Welcome To The Home Of The Greenwood Lake Modified Baseball Team
2009 Greenwood Lake Baseball Team
Pictured top rwo left to right Jeremy (Tank) Maldonado, Scott Marren, Jordan Buckley, Dominick Christiano, Joe Amend, Mike (Quiz Bowl) Heslin, Ryan Scott, Jeremy Scott, Nick DiPietro, John Olson, Coach Cron
Bottom L to R, Coach Maldonado, Ian Wheat, Thomas Key, Francisco Sannino, Chris Buckley, Steven Duckworth
Season Swirls To An End With W Over Tornados
After an uninspiring loss to undefeated O'Neill the Lakers would looked to finish strong vs. their neighbors Tuxedo. With all the seventh graders in the starting lineup and rookie sensation Tank Maldonado on the hill Team Green would finish the season strong. Maldonado walked to the mound for the first time this season and showed some potential BUT once again the defense was on it's heels and with a few free passes the Tornados would get 5 runs in the top half of the first. Tank was unable to make it out of the first inning, as Michael Heslin would take over to finish off the first. Down 5-0 the Lakers would make it even as Heslin, Key, and Steven Duckworth would collect hits in the inning. With a 5-5 tie Jordan Buckley would take over the pitching duties. Buckley held down the Tornados allowing only 3 more runs over the next 4 innings. The Lakers would take the lead in the second and never look back scoring runs in every inning but the 4th. With a sizable lead the game was stopped due to the time limit. With the win the Lakers would finish a disappointing 5-7 on the season. BUT there were some exciting games and fantastic finishes. Who will forget the walk off win vs. Chester and the "Almost" win vs. powerhouse Minisink Valley.
Pictured above - Steven Duckworth
Cron's Corner
It was a tough season and I'm a little tired. We battled in every game but one and in the end even though our record was not that great I felt like it was a successful season. Next year is going to be tough too because we don't have a ton of arms to pitch. This group was fun to work with and I thank Coach Maldonado for his help. We would not have been as good without him. I'm sorry to see my eight graders go but I'm already thinking about next year...Hopefully it won't rain as much....
GWL Takes Minisink To the Brink
It was a David vs. Goliath situation for the Lakers as they welcomed the Minsink Valley Warriors to the middle school. Joe Amend would not be able to make his scheduled start for Coach Cron and the task would be left to eighth grade pitcher/SS Micheal Heslin. Heslin welcomed the task and pitched brilliantly into the seventh giving up only three unearned runs to through six. He was rewarded for his excellence as the Lakers finally broke out the lumber. In the fourth the Lakers scored 6 runs with Heslin starting the scoring. After reaching on an error Heslin would come around to score on a double by Christiano and a sacrifice by Jordan Buckley. The hit parade would start after that Tank Maldonado, John Olson, Jeremy Scott, Nick DePietro, Mike Heslin, and Ryan Scott would all get clean hits. When the inning was over the Lakers would send 12 men to the plate and knock out the Minisink pitcher.
With a four run lead going into the inning the Lakers were poised for one of their biggest upsets in GWL Middle School history. BUT! We all know that it's "Not Over Till The Fat Lady Sings." Heslin would get the first out of the inning. The Lakers were only two outs away from beating Mr. Gillespie's Warriors THEN Micheal would tire and walk three straight batters. Coach Cron would leave him in because it was his game. Another hit and an error and Heslin had to be lifted. Minisink tied the game and the thoughts turned to getting out of the inning tied so we could have a shot in the bottom but it was just one of those innings. With two more errors in the infield Minisink would go on to score 8 runs. What a heartbreaker. The Lakers would go quietly in the bottom half and the Cinderella story was over. BUT We played a great game till that inning and we gave them a scare.
Cron's Corner
For the first time as a coach I was actually nervous. I thought we had it and Micheal pitched a great game. He was mad when I whet to take him out. He's a real competitor and I can't say that I blame him. We made a small statement by playing this well against a AA school. I think the coach for Minisink was surprised that he was in that situation that late in the game. But "Green Does Not Give Up" or "Lay Down" I was really proud of my team and they were exciting to watch..
