New Yawkey Champions are crowned!!!!
On August 29, 2008 history was made at St.Peter's Field in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as for the first time in ten years, a team other than the Somerville Alibrandis has walked away with the Thomas A. Yawkey Baseball Championsip.
The East Boston Bluefish, based on yet another dominating pitching performance from their starting rotation, shutout the mighty Brighton Brewers 4-0, to take the best of seven series, four games to one. After being felled by Kevin Christina and the Brewers in Game one, the Fish, as they are called as a team, came back with four remarkable pitching performances. In Game two, Chris Sandini pitched a complete game one hit shutout at Rogers Park to even the series. In Game three, Kyle Jones, gutted through a 139 performance, allowing only 2 hits, while needing and bases loaded double play to win 2-1. In Game 4, Chris Demers left after 5 innings with a 12-0 lead allowing only 3 hits in a 14-6 win.
Last evening Nate Titcomb tossed a tidy two hit shutout to close out the series at St. Peters, 4-0. The scoring begun in the very first inning when Playoff MVP Chris Santosuosso doubled with two outs. Bobby Foote then singled for the first of his two RBI on the evening. Chris Hartery then took one right of the helmet. There was a little concern, but, Chris was alright. Don't forget, this is the finals. No one feels the pain. Sean Tupper struck out Glavin to finish the first with no more damage. After one full inning, East Boston led 1-0.Before we go any further, we have to congratulate the Kalamazoo Kings of the Independent League Eastern Division,
I believe, for clinching first place in their division. For those of you who don't know, the former voice of the Yawkey League, John Leahy is the play by play announcer for the Kings, and he sends all his heartfelt best wishes to all.
Listen to Merrimack Hockey this season, as John will be back to call another exciting season for the Warriors. Back to the game. In the top of the second with two outs, John Kincaid doubled and took third on a wild pitch. But, Balger was retired on a fly to right. This hit was notable, as it was the last hit the Brewers would get in the series. In the bottom of the inning, Chris Caprio, who probably didn't get much sleep the night before, because of his newly born daughter, led with a single. Jeremy Creveling, one of the all time great fielders in the YBL, held back this season because of many injuries, followed with a perfect hit and run single into the vacated hole at second base. It was the first hit of the postseason for Creveling, but a big one. Caprio easily went to third. The next play was odd. Lembo hit a comebacker to Tupper, who appeared to hold Caprio at hold, but instead of looking him back to the bag, he threw to second to Creveling, as Caprio scored the second run. Tupper would get out of the inning unscathed, but it was now 2-0, Bluefish.
Nate Titcomb could probably smell the Championship plaque that Franchise Owner Tony Allibrandi of Somerville had to present to the winners, as he retired the Brewers on-two-three in the third.As I continue to mention in this blog, if we had any visitors to these games, I would do my best to make sure they were announced.
Last night three players of producer/director Arlen Showstack Brookline Orioles Little League team were on hand to lend their support to both teams. They were Garret Broderick, Patrick Webler & Jonus Webler, along with their dads, Jim Broderick and Steve Webler. They are also coaches. We thank you all for your support of the Yawkey League.In the bottom of the third, the scoring was closed.
That man again, Chris Santosousso, who also looks like he is the leading candidate for the regular season MVP as well, led off with a screeching double to left center. This was Santosuosso's seventh straight hit. Foote singled. yet again to knock in Santossuosso. Foote stole second. Then it appeared Tupper settled down, striking out both Hartery and Glavin. But, Caprio, hit an RBI single, to make it 4-0.We want to send out a big thanks to the Cambridge Parks & Recreations Department for having St. Peter's in pristine( no pun intended) condition for the game. Scott and Keith/Kevin did an absolutely wonderful job.In the top of the 4th, Brendan Klaes led with a walk for Brighton, Mike Dibiaase followed by reaching on an error by Recore.
