|
|
 |
|
Welcome to the Home of the
SYAG Braves Blue
|
ED RALL CANCELLED FOR 15U
We are all very disappointed by what unfolded at Ed Rall. The weather did us in. The fields at Samoset were bad, real bad. We got them to almost playable on Friday and then it rained hard again that night. When I asked SYAG management about what happened, I was told to blame myself. In hindsight it was at least partially my fault. I should have organized an entire team to just work at Samoset and we may have saved the tourney. Instead on Friday, I actually worked at Smith, the Bayman Field and Holbrook Country Club before working on Samoset. I really had no idea that I, and the three teenagers that were helping me, made up the entire grounds crew for the tournament on Friday morning and afternoon. LaCasse and me then worked on Samoset that evening with the same kids. Management called the tourney off for our age group at about 6 in the morning. In retrospect, we could have attempted again on Saturday to work the fields into shape and start the tourney at about noon. We could have then played one game on Saturday and two games on Sunday. It probably could have left room for a championship game between the top two teams at the end. Woulda, coulda, shoulda, didn't matter, it was easier to cancel 10 teams and one division and concentrate on getting the easier fields that the other age groups were playing on then to try and save Samoset. For those who remember, as great a field Southaven was to get into shape after a hard rain, Samoset was every bit as difficult. I can only tell you how much time the coaches of this team, especially, Sasso, LaCasse and I spent on preparing the field just so we can play a game after a rain even days before. The most difficult was the playoff game. I had my fill after that day. All I can do is say how sorry I am we did not play. We actually had a chance to win this thing. We had two great pitchers, Matt Milone and Daniel Sperruzzi, ready to go. Win or lose, it would have been a great way to say goodbye to baseball for this coach. After 11 years I was hoping it ended better. Next year, remember, just take care of the field you are scheduled to play on, no one else will do it for you.
ED RALL AUG 15-17
Ed Rall Tourney Schedule set. Go the SYAG.com for details.
First Game: 8:30 a.m. @ Samoset on Hill vs L.I. Spartans
Second Game: 10:45 a.m. @ Samoset Dugout vs NY Outlaws
Top 4 teams make playoffs
EAGLES SOAR OVER BRAVES 3-0 IN PLAYOFF
The Babylon Eagles arrived Wednesday August 6, 2008, ready to play and ready to win. Starting pitcher Anthony Russo gave up 3 hits, walked two and struck out three in a 3-0 victory versus the first place SYAG Braves. The Braves finished the regular season with a 19-5 record while the Eagles ended in fourth place with an 11-12-1 record.
Russo got Braves players to hit into three-inning ending double plays during the 7-inning NJBL National Division Playoff game held at Samoset Junior High School in Ronkonkoma. The Braves countered with their ace Rob Hill. Hill, using a mixture of pitches, struck out 9 Eagles, walked 2 and gave up four hits. Two unearned runs scored during his six innings of work. In the 7th, Bryan Vaccaro took the mound for the Braves. Vaccaro worked into a bases loaded jam, but managed to escape the inning with just one run crossing the plate, giving the Eagles a three run lead heading into the bottom of the 7th. The Braves finished the regular season never coming from behind to win a game in the last inning. That held true in this playoff game.
Most Braves' fans were in shock by the outcome. The Eagles, however, need to look no further than their own pitching and errorless defense which ,during the regular season, was less than spectacular. As all baseball people know, anyone can win in a one game series.
The Braves were the team to beat in the division. Last year they took first place and went undefeated during the playoffs to capture their first championship since they were formed at the age of nine. Maybe it was over-confidence or just plain fatigue from a season that started for many in the Spring, but the Braves appeared out-manned by the rambuncous boys from West Babylon. Yes the Braves were missing two starters, but the core of the franchise was in place. This was a game where one run truly made a difference.
A great game to watch. A hard game to lose. Nothing to be ashamed of.
COACH'S NOTE: In life you would like to be recognized for things you have done well. On that list, a man my age would like to hear a good husband, a good father and a good worker. After 11 years of coaching baseball, four of which were spent managing the SYAG Braves, I would like to hear a good coach.
I thank Mike LaCasse for that opportunity. The coaching staff of the 15U SYAG Braves, LaCasse, Sasso, and Daniello is well respected within and outside the SYAG organization, deservedly so. Baseball is a great game. I played it till I was 27. Don't let anyone say you are not good enough. All you have to do is love the game and there is a place for you somewhere on the diamond.
It has been my pleasure coaching and getting to know all of you. It is time for me to move on but I will miss everyone and wish you all the best.