Bitter Pill To Swallow Vs. Chester
The Lakers would play host to Chester Wednesday for their final meeting of the season. This game would be the grudge game of the season for the Lakers because of the uninspired loss in their last meeting vs. Chester. Scott Marren would get his fourth start looking for the magic he brought in the first meeting vs. the Hambletonians when he posted a 14-4 win. Marren would be on early retiring the first seven batters he faced. Not overpowering anyone he would rely on his defense who was up to the task. Thomas Key would flash the leather in centerfield with some highlight material catches. In the top of the third Key would make a full out dive after sprinting a long way for the web gem. With a 1-0 lead the Lakers could not push any runs across in key situations. The Lakers were kept off balance once again by Chester pitching sensation Zack Krawazyk would fell to a walk off hit 2-1 in his previous start vs. GWL. Marren would lose some control in the fourth walking 2 in the inning and giving up a hit. With a shrinking strike zone the Hambletonians would push two across in the frame. After walking the lead off man in the fifth Coach Cron would lift Marren for his star center fielder Key. Key held down Chester allowing only one run on a throwing error in the sixth. The run did not matter however as the Lakers were only able to reach base two more times in the final three innings. Final score Chester 3 - Lakers 1...
Pictured above - Thomas Key
Cron's Corner
This was a much better game between these two rivals. Sportsmanship was top notch and the game was great. This was one of the best defensive game I've ever coached. Thomas was the player of the game for our team and Zach Krawazyk pitched a flawless game for Chester. I usually don't complain to the umps but the home plate umps strike zone needs some work. Still no excuses we didn't lose because of that. They were just a little better than us today....
Seward Drains The Lake
The Lakers traveled to Golden Hill for their final away game of the season Friday. With two games on the road already this week the Lakers would dig deep on this hot day to give Seward a run. Micheal Heslin would get his third start of the season for the Lakers with a 0-3 record. Heslin has pitched against the toughest teams this season and his defense has not helped him. Pitching tough into the third Heslin had only given up two runs. Jordan Buckley would help his buddy by knocking in Christiano and Amend with a sharp single in the top half of the frame. The trouble started in the fourth, as walks, hits, and errors would result in the Spartans batting around in the bottom half. Heslin would seem drained of all the energy he had and the Spartans would go on to score 6 runs in the inning and he would be lifted for relief pitchers DePietro and Olson. Team Green's relief didn't help much as the Spartans went on to score 6 more runs before the contest would end. The Lakers did not give up and were able to scrape together 2 more runs on hits by John Olson, Thomas Key, and Nick DePietro. Final score Seward 14 vs. Lakers 4
Cron's Corner
We really worked hard this week at practice and it showed at times. With three away games it was tough. I was proud of our effort and we did not give up. We have played great at times and at other times we've looked like the Bad News Bears. To this day I have not been run-ruled as the coach at GWL but the competition has improved this season so we have to keep working hard if we want to win or avoid a short game. Next week we are home to Chester and Minisink. We know there is a Bull's Eye on Chester and we also look forward to playing a bigger school like Minisink...
Jordan Buckley
Complete game shutout vs. Tuxedo
Laker's Hit Pay Dirt At Quarry
The Lakers made their final trip to Quarry Field Wednesday to take on future teammates the Tuxedo Tornados. With seven games under their belt Team Green were in mid-season form scoring 15 runs in 4 innings. Jordan Buckley blew away the Tornados striking out seven before the game was called due to run rule. Leadoff man Thomas Key had a perfect day at the plate going 3 for 3 with a double and a stolen base. Joe Amend continued his hot hitting notching two doubles and scoring two runs. The Tornados struggled with consistent pitching and infield errors which enabled the Lakers a fairly easy win. The Lakers will move on to take on S.S. Seward on Friday for their final away game of the season.
