream, and smacked one halfway up The Monster. Freiling's mammoth home run against the Eagles earlier in the season, is still in flight, sighted most recently over the Indian Ocean. For GW, sr co-captain Isaiah Johnson was the hitting star. The Northeast transfer had an RBI single in the first and a two-run single in the third, accounting for three of the Eagles' four runs. This was a huge victory for the Vikings, as it propelled them into their win against Central. Although hanging tough, then losing to Frankford, 5-3, later in the week, going 2-1 during this stretch enabled the Vikings to finish second in the division. One final thought ... remember the name .... Brian Susten. Not Sugden, not Suften, hey the kid has a great chance of being an All-Pub in his sophomore season. When Seth Shapiro was a soph at Northeast in 2004, I dubbed him the "Sweet Swinging Soph." Brian Susten has now inherited that moniker.
It's been an exciting, yet unpredictable season for the George Washington Eagles. They handed Frankford their only loss, and beat defending champion Central twice. However, they were swept by arch-rival Northeast by a combined score of 33-11, in their two games. Playing at home before a rowdy crowd at Farrell Field, the teams were deadlocked 4-4 going into the fourth inning. The Vikings exploded for four runs in the fourth, five runs in the fifth, and three runs in the sixth (Joe Breitweiser 3-run HR). The beneficiary of this onslaught was lefty Brian Susten. The sophomore had an outstanding day on the mound and at the plate. Coach Sam Feldman needed innings from Susten, and that's exactly what he got. Brian (No F & Not Sugden) Susten was able to hurl a complete-game (99 pitches), enabling Feldman to rest ace pitcher Breitweiser for their important matchup against Central two days later. Joe turned in a gem against the Lancers with a complete-game win of his own, an extra-inning 4-1 win, with 12 strikeouts. In the GW game, Susten recorded seven whiffs, most in key situations. He also helped himself, picking off a runner, one of GW's many base running mistakes on the day. At the plate, Susten went 4-for-5, with RBI singles in each of his first three at bats. Breitweiser also went 4-for-5, with two singles, a double, and a three-run HR over the left-center field fence. Another of the soph sensations on Sam Feldman's "Kiddie Korps," catcher Tim Freiling, went 3-for-4, and became the first player this season to reach the right-field fence, aka The Gray Monster. With the wind blowing out to right at 25 mph, the 6'5" Freiling got one up into the gulf stream, and smacked one halfway up The Monster. Freiling's mammoth home run against the Eagles earlier in the season, is still in flight, sighted most recently over the Indian Ocean. For GW, sr co-captain Isaiah Johnson was the hitting star. The Northeast transfer had an RBI single in the first and a two-run single in the third, accounting for three of the Eagles' four runs. This was a huge victory for the Vikings, as it propelled them into their win against Central. Although hanging tough, then losing to Frankford, 5-3, later in the week, going 2-1 during this stretch enabled the Vikings to finish second in the division. One final thought ... remember the name .... Brian Susten. Not Sugden, not Suften, hey the kid has a great chance of being an All-Pub in his sophomore season. When Seth Shapiro was a soph at Northeast in 2004, I dubbed him the "Sweet Swinging Soph." Brian Susten has now inherited that moniker.
THESE MANAGERS
DON'T GET FIRED
Northeast, for
the 16th
consecutive
year, leads the
Public League in
managers. Not
your major
league field
managers, rather
the young men
and women
keeping track of
the statistics,
lineups, substitutions,
etc. The ratio
of managers to
players on the
Vikings is
almost a
ridiculous 2:1.
Thanks also to
former manager
Jade
Barron
('04), who
e-mailed me
suggesting that
the "Ballpark at
Cottman and
Algon," or "The
Vike," be
re-nick-named
"Philly's Fenway."
She writes:
"I had an idea
for naming NE's
ballpark. Since
I've graduated,
they extended
the field a few
feet and
honestly to me
if you can hit
over that fence
with no problem
then you're a
monster and with
that it should
be called
Philly's Fenway
Park. And think
about it, with
the exception of
one REALLY lucky
year Boston is
cursed just like
NE....we're
really cursed, I
mean think about
it, I managed
for 3 years and
all 3 years we
went to the
'ship and lost..
maybe I was the
bad luck!"
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APRIL
25, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington
18,
Lincoln 6
(5
innings)
For the second time in three days, Washington won a five-inning game. In each game, coach Max Bilkins used sr RHP Corey Seidman for the first three innings, and then went to jr RHP Eric Eder for the final two. Seidman was making his seventh appearance (six starts) in nine games this season. Eder, who had a strong second-half in 2006, was seeing his first action of this season. Washington put the game away early, jumping out to an 11-2 lead after two innings. The key hit was a two-run first inning single off the bat of sr RF Tim McHale. It was the second straight game that McHale stroked a first inning, run scoring, two-out hit, to extend an inning. Dave Mullen, still recovering from an early season injury, delivered a three-run homer in the second inning. The senior co-captain hit the left-center field gap. At most fields, this would have been a stand-up double. However, with Lincoln temporarily playing at Max Myers Field ("The Max?"), while their home field ("The Linc"), is undergoing a facelift, there is NO outfield fence. So if a ball gets past the outfielders, watch out! Mullen hobbling around the bases was a sight to behold, and reminded nobody in attendance of Kirk Gibson's World Series heroics. Also hitting "ground rule" home runs on this day were GW's Marquis Murray, and Lincoln's soph Michael Vazquez, and sr Matt Stahl, who also tripled.
For the second time in three days, Washington won a five-inning game. In each game, coach Max Bilkins used sr RHP Corey Seidman for the first three innings, and then went to jr RHP Eric Eder for the final two. Seidman was making his seventh appearance (six starts) in nine games this season. Eder, who had a strong second-half in 2006, was seeing his first action of this season. Washington put the game away early, jumping out to an 11-2 lead after two innings. The key hit was a two-run first inning single off the bat of sr RF Tim McHale. It was the second straight game that McHale stroked a first inning, run scoring, two-out hit, to extend an inning. Dave Mullen, still recovering from an early season injury, delivered a three-run homer in the second inning. The senior co-captain hit the left-center field gap. At most fields, this would have been a stand-up double. However, with Lincoln temporarily playing at Max Myers Field ("The Max?"), while their home field ("The Linc"), is undergoing a facelift, there is NO outfield fence. So if a ball gets past the outfielders, watch out! Mullen hobbling around the bases was a sight to behold, and reminded nobody in attendance of Kirk Gibson's World Series heroics. Also hitting "ground rule" home runs on this day were GW's Marquis Murray, and Lincoln's soph Michael Vazquez, and sr Matt Stahl, who also tripled.