Thank you,
Franco
NEXT GAME: SAT 7/26 vs WEST BABYLON
MAKEUP GAMES: TUE: 7/29 vs KINGS PARK @ SAMOSET 6 PM
WED: 7/30 vs THREE VILLAGE @ MURPHY 6 PM
NOT QUITE YET
While Kings Park goes meekly into the night, South Fork clings to the hopes of first place and home field advantage. We have four games left. Wednesday's game vs Three Village is critical, Kings Park the next day and hopefully we can have a relaxing doubleheader vs West Babylon. I'm hoping to play a playoff game on Tuesday July 29.
NEXT GAME: SAT 6/19 @ SAMOSET 9AM vs KINGS PARK
NEXT GAME: WED 7/16 @ SAMOSET 6 PM
Please be there by 5:15. We would like to give all pitchers an inning or two.
Starter: McEnerney
THURS 7/10 VS THREE VILLAGE @ MURPHY JHS 6 PM
1 AND 2 AND THROUGH WITH CYO
Sorry, I have not been keeping up with this website. I think I will turn it over to Mikey D and MLC. We'll have a vote. All those in favor? All those against? The yeahs have it.
Okay so we lost two badly on Saturday at Connetquot. The team was down and the coaches were helpless. Chalk it up to bad baseball on a down day. We would not let that happen if it were the playoffs.
Monday, different story. Out came the guns and in came the runs. The biggest mistake they made was to allow that lefty to come in the last inning. Scoring four runs that inning gave us the tie-breaker if it comes down to that. Have a great 4th of July. Be ready to roll on the 9th and 10th. In baseball, improve as individuals and we will improve as a team. Go Braves!
GAME: SAT 6/28 9 AM @ CYO COMPLEX
BRAVES v CHIEFS DOUBLEHEADER
Be there by 8:30
Starting pitcher: Daniello
GAME: THURS 6/26 6 PM @ SAMOSET vs YANKEES
Starting pitcher: McEnerney
Be there by 5:30
WED 6/25 GAME CANCELLED
Kings Park says they can't field a team. Game will be rescheduled. We are trying to get Monday June 30 as a home game. If no SYAG fields are available, we will play a home game at a Kings Park Field.
VICTORY AT BONACKERS STADIUM
I think the bats are back and that spells trouble for the rest of the league. We used 4 pitchers (Mark, Sean, Bryan and Nick) in the first game 3-1 victory. Nick and Mike pitched the second game in our 9-4 winner. Two double plays and great defense saved the day. The Sharks threw their best at us and we prevailed.
Next game: Wednesday June 6/25 6 p.m. @ Smith Field vs. Kings Park.
PRACTICE THURS 6/19 5:45 SAMOSET
STRATEGY SESSION, PROBABLY TILL 7:15
Our schedule is now formatted into calendar on this website. Let me know if you find any discrepancies.
WHAT HAPPENED?
If someone asked, "What are the chances of your team scoring 13 runs in one inning and losing the game?" I would have said, "Nil." Talk about a bad luck game. We shoulda, woulda, coulda scored 25 runs--16 just wasn't enough. Baseball and sports is funny that way. If we would have been mercied 13-1, I would have felt better than losing 17-16. Listen, it's all part of the learning process. I got to know you guys better. As the season moves along we will become more cohesive. By the time the playoffs roll around, barring injuries and personnel just not showing up, we will be a lean, mean, baseball-fighting machine. Hey this weekend we go against the South fork Sharks in our very own 4-game tournament. By game 4 on Sunday, another 17-16 game may be revisited.
It's hard to recall, but we won a game last Saturday! Great baseball boys, it was a lot of fun.
BRAVES v EAGLES SAT 6/14 9 A.M. @ TOOKER
Name: Tooker Avenue
Town: West Babylon
1: Sunrise Hwy to Little East Neck Road. Go north 3 blocks to
2: Tooker Avenue and turn left to the school.
BE THERE NO LATER THAN 8:30 A.M.
We played this team last year. Big players who can hit a ball. Speed is limited. Defense is mediocre. They have one good pitcher, but, obviously, they may have hired new arms this year. Last year's management and parents were a little hot headed, so do not get drawn in to their demeanor. Stay sharp and cool and play the game. This is a fast ball hitting team that is not to keen on junk. We will pitch Daniello first game and everyone else must be available. If you cannot pitch this weekend, for whatever reason, let me know.