Was this the Brewers chance? AJ Vacanti was next, he had missed the previous game with a suspension. AJ grounded one right back to Titcomb, who turned the 1-6-3 double play. After four innings, the Brewers had left 20 men on base in the last two games alone. You don't win much by doing that.Today's trivia question....What team was Yankee outfielder Bobby Abreu drafted by? Answer on the bottom.In the bottom of the 4th, the Bluefish with one out, got singles by Recore and Becker, bringing up the red hot Santosuosso. He had a line drive smash to third base that Tomaro actually caught on the fly. No runs scored that inning.Looking on the sidelines, you could see that Mr. Santosousso, Mr Foote & Mr Titcomb were on hand to root on their sons. Good for them. It's always great to have support.
Top of the 5th, Titcomb once again put the Brewers down one-two-three. Inthe bottom half, Glavin & Caprio were both hit by pitches, but, no damage was done as Tupper pitched around this.The Comcast crew was on top of their game last night. Producer/Director Arlen Showstack called one of his better games ever...he shines in the big games. Justin Shanahan was our first base cameraman and first year Rookie Tom McIntyre got baptism under fire at third base. John Mattinson, long time veteran was the hand held guy, and he was certainly needed for the interviews at the end of the game.
Dave McKay, continues to shine brighter each and every game that he calls on the mic. Who whould have thought? And Al D...A marvelous job as analyst last night, and who interviews better? Pat Clifford catches so many replays...Chris Murphy gets no sleep, yet he's there to shade. And how about Jen Gonyea, two days ago, we didn't even know her. Know we can't do without her. Jim Burke is a master on audio. Kevin Howlett is a strong engineer. But, Bill Goode is just incredible as a graphics person.
I've never worked with anyone so quick before. I toss him stats and its as if he already knows what I'm going to give him.Ok, its the 6th inning. Brighton needs to do something now or face elimination.
But, Titcomb eliminates the side very quickly. Just three more outs and East Boston is the champion. In the bottom of the 6th, Mike Lewis has come on to pitch for the Brewers. Tupper pitched outstanding, but, he needed to be perfect tonight. In 5 innings, Tupper gave up 4 runs on 9 hits, he had 3 strikeouts, walked none, but hit two in his last inning. Lewis retired the first two batters. Santosuosso walked, Foote then got his third hit of the night, a single to left, but Santosuosso got a little greedy and was thrown out by Kincaid at third.
Before we go the seventh and last inning, Somerville Franchise owner Tony Allebrandi, Coach Mike Powers, Asst Rob McDonough, and players Derek Bates, Tom McDonough & Sal Mendonca were settling around the announce booth. The reason for that is that if East Boston were to win tonight, Somerville, the classy group that they are, were going to present the McKay Award to the Champions of the league. I imagine this is probably a little bitter sweet for them. But in speaking to the guys, they all either said "It was time" or "we'll be back"Okay here we go, top of the seventh. Mike Dibiase, one of the better hitters on the team (hitting 181 in the post season) leads of with a walk.
AJ Vacanti, a veteran of more than one team, (hitting 214) strikes out. Anthony Thomaro, 0 for 3 (176), strikes out. John Kincaid ,who has one of the two hits today (158), hits a grounder to short, Recore comes up clean, throws to Glavin...and for the first time in franchise history.
The East Boston/Roslindale Bluefish are the Yawkey Baseball League Champions. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?
The MVP of the playoffs was Chris Santosuosso, who led the league in post season batting average at .442 and in RBI with 11, The last two games of this series were dominating games for him as he went 7 for 8. This is not a shocker to the Brewers, as during the regular season, he went 7 for 7. The man loves to face the Brew Crew. Bobby Foote went 14-42 for a .333 average in the postseason average, while RBI machine Chris Hartery drove in 9 more.The Bluefish starting rotation of Chris Demers, Chris Sandini & Kyle Jones all had ERA under 1.00 in the playoffs and finished 1-3 in that stat.