APRIL
23, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 13, Saul
3 (5 innings)
The George Washington Eagles won their fourth consecutive game, ended after five innings under the ten-run mercy rule. Coach Max Bilkins was able to insert all of his reserves, giving them valuable game experience. Washington (6-2) won its three previous games by a total of four runs against Edison, Frankford and Central. The Eagles once again pounced on their opponents' mistakes. And there were plenty of them. During this mini-win streak, GW opponents have averaged seven errors per game - nasty! Yes, the Eagles have scored a boatload of unearned runs lately, but for the most part, they have been aggressive and smart on the bases, and at the plate. Coach Bilkins continued his pitching-by-committee system this season. In the past, he had such staff aces as Charlie Ritterson, Rob Ritterson, Harry Parfitt and Marc Tankel. This season, he has thrown seven different pitchers. Against Saul, he used sr RHP Corey Seidman (3 IP, 6 K), and jr RHP Eric Eder (2 IP, 5 K). GW only had eights hits on the day, but the two biggest were two-run singles by sr RF Tim McHale and jr LF Marquis Murray. McHale's was a crucial hit, as the Eagles were in jeopardy of not scoring with the base loaded in the first inning. His two-out hit extended the inning, as the Eagles scored three more times to take a 5-0 lead. For Saul, it has been a struggle adjusting to Division A. Hopefully, increased practice of the basics will help this very youthful team. The Razorbacks will need to pick up at least a couple of wins in the second half of the season, if they want to remain in the division. Senior 1B/RHP J.J. McAleer is always fun to watch, and is winding up a successful multi-sport career at Saul. JJ had a sharp single to left and scored in the three-run second for Rich Weiss' squad.
The George Washington Eagles won their fourth consecutive game, ended after five innings under the ten-run mercy rule. Coach Max Bilkins was able to insert all of his reserves, giving them valuable game experience. Washington (6-2) won its three previous games by a total of four runs against Edison, Frankford and Central. The Eagles once again pounced on their opponents' mistakes. And there were plenty of them. During this mini-win streak, GW opponents have averaged seven errors per game - nasty! Yes, the Eagles have scored a boatload of unearned runs lately, but for the most part, they have been aggressive and smart on the bases, and at the plate. Coach Bilkins continued his pitching-by-committee system this season. In the past, he had such staff aces as Charlie Ritterson, Rob Ritterson, Harry Parfitt and Marc Tankel. This season, he has thrown seven different pitchers. Against Saul, he used sr RHP Corey Seidman (3 IP, 6 K), and jr RHP Eric Eder (2 IP, 5 K). GW only had eights hits on the day, but the two biggest were two-run singles by sr RF Tim McHale and jr LF Marquis Murray. McHale's was a crucial hit, as the Eagles were in jeopardy of not scoring with the base loaded in the first inning. His two-out hit extended the inning, as the Eagles scored three more times to take a 5-0 lead. For Saul, it has been a struggle adjusting to Division A. Hopefully, increased practice of the basics will help this very youthful team. The Razorbacks will need to pick up at least a couple of wins in the second half of the season, if they want to remain in the division. Senior 1B/RHP J.J. McAleer is always fun to watch, and is winding up a successful multi-sport career at Saul. JJ had a sharp single to left and scored in the three-run second for Rich Weiss' squad.
BAD TIMING
Too bad the overhaul of the backstop at Saul
wasn't ready when the Razorbacks hosted
Edison last week. The game was halted in
third inning due to "unsafe playing
conditions," as the backstop cage was deemed
to be dangerous. Note to somebody in
authority: probably not a good idea to
proceed if the project was not close to
being finished. And the other question is,
was it deemed to be safe prior to be the
first pitch? With Frankford visiting in a
few days, it shouldn't be an issue when the
Pioneers are batting. They won't foul
anything in the backstop area, everything
will be in play at The Saul Mines.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
The
offer has been on the table for the last several
years...beat Frankford and win a pizza
party. Seemed like a safe bet at the time. The
Pioneers have made a shambles of the division
since 2002, and had won eleven straight over the
Eagles. With a few exceptions, most of those
games were not even close. But against Frankford
this season, the two junior righties (Dan
Engelberg, Tom Radziak) performed under
pressure, and junior Damien Wilmer
contributed a clutch game-tying, two-out RBI
single. When the final out was recorded with the
Eagles ahead, I realized it was time to pay up.
And I do...gladly! Co-captains Dave
Mullen and Isaiah Johnson
should poll their teammates and decide what day
after practice they feel like chowing down. All
of the players, managers and coaches are
cordially invited.
THE WRIGHT STUFF
Junior LF Jon Wright made
the most of his appearance, as he stroked a
single in his only at bat. Wright, who
easily leads the team in hair, along with jr
Max Fenster and sr
Jim Galen, have been important
members of this season's Eagles team.
GRINDHOUSE
With GW finally winning a shortened game, it
gave me the opportunity to make it a Public
League double-feature. I arrived at "The Vike,"
just in time to catch the last inning of GAMP's
10-7 win at Northeast. Of course, Ted
Silary was there snapping pix, and,
well, just being Ted! Also in
attendance watching some of his potential
players for next season was Penn State Abington
coach Dennis Weiner, the former
Northeast assistant. He had just concluded a
successful season at Abington, and was on hand
to scout out a few of Art Kratchman's
seniors from GAMP. By his side, was his trusty
assistant coach, the legendary Rich
Yankowitz.