Pitchers: Hill, Calamia, McEnerney, Sabella, Vaccaro, Lee, LaCasse
Braves vs. K.P. Summary
Last year I wrote. This year I will try to write. We have 6 scheduled games vs Kings Park. I have my doubts whether they will make it through the season. Personally, I hope they do. I cannot change the schedule. They are a team in formation. We are a very good team. Could we lose to this team, yes. Should we lose, no. When we post the stats, thank this team for your bloated numbers. My thoughts from last Saturday~it was hot. We played 7 innings and we looked good. Everyone was involved and I appreciate the effort considering the weather and the competition. Kings Park is by far the lesser of the teams in this division. In case you are not familiar, NJBL participates in all-star voting. If we win a game, I get to choose 3 players for MVP for that game. If we loose, I get to choose 2. The other team also votes the same. So you may actually get 2 all star votes for one game because managers not only vote for their team but for the opposition players, too.
BRAVES VS. RANGERS SAT 6/7 2 PM @ KINGS PARK H.S.
Please be there by 1:30. Let me know if you are not eligible to pitch in the doubleheader.
SUMMER HOME FIELDS FOR '08
Summer Home Schedule.
6/21 10am Samoset
(MUST BE OFF THE FIELD BY 3PM)
6/25 6pm Smith 4
6/26 6pm Samoset
6/28 9am Seneca
7/12 9am Smith 4
7/17 6pm Samoset
7/19 9am Samoset
7/26 9AM Smith 4
As always, subject to change. Always check the NJBL website.
SUMMER BALL BEGINS!
First games of the summer season, Saturday May 31, 11 a.m. @ Connetquot.
Be there at 10:15. Directions are on the NJBL website.
2008 Summer Schedule
15U NATIONAL DIVISION
________________________
1. South Fork Sharks
2. SYAG Braves Blue
3. Three Village Yankees
4. West Babylon Eagles
5. CYA Connetquot Chiefs
6. Kings Park Rangers Blue
HOME TEAM FIRST #
SAT 5/31 11 AM 5 VS 2
SAT 6/7 2 PM 6 VS 2
SAT 6/14 9 AM 4 vs 2
SAT 6/21 11 AM 2 VS 1
SUN 6/22 10 AM 1 VS 2
WED 6/25 6 PM 2 VS 6
THUR 6/26 6 PM 2 VS 3
SAT 6/28 9 AM 2 VS 5
WED 7/9 6 PM 6 VS 2
THUR 7/10 6 PM 3 VS 2
SAT 7/12 9 AM 2 VS 3
THUR 7/17 6 PM 2 VS 3
SAT 7/19 9 AM 2 VS 6
WED 7/23 6 PM 3 VS 2
SAT 7/26 9 AM 2 VS 4
THIS SCHEDULE IS TENTATIVE. LET ME KNOW THE DATES YOU CANNOT MAKE. FIRST FOUR TEAMS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. MAKEUP GAMES FROM 7/24-8/3 PLAYOFFS 8/4-8/10. THERE ARE 3 DIVISIONS. AMERICAN, MADE OF 9 TEAMS GIVEN A HIGH RATING. THE NATIONAL DIVISION MADE UP OF SUFFOLK TEAMS AND CENTRAL MADE UP OF NASSAU TEAMS. NJBL ADHERED TO MOST OF OUR DEMANDS, I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS.
PRACTICE/TRYOUT
SUNDAY MAY 4, 4:30 P.M. @ SENECA JHS
GET READY FOR 2008!
Anyone interested in trying out for the 2008 SYAG Braves 15U Team please contact me via email: francopietro@msn.com.
We will be playing Summer Ball in the NJBL league. Stay tuned to this website for updates.
FALL ALL STAR AWARDS
On Thursday January 10, 2008, NJBL is having a meeting to discuss the upcoming Spring and Summer Seasons. I am planning on attending although work may preclude my attendance. NJBL is also, reportedly, handing out the All-Star Awards for Fall 2007. This is the first time they have ever handed out awards for All Stars.
The winners are:
1. Steven Kowalski
2. Gerald Logan
3. Daniel Sperruzzi
Congratulations!
FALL ALL STAR VOTING
Recently, NJBL listed the all star voting for the Fall season. Just go to the website and you can punch it up. What it says is what it was. We used a lot of pitchers. I don't think all the other managers got involved in the voting as I did. As a team, if you won the game, you got three votes. If you lost the game, you got two votes. I did my best to vote for the most deserving player for that game. NJBL also published the Summer All-Star Votes. If you were NOT on the Fall roster, only the ID# shows up for the summer vote, not the name. Easy enough to figure out though.
We have an opportunity to get a free hour of playing time at the Bellport facility, All Pro, during the final weeks of December. It is only open to SYAG. Anyone interested?