During the trophy presentation, Coach Skip McCarty was very gracious to the Brewers and Coach Mike Freire about his teams injuries and not being able to field the full team they had all year. Al D, got words from him, Freire, Santosuosso and a short word from Demers. Dave McKay spoke with Tony Allibrandi, Mike Powers and congratulated both teams on an exciting series. The only thing dissapointing about this is that its over. Well, just because this season is over, doesn't mean this column needs to be over. If there is anything that you want me to write about, sports wise, maybe I'll show up and cover it,,,some of you have heard me say this before, "YOU NEVER KNOW".cousin stuOh, here's the answer to today's trivia question....What team was Yankee outfielder Bobby Abreu drafted by? The Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Yawkey League Finals Game four Wrapup
by Cousin Stu Sklaver
In a game expected to be dominated by star aces, the East Boston Bluefish moved one step away from capturing the first first Yawkey League championship from a team other than the Somerville Alibrandris over the last 10 years, with a resounding 14-6 win over the reeling Brighton Brewers. With the win, the Fish, as the team screams out after each team huddle, leads the best of seven series, three games to one.
Tonights game five, and possible final game, is to be played at the East Boston "HOME" field, St. Peters. Park in Cambridge, also home of the Old Time Baseball game, across the street from the Comcast studios on Sherman St.
Last night's starters were Kevin Christina for the Brewers, who coming into the game was a dominating 3-0, with 19 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched, allowing only 7 walks. But the key statistic here was that in those 21 IP's, he'd given up only one earned run for an ERA of an incredible 0.33.
Until last night. Christina, with his team down 2 games to 1, and missing some vital cogs to their offense, like Vacanti, who was sitting out a one game suspension, Marc Hordon, last year's triple crown winner, out for the year, Garrett Tingle & Anthony Tomaro, was forced to pitch on 3 days rest and you could just see he was not himself in the first inning.
Jason Recore, who was an on base machine last night, reaching 4 out of 5 times, singled, Al Becker walked, Chris Santosuosso, who each and every day is laying claim to not only the league MVP, but the post season trophy as well, doubled in both runners. It was only one of Santosuosso's 5-5 night, in which he had 2 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 5 RBI's. Just another day at the office for the obvious #1 star of the game. To continue the inning, Bobby Foote walked.
Then it appeared that Christina would settle down. He struck out Hartery and Glavin. But, he then walked Chris Caprio to load the bases. Caprio, who just became a proud father at about midnight the same night, still had his priorities straight by coming to the game???!!!At this point Christina, with the bases loaded, commited a balk, scoring Santosuosso and East Boston went up 3-0. Mellor walked. And finally Mike Lembo ended the first by striking out.
Chris Demers, the East Boston pitcher had been playing in left field the entire series. But, he is a stud on the mound, as evidenced by his 2-0 (now 3-0) 13 strike outs, 4 walks, and an ERA of only 0.50 going into the game. You would think this would be the perfect choice for coach McCarty to choose to throw for game 4. The diminutive lefty went five shutout innings, not overpowering at all, but he got the job done. In his 5 innings, he allowed 3 hits, 0 runs, struck out 7, walked 7 and had a wild pitch. The Brewers were frustrated, because, they did not have one clean inning against Demers. They left 2 on in the first, second, third and the fifth. But, they left the bases loaded in the fourth. A grand total of 11 runners were left on base in the first 5 innings alone!!!
Back to the scoring. In the second, Recore reached on an error by Klaes and stole his 8th base of the post season. Becker singled. Santosuosso singled, scoring Recore, moving Becker to second. Bobby Foote singled to left and on the Kincaid error Becker came in to score. Hartery singled, scoring Santosuosso. Caprio grounded out, scoring Foote. After two innings, for all intent and purposes it was over. 7-0, Bluefish.
During the game, we were very excited to have the one and only Al Ditullio roaming the sidelines. Al got some fantastic interviews last night. First he spoke with Skip McCarty of East Boston. Then with Mike Freire of the Brewers. He also got a chance to talk to one of the classiest guys in the game today, trust me I know, Kevin George, franchise holder of the South Boston Saints. What an unbelievable year that team had this season. Kevin, you can be proud of Jon Tenney, Rob Stephenson and the guys. Al, outstanding job once again. Back to the game.
In the third inning, Dave McKay and Eric Shulman our play-by-play and color analysis guys had to rub their eyes to see what was happening on the mound. Christina was being lifted, but the new pitcher was JOSE CANSECO, NO..Tony Iafolla, the Yawkey League's leading hitter. It was his first appearance on the mound this season. The rust definately showed. Lembo led the third with a single. Recore and Becker would walk to load the bases for that man again, Chris Santosuosso. He got his third hit of the evening and knocked in Lembo, bases remained loaded. Foote walked, knocking in Recore. Hartery was hit by a pitch to get an RBI the hard way, Becker scoring. Then Tony would settle, retiring the next three batters. After three, East Boston 10-0.