APRIL 11, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 7, Frankford 6
For the GW Eagles, last week was the best of times, and absolutely the worst of times. Starting with the bad, Washington hosted Edison, and almost blew a nine-run last inning lead, holding on to win, 21-20. In one of the worst high school games you could witness, there were 18 errors (Edison-13, GW-5). And that doesn't take into account more than a dozen mental errors. The Edison Owls could have prevented so many runs simply by eating the ball. Hey do you like walks? Well, then this was your game. How about 22 combined walks and seven hit batters. How 'bout GW issuing six bases-loaded walks in the almost fateful final frame. G-Dub's next-day practice was spirited and focused, going back to the basic fundamentals of the game. That was the backdrop for the Eagles leading up to their game against Frankford. For the Pioneers, they were coming off a brilliant, hard-fought extra-inning 3-2 win against Central. Frankford's All-World Shortie Meletiche pitched seven solid innings against Lancers' ace Jared Farbman. Central tied the scored 2-2 on Farbman's solo homer in the top of the seventh, but Frankford prevailed on a walk-off squeeze bunt by jr Jon Bracero in the eighth. A Bob Peffle classic baseball play, eerily similar to a pair of suicide squeezes he called for against Northeast in 2004, resulting in a 5-2 win. So the Pioneers strutted into The Eagles Nest with a 4-0 league record, having defeated GW eleven straight times. With Meletiche unavailable to pitch after his seven-inning outing, Peffle turned to soph Tito Rohena. Max Bilkins started jr Dan Engelberg, who had been impressive in the early season with a pair of victories. Frankford started the game with a pair of baserunners (Meletiche walk, sr Jeffrey Bru infield single). They wasted that scoring opportunity, which would prove to be an omen of things to come. With the game scoreless in the home second, Isaiah Johnson hit a smash double to left, was advanced to third by Engelberg on a ground out, and scored on a Tim McHale single. It was a rarity in this recent series - a GW lead. The Eagles added an unearned run in the third, and plated two more in the fourth, by playing fundamentally sound baseball. They were sacrificing, and advancing runners on ground outs, and putting the ball in play. Frankford shot itself in the foot with some loose fielding, and after four innings, GW was filled with confidence, and a 4-0 lead. Through four, Engelberg and his unorthodox windup, had limited Frankford to just two hits, and stranded six runners. However, everyone expected a comeback, and Frankford put a five-spot on the less-than-hi tech scoreboard. A pair of sac flies by Jose Burgos and Robinson Rodriguez, and a couple of GW errors, helped Frankford take a 5-4 lead, and the momentum of the game. But this GW team, which has showed spunk all season, regained the lead in the home sixth. The key hit was a clutch, game-tying RBI single by Damien Wilmer with two outs. Another Pioneers error, and a bases loaded hit-by-pitch RBI by jr Andrew Goodman gave the Eagles a 7-5 lead. Junior RHP Tom Radziak, making just his second varsity appearance, yielded one run in his two pressure-packed innings, and stranded the tying runner at second base. After soph SS Will McFillin recorded the final out on a 6-3 grounder, the celebration was on, as the players, coaches, and fans realized their first victory over Frankford since May 9, 2001. Here is the tedilary.com recap from that game:
For the GW Eagles, last week was the best of times, and absolutely the worst of times. Starting with the bad, Washington hosted Edison, and almost blew a nine-run last inning lead, holding on to win, 21-20. In one of the worst high school games you could witness, there were 18 errors (Edison-13, GW-5). And that doesn't take into account more than a dozen mental errors. The Edison Owls could have prevented so many runs simply by eating the ball. Hey do you like walks? Well, then this was your game. How about 22 combined walks and seven hit batters. How 'bout GW issuing six bases-loaded walks in the almost fateful final frame. G-Dub's next-day practice was spirited and focused, going back to the basic fundamentals of the game. That was the backdrop for the Eagles leading up to their game against Frankford. For the Pioneers, they were coming off a brilliant, hard-fought extra-inning 3-2 win against Central. Frankford's All-World Shortie Meletiche pitched seven solid innings against Lancers' ace Jared Farbman. Central tied the scored 2-2 on Farbman's solo homer in the top of the seventh, but Frankford prevailed on a walk-off squeeze bunt by jr Jon Bracero in the eighth. A Bob Peffle classic baseball play, eerily similar to a pair of suicide squeezes he called for against Northeast in 2004, resulting in a 5-2 win. So the Pioneers strutted into The Eagles Nest with a 4-0 league record, having defeated GW eleven straight times. With Meletiche unavailable to pitch after his seven-inning outing, Peffle turned to soph Tito Rohena. Max Bilkins started jr Dan Engelberg, who had been impressive in the early season with a pair of victories. Frankford started the game with a pair of baserunners (Meletiche walk, sr Jeffrey Bru infield single). They wasted that scoring opportunity, which would prove to be an omen of things to come. With the game scoreless in the home second, Isaiah Johnson hit a smash double to left, was advanced to third by Engelberg on a ground out, and scored on a Tim McHale single. It was a rarity in this recent series - a GW lead. The Eagles added an unearned run in the third, and plated two more in the fourth, by playing fundamentally sound baseball. They were sacrificing, and advancing runners on ground outs, and putting the ball in play. Frankford shot itself in the foot with some loose fielding, and after four innings, GW was filled with confidence, and a 4-0 lead. Through four, Engelberg and his unorthodox windup, had limited Frankford to just two hits, and stranded six runners. However, everyone expected a comeback, and Frankford put a five-spot on the less-than-hi tech scoreboard. A pair of sac flies by Jose Burgos and Robinson Rodriguez, and a couple of GW errors, helped Frankford take a 5-4 lead, and the momentum of the game. But this GW team, which has showed spunk all season, regained the lead in the home sixth. The key hit was a clutch, game-tying RBI single by Damien Wilmer with two outs. Another Pioneers error, and a bases loaded hit-by-pitch RBI by jr Andrew Goodman gave the Eagles a 7-5 lead. Junior RHP Tom Radziak, making just his second varsity appearance, yielded one run in his two pressure-packed innings, and stranded the tying runner at second base. After soph SS Will McFillin recorded the final out on a 6-3 grounder, the celebration was on, as the players, coaches, and fans realized their first victory over Frankford since May 9, 2001. Here is the tedilary.com recap from that game:
Washington 18, Frankford 8: The Eagles
posted 10 in the third and six more in the fourth. Joe
Sannutti went 3-for-3 with a double, grand slam, five RBI
and four runs scored. Winner Andrew Farrell pitched the last
three innings in the five-inning game.