THE OFF SEASON
I tried to speak to as many parents and players at the end of the last game to try and gauge the possibility of practicing indoors during the winter. SYAG is being offered a discounted price for teams at Matt Guiliani's. There basically is not enough interest to sign up for it. I spoke to the other coaches and we are in agreement that next year will ONLY consist of a Summer Season which will start the first week of June. NJBL, Baseball Heaven and the Brookhaven League are all possibilities. Most of the players on this team will make and play on their school team during the Spring. I hope everyone will tryout for their school baseball team. I know that making it will be easy for some and difficult for others. The deciding factor may be how hard you work at the game this winter. I ask that if you do not have plans on playing next summer for this team, please advise one of the coaches ASAP. Some of you may decide to tryout for other teams, that's understandable. You also have to know that we will have ongoing tryouts throughout the year for other players who may want to join the SYAG Braves. Our best recruiters are our players. If you know someone of substance who may want to join our team, invite them and let a coach know. We will continue to put forth the best team possible. We will have tryouts in the Spring. Expect tryouts sometime after Spring break in April.
Enjoy the Holidays,
Franco
END OF SEASON(S)
First of all I want to thank the coaches and parents who helped get the field at Samoset in shape so that the boys could play a safe game. Someday when the players get to coach they will realize how much goes into maintaining a field. Some teams take it more seriously than others, but none more seriously than SYAG. The week off before the game on Sunday reared its ugly head and we didn't get going till the game was lost. What I remember, and will take with me through the winter, is the team enthusiasm portrayed in the last inning come back. Good show boys! I want to thank each player through the Spring, Summer and Fall for making 2007 a great baseball year.
Guess what? It's time to get ready for 2008!
See you on the field,
Franco
2007 FINALE ~SUNDAY 11/4 9:30 AM @ SAMOSET
If you have been playing organized baseball this year since the Spring, you probably played somewhere between 65 to 75 games! Hey, you got one more game to go, let's make the best of it. Sunday's has been reduced to a 9-inning game. For those of you who like to do the math, if we win we would move up to third place, if we lose, we remain in 4th. Win or lose Bethpage will get first place this Fall. Fact is, Bethpage is the best team in the division. We are a close second. If we didn't lose Frick to injury, we probably would be playing for 1st place on Sunday. I'm hoping we play hard and give Bethpage a run for their money. They will not feel like champions if they lose on the last game of the season. Go Braves!
TWO IN NINE FROM SYOSSET
There is something to be said about playing one 9-inning game instead of a doubleheader. I did not hear any complaints. I knew it would be a close game. Syosset has good pitching and defense. For the most part we hit it hard, but right at them. We need to recognize the competition and hit it where they are lacking, that is part of baseball. We made the game close through walks and errors but in the end we won and that's all that matters. We have two games left against the Bethpage Eagles. I will approach that doubleheader like I would playoff games. Have a great couple of weeks off and throw the ball around if you get a chance.
SPLIT AT SENECA
You can blame it on Fall Ball or you can just say we are showing up just for the fun of it. Fact is the emotion level for winning is low. That is why we are either losing the close games or blowing out our opponents. Baseball is a game of skill and determination. We had runners in scoring position in nearly every inning of the second game and only scored one. I do not mind when the only one concentrating on the game is up at bat, but when the game is on the line, the bench has to come alive and the guy at the plate has to execute and the runners on base have got to be careful. None of that occurred. For anyone looking to take home a trophy this Fall, that 2-1 loss kind of did us in. We still have 4 games left. Let's focus on taking two from Syosset and that should set us up for a test of what I think are the two best teams in the Division, SYAG vs. Bethpage on November 4.
THE REMAINING FALL SCHEDULE
SUN OCT 14~9 AM @ SENECA vs LI HURRICANES
SUN OCT 21~9 AM @ SYOSSET
SUN NOV 4 ~9:30 @ SAMOSET (reschuled from Oct 7) vs BETHPAGE
NEXT GAME: SUN 9/30 @ 9 AM ~ INDIANS vs. BRAVES
They are 0-4, we are 3-3. This is an opportunity to go up by two in the win column. I do not know anything about this team, so we will approach it as another batting practice and pitching clinic. May the best warriors win!
ON A ROLL
You guys scored 32 runs in 10 innings and gave up 3. You came together as a team and you took what they gave you. Nice pitching, good fielding, great hitting and a fun game to watch. I pushed the running end of the game and, in general, everyone seemed to be reading the pitcher well. Everyone got to play somewhere different each inning for the most part. This was an easy game to do that. If we get big leads we can continue to move people around and give everyone a taste of a position you may want to try. Have a good week at school and we'll see each other at Samoset on Sunday morning.