It was a cool evening last night at Ronan Park, so the crowd was not as large as it could have been, but, as I will do in this space every game, if there any special people that show up I will acknowledge it. Kevin George, as I already mentioned once before was in attendance. Mark Freire, Mike's brother was also there last night to cheer the Brewers on. Evelyn Burke, the graphics person for Comcast last night, who did another wonderful job last night, had visitors as well. Her husband Jim, was with us last night as well as their son Brandon. Boy is he getting big.
Lets go to the 4th inning. Dan Chapman in to pitch for the Brewers. He actually gets the Bluefish 1-2-3.
In the 5th, Eastie is at it again. There's a reason that these two teams were the two top hitting in the league in the REGULAR season. We just haven't seen in the playoffs because as we all know, pitching shines in the postseason. It has here. Santosuosso leads off the inning with his fourth straight hit, a single, after a one out Hartery walk, Glavin ropes a tremendous ground rule double. If he doesn't remind you of Jim Thome, I don't know who does. Santosuosso scored on that hit. Caprio walked to load the bases again. Mellor reaches on a force play to knock in Hartery. Lembo flies out. Incredible as it seems, its now 12-0 Bluefish.
How about the camerawork by Frank Morello at first base and Justin Shanahan at third base. Right on the ball as usual. Tom and Bill, our interns were working the cameras last night as well. We even had a young lady named Jen, who was gripping for the first time with us. Chris Murphy was running replay. Kevin was our engineer for the evening. Some guy named Cousin Stu, was doing the stats and feeding them to Evelyn Burke. All of this was overseen, of course, by the best in the business, the producer/director/Hall of Famer Arlen Showstack.
After five innings and such a seemingly insurmountable lead, NO SUCH THING (AS DAVE McCKAY WOULD SAY), Coach Skip McCarty decided that it was time to rest Chris Demers. He brought in reliever Matt Smith cold.
The Bluefish don't usually need to use their bullpen often because of their rubber armed starters, but, 12-0, what the heck. What happened next was almost historic. In the Brewers 6th, Justin Real led with a walk, one of three he would get tonight, Mike Balger followed with a single. Mike Muccio followed with a single to load the bases.
Remember, this is a team that only could muster 2 hits last night and 1 the night before and they just got 2 in a row. Mike Pollak was next, and he singled in the first Brewer run, Real scoring, bases still loaded. Iafolla, the league's leading hitter next. He hits a sinking liner to center that falls for a single, but Santosuosso over-runs the ball for an error, three runs score and Iafolla is on third. Wow. Klaes follows with another seeing single knocking in Iafolla and its suddenly 12-5. There are still no outs. Dibiase walks. Matt Smith is clearly rattled. Kincaid hits a grounder to Recore and he boots it for an error. Bases still loaded, no outs. End of the night for Matt Smith. Coach McCarty calls on one of his closers this year Ian Titcomb. Chapman strikes out. Real walks for the second time in the inning, Klaes scores. Bases still loaded. Balger strikes out. Muccio flies deep to right. What an inning for the Brewers. They've come alive. After 5 1/2...its now 12-6.
In the bottom half of the inning the Bluefish put it away, Recore walked. Pinch hitter Leonelli sacrificed him to second. Santosuosso got his fifth hit of the night, a double, his 5th rbi as well, as Recore scored. Santosuosso raised his average in the post season from 343 to425 in one night. He is 17 for 40. Wow. Foote followed with a Rbi single to close out the scoring.
In the top of the 7th, the Brewers again left two men on base without scoring, for an unreal total of 17 for the game. It's not easy to win games when you leave that many men on base. They clearly had plenty of chances.
Anyway, Brewers find themselves in a big hole, down three games to one in this best of seven series. Its now do or die. Comcast will be there for the rest of this however long it goes. Watch it your local access channel.