On a
week that started in a brutal, horrible way in the win
against Edison, it ended on a very sweet note for the
Eagles. Bullseye Special: GW still has to
play Central and Frankford one more time, and you know these
teams will want to avenge their defeat to the Eagles. An
unaccustomed spot for GW, to be sure, but a nice place to
be, at the same time.
CREAM
OF THE CROP
The Frankford
Pioneers have been the dominant Public League baseball team
in this decade. Oh sure, others have grabbed titles here and
there, but it's been the Pioneers who have consistently been
atop The Pub. Central narrowed the gap last season when they
ended Frankford's three-year championship reign, but the
Pioneers are still the team to beat. Everybody knows the
numbers by now and they are mind-numbing. Entering the
Washington game, Bob Peffle's troops compiled a 88-5
record over the past five-plus Public League seasons, for a
ridiculous .946 winning percentage. Breakdown - PL regular
season: 71-3 (.959), PL Playoffs: 17-2 (.895). There have
been many great players during this stretch: Matt
Colon, Carlos Rivera, Joe Farina, Cory Shaeffer, Ramon
Reyes, Richard Jimenez, Edwin Burgos, Carlos Rosado, Luis
Alicea, Shortie Meletiche, Tito Rohena, just to
name a few.
FLYING HIGH
Besides the
excellent pitching tandem of Engelberg and Radziak, two
other Eagles had standout games. Sr Tim McHale was on
base all four times with two singles and two walks, and
was an aggressive base runner all game. Junior catcher
Damien Wilmer proved that he is officially back from the
injury that kept him sidelined all of the previous
baseball season. Damien was solid behind the plate, and
was patient enough to draw a bases loaded walk, before
tying the game with his clutch RBI single in the sixth.
CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE
Dan
Engelberg had support in the crowd from his brother,
Sean Engelberg, a co-captain of last
season's team. Division A is filled with brother combos.
In addition to the Engelbergs, GW also has Dave
Mullen and Craig Mullen '01,
and Corey Seidman and Eric
Seidman '04. Frankford: Jon Bracero and
Andrew Bracero '05. Central: Zach and
Joe Magdovitz '06. GAMP: Andrew and
Anthony Caines '03. Northeast: Chad
O'Malley (congrats on the HR) & Brandon O'Malley '05.
Also Kevin Adamson at Lincoln, and
Northeast's Bryan Adamson '04. Note to
city administrators and the next mayor: maybe it's time
to get a more politically correct and up-to-date motto
than the City of Brotherly Love.
LAST MENTION OF THE EDISON GAME
Coach Bilkins ran through four pitchers in that
disastrous 7th inning against the Owls. The last
pitcher, was jr Stan
Borodyansky. Stan was the starting
catcher as a soph last season, and is making a
smooth transition to third base this season. It
was his first-ever pitching appearance at GW. By
the way, Stan's last name loosely translates to
the Native American "Man of Many Letters."
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
The raucous Eagles team had plenty of
support. From the bench, Jimmy Galen
and Aaron Wilmer were
leading the cheers. In the crowd, it didn't
hurt three of Washington's All-Public
linemen were in attendance: Aaron
Murrey (headed to Bloomsburg),
Chris Clanton
(Millersville), and the ever-imposing
Mike Kelly (Stevens Tech).
--
--
APRIL 2, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
GAMP
8, Washington 3
In what is becoming the Public League's version of the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving, Washington hosted GAMP in the Second Annual Monday Morning of Spring Break Classic. Playing at 11 am at The Eagles Nest under sunny skies, GAMP got on the board first by using fundamentals, as demonstrated by senior leaders Anthony Venafro and Eric Funaro. With a runner at second and no outs, Funaro did what the situation called for, advancing the runner to third. Venafro stroked an 0-1 pitch for an RBI double to left. Eagles sr RHP Corey Seidman was able to induce two groundouts to end the inning. GW capitalized on a pair of walks and an error. After Dave Mullen's two-run double to right-center, jr 3B Stan Borodyansky singled to left. Mullen attempted to score, but GAMP executed perfectly, and catcher Funaro held his ground and applied the tag for the third out. As it would turn out, the Eagles would not score again on this day. Senior righty Brandon Henson did not allow a run in his next four innings. GAMP tied the game with two runs in the third via Venafro's hustle double to medium left, and jr Chris Matticks' sac fly to center. With the score tied 3-3 going into the fifth, the Pioneers rallied for two more on RBI singles by Matticks and sr Anthony Caines. Venafro finished off his stellar outing with a two-run triple. Anthony's final line: 4-for-4, single, 2 doubles, a triple, 4 RBI, 3 runs, a steal, and solid in the field. Perhaps Art Kratchman is correct when he said Venafro was the best player in the league this season. Versatile junior Foster McCoskey came in and retired the first five batters he faced. With two outs in the 7th, sr Eddie Sabara singled, and soph Will McFillin walked. Two on, two out, would there be another miracle comeback for GW, like the Central season opener? Or how 'bout the Eagles scoring 5 runs in the 7th inning last season in the inaugural Spring Break Classic to beat GAMP, 8-7? Nope, not on this day. With the win, GAMP and GW are now tied with 2-2 records, with ten left to play.