UP NEXT: EAST MEADOW COMPLEX SUNDAY 9/23 @ 9 AM
The first of two away games this Fall season is Sunday 9/23 @ 9 am vs East Meadow at the East Meadow Complex. This is a great venue for baseball and hopefully the field will be in shape. Expect good games from a good team. East Meadow was in the American Division last summer and made the playoffs. Personally, I do not like to travel far and lose. Get to a batting cage this week or at least throw a little. The noticeable difference between this team and the summer team is speed and hitting. The pitching is as good but apparently not as enthusiastic or as in shape as in summer ball. Parents show up to these games to get excited about their sons playing baseball. There was not much to get excited about last weekend. Let's give them something to holler about on Sunday.
BAD BASEBALL AT SENECA
Maybe we should have had a practice at Seneca to get used to the tall grass, but that was not possible. In the Spring we started out 2-3-1 and ended up 10-3-1. In the Summer we were 2-3 before we ended up 18-5. In each case we had a group of players together for the first time, as is the case this Fall. I will do a better job putting the best team forward in the 10 remaining games. However, the pitching, fielding and hitting has got to improve. We are much better than last Sunday at Seneca.
NEXT GAME SUNDAY 9/16~9 AM @ SENECA
I reached out to the grounds crew that maintain the Sachem School fields. They assure me that they will do their best to keep the fields in shape for our games on Sunday. These fields do not drain as well as Southaven and may require more work after a hard rain. If it is a Saturday rain going into Sunday, we could very well be rained out if we do not have enough people to get the field in shape for game time. The School fields have grass infields and no fences to stop the errant throws. Home runs at Southaven may be doubles here and some singles at Southaven may be triples at Seneca. Be prepared. I will bring a ladder to fetch the foul balls over the fences.
ONE AND ONE TO BEGIN THE FALL
I'll try and post something each week by Wednesday in reference to Sunday's games. However, I refuse to get too emotional about the season. We are just here to play the games and keep in baseball shape. I will say this, a good season will be anything above .500, a real good season would be 9-5. Anything better or worse than the aforementioned would be unexpected. I see a couple of doubleheader wins in the schedule and a couple of doubleheader possible losses. Not knowing our team, I was half expecting two losses on Sunday. In the end, we almost won both. This is the 4th year I am involved in Fall Ball. The past 3 years were nothing short of bad baseball. This season is already worth the sign up. Between Coach Sperruzzi and myself we will continue to shuffle the team in the field and somewhat in the lineup. I was a little afraid at the catcher's position but I think it worked out well. Pitching wise, I do not plan on going more than 3 or 4 innings with any one player. We have enough pitchers whom may not pitch for their school team but still enjoy taking the mound on Sunday in Fall Ball. Just remember, if you are tired or hurt in any way, let us know. We have enough players. Let's have a good time, grow with the game and play safe. Please email me with any questions in reference to the team or position playing.
SUNDAY 9/9 SOUTHAVEN FIELD vs NEW HYDE PARK @ 9 A.M.
Please be there no later than 8:15. There is a caveat to this, if the town does not fix the field by Friday, I will move the game to Seneca Middle School. Do not write checks out yet. SYAG has scheduled a meeting for next week. They are telling me about $120; but I do not want to come back to you for $5 next week or hand you back $5, so please wait.
NOTHING YET
I have made repeated attempts at getting the SYAG Organization to give me a number, date and meeting for Fall Ball Registration. They have not replied. We are scheduled to play. I have said that the $$ figure I have come up with is about $120. The only one who should be concerned with that is the new player. I have some old SYAG hats, if anyone needs one. Please, we must appear to look somewhat uniform in our attire. We will wear the Red Henleys for the entire season. You must have on either a Braves Baseball Cap or Shirt but preferably both. I'll send out an email when I hear from the director. Have a great labor day weekend!
FALL SEASON ON LINE AT NATIONALJUNIOR.COM
5 Home dates, 2 away dates. Southaven is now scheduled. We do have access to Samoset and Seneca. Remember to always check and go by what is listed on NJBL.
Fall ball will be played differently than Spring or Summer Ball. During Fall Ball we will work players where they are most likely going to play or tryout for at School in the Spring. We will be playing to win and the lineup will reflect that. If 12 show up, most likely all 12 will bat in the lineup. We are short in the catcher position, so those who can catch will be asked to do so.
Everyone who can pitch may be called upon to pitch since we do not want to develop any sore arms during the season. It should be very competitive and I do not see any blowouts. We will be playing for first place from Game One. Hey, we are the champs!