In what is becoming the Public League's version of the Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions playing on Thanksgiving, Washington hosted GAMP in the Second Annual Monday Morning of Spring Break Classic. Playing at 11 am at The Eagles Nest under sunny skies, GAMP got on the board first by using fundamentals, as demonstrated by senior leaders Anthony Venafro and Eric Funaro. With a runner at second and no outs, Funaro did what the situation called for, advancing the runner to third. Venafro stroked an 0-1 pitch for an RBI double to left. Eagles sr RHP Corey Seidman was able to induce two groundouts to end the inning. GW capitalized on a pair of walks and an error. After Dave Mullen's two-run double to right-center, jr 3B Stan Borodyansky singled to left. Mullen attempted to score, but GAMP executed perfectly, and catcher Funaro held his ground and applied the tag for the third out. As it would turn out, the Eagles would not score again on this day. Senior righty Brandon Henson did not allow a run in his next four innings. GAMP tied the game with two runs in the third via Venafro's hustle double to medium left, and jr Chris Matticks' sac fly to center. With the score tied 3-3 going into the fifth, the Pioneers rallied for two more on RBI singles by Matticks and sr Anthony Caines. Venafro finished off his stellar outing with a two-run triple. Anthony's final line: 4-for-4, single, 2 doubles, a triple, 4 RBI, 3 runs, a steal, and solid in the field. Perhaps Art Kratchman is correct when he said Venafro was the best player in the league this season. Versatile junior Foster McCoskey came in and retired the first five batters he faced. With two outs in the 7th, sr Eddie Sabara singled, and soph Will McFillin walked. Two on, two out, would there be another miracle comeback for GW, like the Central season opener? Or how 'bout the Eagles scoring 5 runs in the 7th inning last season in the inaugural Spring Break Classic to beat GAMP, 8-7? Nope, not on this day. With the win, GAMP and GW are now tied with 2-2 records, with ten left to play.
STANDING ROOM ONLY
Both teams
were well represented with supporters. The GW faithful
were joined by several GAMPers who made the trek from
Sow Philly to root on the Pioneers. The only problem
was, there was no place to sit. With Washington's field
getting a much needed facelift, the players benches were
in the middle of construction zones. The bleachers were
unavailable, as well. This temporary inconvenience will
lead to permanent improvements down the road. Most
immediately, there will be new mesh on the backstop, and
dugout areas for both teams. After this season is over,
the playing surface will be replaced, complete with a
sprinkler system. This is welcome news, especially for
infielders, who have to deal with a bumpy playing
surface over the years.
SCIENCE MAJOR
GAMP
lost only one major part of their team from a season
ago, Ryan Challender. He is
currently a freshman outfielder at University of the
Sciences in Philadelphia. Ryan has appeared in 14 of
his team's 16 games, making 12 starts. He will be
joined at USP next season by his former teammate,
Eric Funaro.
KELZ
Yes, that was two-time GW All-Public football
lineman Mike Kelly trying to
motivate the crowd with his sideline cheers.
Kelly, headed for Stevens Tech in the fall, has
been working hard on his baseball banter, and is
hoping to peak for the playoffs.
-----------------------
MARCH
30, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Northeast
17, Washington 7 (5 innings)
Could this be the next "Fab Four"...plus one? In his opening week matchup against rival Washington, Vikings coach Sam Feldman started an infield comprised of four sophomores. Plus, the catcher was a soph. At least the starting pitcher wasn't a 10th grader. No, he was a 9th-grader, Anthony Rauscher, taking the hill on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon at The Ballpark at Cottman and Algon. The sophomore infield of 3B Alan Logan, SS Lance Lempert, 2B Jose Delgado and 1B Brian Susten, plus catcher Tim Freiling, can provide the nucleus for future Vikings teams. While they all contributed to the 17-7 win over Washington, it was a trio of senior outfielders who paved the way to victory. First-Team All-Public pitcher Joe Breitweiser started this game in right field, and came in to relieve the freshman Rauscher, who displayed poise and composure in his 2.1 innings. With two on and two out, it was classic Breitweiser. He froze GW's eight and nine batters whiffing them on called third strikes. Joe picked up 6 K's in his 2.2 innings. GW did score three times in the fifth on RBIs by sr Dave Mullen (2-run double) and sr Tim McHale (single). Left fielder Craig Young was in the middle of every Vikings rally and finished the game 3-for-3, with a walk, three runs and two RBI. Center fielder Jose Lopez was on base all five times, scoring three runs, but equally as important as his offense, is his outstanding defense. Leading off the visiting fourth, Eagles jr LF Marquis Murray roped a ball to deep left-center. Lopez had the ball lined up all the way, making a web-gem running catch on the warning track. Northeast ended the game with a seven-run outburst in the fifth inning, with Lance Lempert keying the rally with a 2-run single to center.
Could this be the next "Fab Four"...plus one? In his opening week matchup against rival Washington, Vikings coach Sam Feldman started an infield comprised of four sophomores. Plus, the catcher was a soph. At least the starting pitcher wasn't a 10th grader. No, he was a 9th-grader, Anthony Rauscher, taking the hill on a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon at The Ballpark at Cottman and Algon. The sophomore infield of 3B Alan Logan, SS Lance Lempert, 2B Jose Delgado and 1B Brian Susten, plus catcher Tim Freiling, can provide the nucleus for future Vikings teams. While they all contributed to the 17-7 win over Washington, it was a trio of senior outfielders who paved the way to victory. First-Team All-Public pitcher Joe Breitweiser started this game in right field, and came in to relieve the freshman Rauscher, who displayed poise and composure in his 2.1 innings. With two on and two out, it was classic Breitweiser. He froze GW's eight and nine batters whiffing them on called third strikes. Joe picked up 6 K's in his 2.2 innings. GW did score three times in the fifth on RBIs by sr Dave Mullen (2-run double) and sr Tim McHale (single). Left fielder Craig Young was in the middle of every Vikings rally and finished the game 3-for-3, with a walk, three runs and two RBI. Center fielder Jose Lopez was on base all five times, scoring three runs, but equally as important as his offense, is his outstanding defense. Leading off the visiting fourth, Eagles jr LF Marquis Murray roped a ball to deep left-center. Lopez had the ball lined up all the way, making a web-gem running catch on the warning track. Northeast ended the game with a seven-run outburst in the fifth inning, with Lance Lempert keying the rally with a 2-run single to center.
MOON SHOT
He is only in tenth-grade, but Tim Freiling has already smacked some
legendary home runs. With table-setters
Lopez and Delgado on base with no outs
in the bottom of the first, Tim crushed
the first pitch his way for a
no-doubt-about-it three-run homer. The
ball traveled an estimated 355 feet for
the sweet swinging sophomore. Public
League coaches already know about his
power, but they better beware of him
behind the plate. Already working on a
quick-release to thwart opposing
base-stealers, once Tim really gets
comfortable behind the dish, he
will provide another weapon in the
Northeast arsenal.
DOWN THE ROAD
Northeast's Joe Breitweiser and Central's
Jared Farbman.
They both came into the league
and made key contributions as
freshmen. As sophomores, people
really started to take notice of
them. Now as seniors, their two
regular-season games are eagerly
awaited. They play at Northeast
on April 25, and at Central the
following Wednesday, May 2. Of
course, Farbman holds the
advantage, as he played on last
season's championship team, that
made a lot of noise in the PIAA
playoffs.
VIKINGS PLAYING IN COLLEGE
A trio of Northeast alums are playing at the next level.
Bryan
Adamson, is a junior RHP on York
College's roster. The Spartans have a 17-4
record, and have won 10 consecutive games. Brandon
O'Malley, is a sophomore RHP at
Philadelphia University, as well as a backup
catcher. Left-hander Andrew Lihotz
is a junior at Rutgers-Camden, and has a 1-1
record, with one save. He began the season
in the bullpen, but has been starting of
late.
HOMECOMING
What a break to have beautiful weather for the three games of opening
week. Followers of high school baseball are
familiar with how brutal the early season
weather can be. Everybody took advantage,
and the estimated crowd of 175 was enjoying
the atmosphere. Among the GW alums attending
were Craig Mullen (2001),
Argiris Niamonitos (2002),
Bill Jamieson (2005),
Rolando Fontanez (2006),
and the Rodney Dangerfield of Eagles
Athletics himself, Mike Kline
(2005).
NAMING RIGHTS
Everything in sports must have a nickname, so here we go for the
home playing facilities for the eight
teams competing in Division A this
season. As always, I invite your
suggestions, preferably tasteful. Final
choices to be announced in May.
FRANKFORD: PEFFLE PARK Coach
Bob Peffle has had an enormous
influence on countless players at Frankford. So,
why not?
EDISON: THE LIGHT BULB, or as
those in the know simply refer to it as "THE BULB."
GAMP: THE GAMP GROUNDS
CENTRAL: WRIGLEY EAST (This
field leads the PL in quirkiness)
LINCOLN: front-runners are the
very pathetic "FOUR SCORE FIELD," or "ABE's
PLACE."
SAUL: All I have is
THE SAUL MINES.
NORTHEAST: I got nothin' here
people. I need help, all I have is the very lame
"BALLPARK AT COTTMAN & ALGON,"
or similar to Cleveland's The Jake, "THE
VIKE." Help me, please?-----------------------------------------------------
MARCH 30, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE
PUBLIC LEAGUE
Washington 17, Saul 5
Washington was still pumped from their opening day come-from-behind win against Central, when they traveled to 7100 Henry Avenue for a game with Division A newcomer Saul. The Razorbacks were rewarded for being Division B champions in 2006, with a promotion to Division A. That is usually a rough task, as can be attested to by recent Bok, Olney and Mastbaum teams, among others. After losing 14-4 to Edison in the season opener, Saul, playing at home at The Saul Mines, wanted to come out fast against the Eagles, and that they did. Seniors Steve Pownall and J.J. McAleer came through with opposite field RBI singles, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately for Saul, they would not score again until the seventh inning, when the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt. The fact that the game lasted the full seven innings is somewhat of a moral victory for Saul. Although GW jumped out an 8-2 lead after three, they did not score in the middle three innings, allowing the Razorbacks to stay in the game. GW senior RHP Corey Seidman recorded the win with six strikeouts in his four innings of work. Marquis Murray made his varsity pitching debut, and showed promise in his three innings. But GW hurt itself with three errors, and 11 runners left on base. They stranded two runners in each of the first four innings, and seven of those eight were in scoring position. They did capitalize for a six-spot in the second inning. Two walks and two infield hits resulted in a run. Marquis Murray's RBI single to left knotted the score 2-2. Senior 1B Eddie Sabara came to bat with the bases loaded and no outs. He just wanted to make good, hard contact. Eddie was obviously not thinking about Isaiah Johnson's game-winning slam against Central just two days earlier. But after he ripped a long fly ball that easily cleared the shallow rightfield fence at The Saul Mines, the GW players celebrated their second salami in as many games. Murray delivered a two-run single in the third, to make the score 8-2. Saul freshman RHP Matt Horvat went the first four innings, and looks to be a key contributor for the future. However, the real find of the day for Saul head coach and good-guy Rich Weiss, was soph Jeff Lapent. After yielding a walk, the diminutive righty retired the next six batters. GW did explode for nine runs in the seventh, as Sabara collected two singles, and two more RBI. He finished the day 3-for-4, HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB. Murray's line: 4-for-5, 4 RBI.
Washington was still pumped from their opening day come-from-behind win against Central, when they traveled to 7100 Henry Avenue for a game with Division A newcomer Saul. The Razorbacks were rewarded for being Division B champions in 2006, with a promotion to Division A. That is usually a rough task, as can be attested to by recent Bok, Olney and Mastbaum teams, among others. After losing 14-4 to Edison in the season opener, Saul, playing at home at The Saul Mines, wanted to come out fast against the Eagles, and that they did. Seniors Steve Pownall and J.J. McAleer came through with opposite field RBI singles, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately for Saul, they would not score again until the seventh inning, when the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt. The fact that the game lasted the full seven innings is somewhat of a moral victory for Saul. Although GW jumped out an 8-2 lead after three, they did not score in the middle three innings, allowing the Razorbacks to stay in the game. GW senior RHP Corey Seidman recorded the win with six strikeouts in his four innings of work. Marquis Murray made his varsity pitching debut, and showed promise in his three innings. But GW hurt itself with three errors, and 11 runners left on base. They stranded two runners in each of the first four innings, and seven of those eight were in scoring position. They did capitalize for a six-spot in the second inning. Two walks and two infield hits resulted in a run. Marquis Murray's RBI single to left knotted the score 2-2. Senior 1B Eddie Sabara came to bat with the bases loaded and no outs. He just wanted to make good, hard contact. Eddie was obviously not thinking about Isaiah Johnson's game-winning slam against Central just two days earlier. But after he ripped a long fly ball that easily cleared the shallow rightfield fence at The Saul Mines, the GW players celebrated their second salami in as many games. Murray delivered a two-run single in the third, to make the score 8-2. Saul freshman RHP Matt Horvat went the first four innings, and looks to be a key contributor for the future. However, the real find of the day for Saul head coach and good-guy Rich Weiss, was soph Jeff Lapent. After yielding a walk, the diminutive righty retired the next six batters. GW did explode for nine runs in the seventh, as Sabara collected two singles, and two more RBI. He finished the day 3-for-4, HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB. Murray's line: 4-for-5, 4 RBI.