See you on 9/9
Franco
ED RALL AND OUT
I want to thank all the players who participated in the Ed Rall Tourney these past few days. I wanted to put together the best squad possible for the event, and I felt that those added from Shoreham would balance the loss of three of our starters to vacation. It worked on Saturday, but we were spent by the time we reached Sunday. The coaching staff is very proud of the team. As players you should be very proud of yourselves and how you represented SYAG. As far as the Sunday playoff is concerned, I felt worse about how we lost than losing. We were not prepared and I think we were awe struck by the opposing team. We lost the game before we took the field. As manager I should have made sure we were ready. I was not ready, so how can the team. In single game elimination formats, you get one chance. We tried to bring in a pitcher or two for Sunday that could compete with the opposition, but it did not happen. Instead we did the best we could with position players who also pitch. I truly appreciate the pitching effort. In baseball, errors lead to more errors. Saturday we benefited from the oppositions' errors, Sunday we were hurt badly by the same. As a team, we did well winning Saturday against, on paper, better teams. We actually had a good time doing it. Remember that, not Sunday. Sunday was an aberration. We are much better than the 12-2 mercy loss. It's baseball, $#%& happens!
We are signing up for Fall Ball with NJBL on Monday, August 20. We need 12 players for the roster. Right now we have about 10. If you have not committed to the squad and you want to be part of it, let me know ASAP. The cost will be about $120, which covers 14 games. We will play Sunday doubleheaders. Coaches will be myself (Franco Frantellizzi), Rick Sperruzzi and Tony Daniello when it does not conflict with his other coaching duties. Other player parents will be invited to help out.
CONGRATULATIONS BRAVES, YOU ARE THE CHAMPS!
Thank you, it was a great ride to the championship. Tell everyone you know, we are #1!
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME SAT AUG 11~9 AM @ SOUTHAVEN
Great win, a little sloppy in the middle but no doubt about it at the end. We dominated the Syosset Braves from the very beginning. If not for the umpire's strike zone, or lack thereof, it would have been a mercy.
Do your best to be at your best on Saturday. Show up with your confidence, leave with pride.
Wear Red Henley.
1ST PLACE FINISH FOR SYAG BRAVES!
On to the Championship Round!
MERCY! MERCY!
Let's face it , we are pretty good Home Team. We took two from Hauppauge and then two from Montauk at Southaven. South Fork is an especially different team away from their home. We beat them this bad in the Spring also. So what do we need to do to give us the best chance to win~~Play at home! We hold the key with five games left. Win them all and we have home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
We have been playing Montauk for about 4 years now. I am very impressed with their kids and their manager, Jim Daunt. In the past I have bemoaned the bad managers we have faced. Jim giving Joe Mahon the baseball that Joe crushed over the left field fence as a keepsake was a classy move. In the second game, the Montauk players seemed to be having a great time, even in defeat.
On Thursday, in this 9-inning doubleheader, I am planning on throwing two pitchers with a maximum of 40 pitches, so that the same players may pitch on Saturday (Steve K and Bryan). Everyone else will enter the game for no more that 20 pitches. Those pitchers will then be able to pitch on Friday and/or Saturday. This game will be easy if the bats kick in. If we come across a good pitcher and we find ourselves in a battle, then the pitching strategy aforementioned will be thrown out the window.
Last Saturday the top of the lineup came through. The defense was spectacular. Steve K. pitched a one-hitter in a run-shortened 5 inning game. MD threw a great second game. A variety of pitches is as good as an 80 MPH fast ball (yeah right coach). ML pitched three up three down after he begged his way into a closing role (learn from that). Hey be ready for Thursday, we have to be there by 5 P.M.
AN UGLY VICTORY
I counted about 7 or 8 errors in last night's game. If you didn't commit an error, there is a good chance the ball was not hit to you. In the end it was counted in the win column. This was a good win. Great pitching by Sean and Bryan kept us in control. Timely hitting and good base running won the game. I am glad we got this out of our system against West Babyon, because on Saturday vs South Fork, such play will not equal victory. Two wins on Saturday will most likely give us first place for the season. We can do it!
ABOUT THE STATS
We handed out "After 15 games" stats. I heard some grumbling about the numbers. First of all, there are two coaches that keep the stats, another adds them up and another coach then verifies. Does that mean that they are absolute....no, but they are pretty close. If anything we threw you a few hits. If there is a wild throw and you advance, that's not a steal. If you hit a ball in the hole and the shortstop made a wild throw because you were hustling down the line, that's a hit. These stats are an indication of how you are doing as individuals. Right now the team is 11-4-1, that's good! When I look at the numbers, I like to concentrate on the on base percentage. Everyone is about .350 or above. That means you are getting on at least once every three times at bat. Half the team is getting on every other at bat or more that 50% of the time. That's very good!