THE BIGGEST UPSET?
Frankford doesn't like to be reminded of their upset loss in the 2002 PL
semifinals to eventual champion GAMP.
For GW, their bad memories go back
to 2000, the last time they played
Saul. Here is the tedsilary.com
recap of that game:
Round of 16 -
Tuesday, May 23, 2000
Saul 3, Washington 2:
Saul, a three-year PL
member coming out of lowly Division
C, registered a gigantic upset over
the Division A champs by scoring
three runs in the visiting seventh
to erase a 2-0 deficit. An error and
two bases-loaded walks brought in
the runs. Mike Jones allowed five
hits and fanned seven.
Incidentally, 2000 was the first year of tedsilary.com. How fantastic is it that seven years later, the site has logged more than 4.2 million hits, of which G-Dub jr 3B Stan Borodyansky is personally responsible for at least 500,000. Seriously, on behalf of all of the athletes, their families and friends, thanks Ted, for a great service!!
Incidentally, 2000 was the first year of tedsilary.com. How fantastic is it that seven years later, the site has logged more than 4.2 million hits, of which G-Dub jr 3B Stan Borodyansky is personally responsible for at least 500,000. Seriously, on behalf of all of the athletes, their families and friends, thanks Ted, for a great service!!
A NITTANY LION
For the second straight season, I am tracking players out of The
Inter-Ac, Public and Catholic Leagues,
that are on college baseball rosters.
One of these 168 Hometown Philly players is
Saul's Enrique Meletiche.
He was a three-time All-Public
selection, and was MVP of Division B
last season. Enrique is a freshman
at Penn State Abington, coached by Dennis
Weiner, the former Northeast
assistant. Abington's roster also
includes Public Leaguers freshman
Justin King (Lincoln)
and senior Carlos Masip
(Frankford). Enrique's younger brother
is Esteban "Shortie" Meletiche,
star SS/RHP for Frankford.-----------------------------------------------------
MARCH 27, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE DIVISION D
PUBLIC LEAGUE DIVISION D
Philadelphia Academy
Charter 17, Penn 3 (4
innings)
I don't get a chance to see Division D that often, but this game offered a piece of Public League history. In its third year of existence, Philadelphia Academy Charter (PACHS) was making its official league debut. Coach Jack Smith has a youthful team, and started 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore and 2 freshmen in the season opener. PACHS took an early 4-1 lead and ended the game with a 10-run fourth inning. Junior LHP Dave Pachuki recorded the school's first official league win with nine whiffs in four innings. Senior Matt Sanabor paced the offense with a two-run triple and an RBI single. Soph SS Taylor Vanderwoode also contributed with 2 RBI, going 2-for-3.
I don't get a chance to see Division D that often, but this game offered a piece of Public League history. In its third year of existence, Philadelphia Academy Charter (PACHS) was making its official league debut. Coach Jack Smith has a youthful team, and started 3 seniors, 3 juniors, 1 sophomore and 2 freshmen in the season opener. PACHS took an early 4-1 lead and ended the game with a 10-run fourth inning. Junior LHP Dave Pachuki recorded the school's first official league win with nine whiffs in four innings. Senior Matt Sanabor paced the offense with a two-run triple and an RBI single. Soph SS Taylor Vanderwoode also contributed with 2 RBI, going 2-for-3.
ACADEMY ROAD
All of the parents I spoke with, had only positives about Philadelphia
Academy Charter, ranging
from the academics, to the
athletics, to the
discipline, and security.
The school is actually
comprised of two schools,
the Kindergarten through
eighth grade school is
located just off the
boulevard near Chickie's &
Pete's. The high school,
with an estimated enrollment
of 475, is located on
Jamison Road, just north of
Red Lion Rd.
MAJOR
LEAGUE 2
Penn has a new coach this season, but he's a familiar face in The Pub.
Dennis Sheedy
coached baseball at
Bartram for nine years,
before heading up the
program at Penn. He is
constantly teaching,
positioning, and
motivating his very
inexperienced squad. As
is many times the case
in The Pub, he has
little assistance, even
less equipment, and not
many savvy baseball
players to coach. For
all of you film buffs
out there, the character
actor James
Gammon played
Lou Brown,
the gruff manager in the
Major League
movies starring
Tom Berenger.
While Sheedy is not a
total dead ringer for
Lou Brown, it's close
enough on Randy's
Ramblings to ramble
about.
A
CRUZ TO VIRGINIA
Last season, Penn High School baseball had its 15 minutes of fame. Lanky,
6'1" southpaw
Guiceppy
Cruz
notched 21
strikeouts in a
7-inning victory
against Delaware
Valley Charter. Cruz
was a First-Team
All-Public
selection, and was
invited to be on the
Carpenter Cup
roster. At the
beginning of this
school year, he had
transferred to a
competing PL
baseball program,
but at last check,
he is now
matriculating at a
high school in
Virginia.
MARCH 26, 2007
PUBLIC LEAGUE OPENING DAY
Washington 12, Central 11
Wow! The final inning of this league opener provided numerous
thrills for the GW backers, and an equal amount of heartache for the
Central faithful. Wow, still toweling off after this one. OK, the
big two plays in the decisive inning came via Isaiah
Johnson's grand slam, and a game-ending double play. But,
back to the beginning ... Two-time All-Public sensation Jared Farbman got his teammates and fans pumped as he
struck out the side to start the game on 15 pitches (11 strikes). In
the home first, the Lancers' offense went to work. The big hit
came off the bat of Jim Benek. His booming two-run
homer to straightaway center gave Central a 4-0 lead. Aaron
Esbensen and soph 2B Tom Capewell also
provided RBI doubles in the 6-run inning. In the next two innings,
GW stranded the bases loaded, but forced Farbman to throw a combined
60 pitches, which would become crucial later in the game. GW
scored on a pair of infield singles by seniors Tim McHale
and Dave Mullen in the second. Junior Stan
Borodyansky's single to center in the third narrowed the
score to 7-3. The Lancers appeared to put the game away with a
3-spot in the fourth on Micah Winterstein's RBI
single to right, and Capewell's 2-run single up the middle. Farbman
got one out in the fifth before yielding singles to Isaiah Johnson
(third hit of the game), and Tim McHale. Central skipper Bob
Barthelmeh, who led his team to a thrilling championship
run a year ago, went to the mound to take out his star hurler. There
will be many more innings ahead in this season for Jared. Although
he fanned 9 in his 4.1
innings, he
had thrown 105 pitches, and the GW hitters had collected 11 hits,
all singles. Mike Braun, the junior, who impressed
during last season's magical playoff run, came in relief and held GW
hitless for 1.2 innings (1 BB, 2 HBP). For the Eagles, junior RHP
Dan Engelberg showed real moxie in keeping his team
in the game. Entering his 5th inning of relief, he kept the Lancers
off the board in the home 6th. When Micah Winterstein came in to
pitch with a 7-run lead in the 7th, all looked safe for the
defending champions. But baseball is truly a great, yet humbling,
game. Everybody already knows about the Fat Lady
and her singing, but it is true, it ain't over till it's over. A hit
batsman, a walk, and an opposite field single by sr 2B Jim
Galen loaded the bases with no outs. Leadoff man Marquis Murray, the jr LF and QB on the football team, had
an RBI single, followed by Eddie Sabara's 2-run
single, making the score 11-7, still with no outs. With the rally
caps giving off invisible vibes, soph SS Will McFillin's
groundout brought in another run. After Damien Wilmer
was hit by a pitch, Aaron Esbensen was summoned to the mound. With
runners at first and third, Borodyansky showed great patience and
earned a walk on a full count, loading the bases. The wonderful
Doc Rogers, who tends to many athletes in the
Philly area, turned to me at that point and asked if the winning run
was coming to bat. Who would have thunk? Oh sure, Isaiah Johnson was
3-for-4 up until this point. The confident Johnson started to emerge
during the middle of last season, and has forced his way into lineup
with his stick. But really, all coach Max Bilkins
was hoping for was some solid contact. Well, it was a scene from
"The Natural." The 3-1 pitch was delivered, and there was solid
contact indeed. As the ball's high arching flight towards the left
field corner was unfolding, it was as if it was in slow motion. Was
it fair? Was it foul? Would it be caught? It seemed like an
eternity, but alas the ball plopped on the other side of the fence,
it was a slam, putting GW up 12-11. Obviously, the emotions on both
benches were total opposites. The sheer joy of the GW Eagles,
basking in their huge comeback compared to the shell-shocked
Lancers, who sat quietly, knowing that they still had the last at
bat. Farbman led off the bottom of the inning. He had a
productive day at the plate, with three singles and a crushed
lineout. He launched a long fly to right that Tim McHale stayed with
to record the out. After a walk, an infield throwing error,
and another walk loaded the bases with one out, Engelberg focused on
the batter. Engelberg has pitched many innings in various leagues
throughout his career, but never like the pressure in this game. A
sharp line was hit and bang-bang, a double play, and the game was
suddenly, and dramatically, over. Almost too much excitement/stress
for one day!
THE GROUND
RULES
It is becoming one of
the great sitcoms of all-time. It happens prior to each and every
Central home game. You have probably already seen the previews. It
is simply called, "The Ground Rules at Central." Could there be a
quirkier baseball facility? I think not! The Wrigley Field of the
Public League is populated with nooks and crannies, and crevices
galore. It seems as if each orifice (can I say that?) has its own
rule. The lengthy ground rules discussion goes on and on and on.
Maybe the Pub baseball administrators can print out a manual that is
distributed to each visiting team, that can be studied. The umpires
can then give a pop quiz to the coaches and the captains, and decide
whether or not to "Play Ball!"
BARRY BONDS
... RYAN HOWARD ... JIM BENEK?
No, I am
not talking about 'roids here, but what do these power hitters
have in common? Consider Benek's at bats for this game. First
inning: two-run homer to deepest centerfield. Second inning:
walk. Third inning: walk. Fifth inning: walk. Seventh inning:
walk.
THE
CIRCUS IS IN TOWN
The wide-open
and wacky outfield of Wrigley East provides for a lot of
anxious moments for players. But much to GW's credit, each
outfielder was responsible for a circus catch. Junior CF
Andrew Goodman robbed Tom Capewell of extra
bases in the first inning as he went back, back, back, then
made the catch and took a backwards header. RF McHale made a
diving catch, and LF Murray made an amazing turn-this-way,
turn-that-way, over-the-shoulder grab.
ALUMNI FILE
Central players on college rosters: Brandon Watson, a
junior outfielder at Elizabethtown (PA), has a chance to
be an All-Commonwealth Conference selection. He is
batting .333 this season, and has hit safely in 9 of his
last 10 games. The incredible Harry Potter himself,
Andrew Reynolds, is a sophomore at
Eastern University, and is solidly entrenched at third
base, and at the #3 slot in the batting order. (Always
good to see Central's Zach Magdovitz,
who reports that brother Joe Magdovitz,
last year's All-Pub catcher, just returned from Florida
spring training with his club team at Cornell.)
Washington grads playing at the next level:
Rob Ritterson
is a junior at Rowan, Marc Tankel is a
soph red-shirt at Temple, and Matt Yankowitz
is a soph at Penn State-Altoona. Yank is DH-ing and has
7 hits in 18 ABs (.389), with 1 HR & 3 RBI in 6 games.