With 8 games left I am still looking for guys who can lead off and set the table for our RBI guys. Those who walk a lot also strike out a lot. We get men on and we leave them there more than we score them. If we are to win this thing, and I think we can, we have to all come through. First and second, nobody out, move them over to scoring position. If someone is stealing and there's an opening from the player covering, hit it there. Full count, don't swing at an obvious ball four, have the discipline to know the strike zone. Be tough, be strong, be aggressive at the plate and in the field. We have the pitching, we have the defense, now hit the ball and score some runs. Let's Go Braves!
NEXT GAME TUE 7/24 vs W. BABYLON @ SAMOSET
I nearly blundered away the game last Wednesday by not double checking who was playing and who was not. At the last minute Joe M. and Danny became available or we would have shown up with 7 guys. I have lost track when it comes to next Tuesday. I need a head count because this week is Cooperstown and a few players follow their siblings upstate for the tournament.
Wednesday's game against the Eagles was a nice battle. Their coach came prepared and followed a game plan. While we were missing Bryan, they were missing their great catcher. We walked away with a tie. I was happy with that considering how much time and energy it took Petey and I to get the field in shape and then the player cancellations and the last minute fill ins just to play the game. There were some truly great moments in Wednesday's game. #1~MD coming in to pitch with a man on 3rd and no outs, and ML making a nice catch in to end the inning. No one scored.
SPEECHLESS IN WEST BABYLON
Against Nesconset I was taken aback by the Coach's decision to end the game early. I don't know what to say about last night in West Babylon. It's one thing to be mad at an ump but to not have your team not come out for the traditional "good game' is truly unacceptable. Their complaint about the dead ball was a dead issue. It's their field. That includes the overgrown grass, the unkept infield, the girlie bases, and, yes, the holes in the fence. Enough about them how 'bout us?
I knew we would be a little tired after a game the night before. I sometimes get soft, first in estimating my opponent and secondly, having spent many years in in-house, I like to move around the batting order to give everyone an extra at bat. The first game I mixed up the batting order. In the end the usual guys came through and we cruised through the game and won 8-4. ML pitched well in the first half of the game. The second half of game one we were introduced to the pitching of Steve K. The coaches were impressed with the variety of pitches and great control.
In the second game I pushed the envelope even further. I mixed up the lineup and played some guys out of position for the most part. That did not go well. Walks and errors, and a decent pitcher on their end, put us in an early hole. By the time we turned the ball over to Bryan, and put people in their natural positions, we were down 5 runs. But each inning we had our chances. I felt like you guys were sticking pins in me each and every inning. We got men on and then left them there, usually with a strike out. It was like you guys were saying "Uhhh, not yet coach, we're really not sure we want to win this one." I couldn't wait for the bottom of the 7th inning when I knew you guys would wake up. This team has shown a lot of character this season, it started in the Spring. Coming back from three down and beating these guys was worth the pain. Also, when the game's on the line, it's good to see the bat in ML's hands. Great job behind the plate for MD, and Tommy at first. Bryan pitched his best game, holding off the West Babylon team while the rest of the team was playing "pattycake" in the field. If we would have lost last night, it would have been on me. Winning those games was all YOU! Great team effort, thanks for coming through.
MAYBE BITTEN BY THE SHARKS
I learned many years ago, when I was thrown out of a game by an umpire. that arguing just doesn't pay. I usually make one remark and I leave it alone. The game at Montauk tried my patience. There was a bad call at second on a great throw by Sass and tag by Michael that cost us a run, and bad umpiring behind the plate, squeezing the strike zone to the point where Danny became too frustrated to pitch well. What we do as coaches reflects on the whole team so I try to control myself and just let it go.
I say MAYBE bitten by the Sharks because of the foul fish smell coming out of not only the garbage can by the dugout, but the pitching rotation. I'll get back to you on that in a less cryptic manner in the near future. Thank god we don't have to drive out there again, unless of course it is for a playoff game. We didn't play our best game tonight and yet we nearly pulled it out. Foggy, foggy, foggy baseball!
NOTHING HIT HARD ~JUST IN THE RIGHT SPOT
Yesterday's game was a great comeback. With players missing and a new player filling in, the team played very well. We have played 9 games so far. Only one has been stress free. I noticed it in the Spring, this team never quits. We sometimes like to rest on a lead and we wait till the end to turn on the engines but we always have the potential to come back or hold the lead. Obviously there are a few things we need to work on and I am hoping to find the time to hold a practice. In the meantime, we are on a good course. I think the fight will be for first place, and not just making the playoffs.
Pitch Count:
1-20 pitches 0 days rest
21-40 1 days rest
41-60 2 days rest
61-90 3 days rest
Against Syosset, Sean threw 51, needs 2 days off. Bryan threw 61, needs 3 days off.
No pitcher can throw more than 90 pitches. You can pitch 20 pitches on Sunday and pitch again on Monday. However, if you throw one pitch in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday, you cannot pitch in game two.
EAGLES HAVE LANDED
Maybe the Hauppauge Eagles were not expecting much competition after the thrashing they put upon us in last week's game. They were wrong. In the first game we came back, got ahead, went behind and then batted around to a 13-8 victory.
In the second game, we took a nice 5 run lead into the last inning and then held on to win, 5-3. I think we have a new found confidence. Keep up the good play.
NEXT GAME: SAT 6/23, 9 AM @ SOUTHAVEN
3-2 Victory on Tue June 19 @ Samoset. Two words: GREAT PITCHING!
I want to thank Coach Sasso for getting the field in shape. This Saturday's games will help determine the rest of the season for us. A couple of victories and we will be in good shape for the playoffs. A couple of losses and, well....LET'S JUST WIN!
NEXT GAME: TUE 6/19 @ SAMOSET
LI Angels on Tuesday. Don't know anything about them. They played Sunday and they are light pitching, like us.
We played Syosset in the Spring and we chewed them up. Sunday, we barely got out with one win. Too many strikeouts, too many errors, too many nervous players stressing out over an easy game. I am hoping that by mid-season we learn to show up to a game and play smart. When you are in the field just think about what to do if you get the ball. At any point in a game you may become the quarterback of the team, the ball is in your hand, make a play.
On a positive note, great play to end the second game. Let's build on it!
ONE CLOSE LOSS ONE MERCY WIN
We were on the losing side of a great first game. Still we almost came back from 3 down in the last inning. Remember this Nesconset team, we have three games left against them. The bats came alive in game two. The pitching in both games was well done. There is a little fine tuning left but all the parts are here to make this summer season a winning venture. Go to the batting cage and work on your swing.
FIRST GAMES OF SUMMER~SUNDAY JUNE 3 @ 9 A.M. @SOUTHAVEN
The schedule on NJBL will go through many changes over the next week. We have Samoset (on the hill) available to us this season and I will schedule some or most of our home games there instead of Southaven for various reasons.
UPCOMING SEASON:
I will send out an email in reference to my next message. However, if you already know please forward the info pronto. We have 9 registered players on this summer team. Our tryouts fell short of gaining quality players but we are still looking. Anyway, the message is: If you have plans on going away during our two month season, and will miss games, let me know ASAP or even NOW! We have a system in place in which I have ample fill ins, but I need to notify and get their commitment in advance. Do not tell me the day before the game that you are going away or have a family function and therefore cannot make a game. We can argue that this is a bad way to run a team but 'it is what it is'. I am planning to show up to each game with at least 10 players. If one wakes up sick, we will still have enough to play. Playing time will be divided out FAIR, not EQUAL. The object will be to win each and every game. I need my best players to be there for each and every game. I especially need them to be there for the playoffs, which I wholeheartedly expect to make and win. If you are 'half committed' to this team, 'get out now', don't waste my time. I can only speak for myself, but the amount of time needed for scheduling, field maintenance and managing a team is considerable. My nine guys need to be there or let me know in advance. There are players on this team who need to be there for each game and the playoffs, or we lose. If you do not take it seriously, play somewhere else. As a coach, I had a great Spring season. The team was on auto pilot and I approached it as a learning tool for the upcoming summer season. Out of the entire summer squad, two players did not participate during the Spring. Those two players I know from previous years and I expect that, like the others, they have improved during the winter and spring months. The above paragraph is a form of housekeeping. It needs to be said only once. If you find that you cannot conform after reading this, email me or call and I will help you make other arrangements. Our goal is to play hard, play well and have a good time doing it.
Franco Frantellizzi, Manager SYAG Braves Blue
IT'S OFFICIAL~SECOND PLACE!
This Spring season was a pleasure. The three losses were on me. I would have loved to play the Southbay Indians one more time, just to show them who's the boss, but the scheduling would not allow it. We got 2nd place based on a higher run differential.
Get ready for summer ball!
Have a great week,
Franco
| |
|
|