Cron's Corner
A good game for our team we needed a win. This has been a long week with three away games. We are looking forward to Seward on Friday. I believe the team is poised to have a great second half. We might surprise some people.
Hambletonians Out Pace Team Green
The Lakers would travel to Chester to take on the Hambletonians for the third time in less than a week. After taking the first two games of the series the Lakers would go into the Monday's contest a little short handed. With eighth graders Mike Heslin sick and Nick DePietro hurt Team Green would look to the rookies to fill in the gaps. Scott Marren would get the start for the third time vs. Chester but only lasted 3 innings and with little help from his defense Marren would only last 3 innings. Bringing Joe Amend in to stop the bleeding only created more problems, as the Hambletonians would steal bases at will. With the score 7-6 after 4 innings Chester brought in pitcher Zack K to hold the Lakers down. Team Green would only be able to muster one more run the remainder of the innings. Chester would continue it's aggressive base running to finish off the Lakers in a very uninspiring loss. With two experienced players out of the lineup the Lakers would suffer it's first loss to Chester in 4 years...
Cron's Corner
I'm going to speak my mind here since this is my spot...The Chester kids were very unsportsmanlike like. Hot-dogging and bush league antics are not part of the Greenwood Lake style of play. I try to teach my kids some respect when it comes to winning. I think they must have forgot the 14-4 whipping and 2-1 walk off win we had less than a week ago. But for anyone who wants to know you can be assured the when we face them again we won't forget the non-sense we had to see and hear. My team will have a new focus the rest of the season and whether we win or lose we will do it with Laker pride. Enough said!
Not Ready For Prime Time Lakers
The Lakers would travel to O'Neill Thursday to take on the undefeated Raiders for the second time this season. The Lakers sporting a 2 game winning streak were confident they could give the Raiders a run, remembering falling 3 runs short in a comeback attempt on April 29th. Thomas Key would get the start due to his success in the last game he faced O'Neill. After the Lakers offense going 1-2-3 and striking out twice in the top of the first Key would pitch well enough to get out of the first inning but 2 errors by the infield would cost the Lakers two runs. The second inning would not get much better for the Lakers as they would add two more strikeouts to the game total. Things would get ugly for Team Green in the second, as the Raiders would bat around scoring 5 runs on two hits and a big error at short. The total amount of runs did not matter as the Raiders could have only scored one run to win the game due to the offensive outage by the Lakers lineup. Raider pitcher K. Crill would go on to completely shut down the not ready for prime time Lakers. Joe Amend the one bright spot for the Lakers would come in to pitch in the third and not allow a run the remainder of the game. He would also be the only batter in the GWL lineup to collect two hits. The Lakers would go on to strikeout 5 more times in the game and add to a high team total of 41 on the season. For the first time this season the Lakers were not competitive in a baseball game. Final score O'Neill 7 vs. Lakers 0
Cron's Corner
This team has struck our a total of 41 times vs. 29 walks. We need to shorten our swings or bunt more it's just that simple. Our offense stinks at this point and we don't scare anyone at the plate. We had some good pitching performances but errors in the field keep messing them up. They were thinking more about their meal stop then they were about the game and that annoys me. Still we have 6 more games left and we can have a successful season. Maybe we can even spoil someone’s undefeated season towards the end. We just have to make better contact.
Tank - Jeremy Maldonado
1B/EH
Amend Hits Walk Off Single To Win It For GWL
Only 3 days removed from beating Chester 14-3 the Hambletonians would come to GWL Middle School with a different plan in mind. It did not take long watching this game to figure out it would be a pitchers duel. Scott Marren coming off his strong start on Friday would get the assignment once again. Scott picked up right where he left off throwing a heavy ball and getting lots of pop ups and groundouts. With only one unearned run given up through seven innings you would have thought the Lakers were in good shape. WELL not exactly. Chester's starting pitcher would not only match Marren but also put himself in position to get a complete game shutout. Through seven the Lakers only had 3 base runners while striking out 10 times. The offense was stagnant and they were down to their last three outs. The old saying "It's Not Over Till The Fat Lady Sings," was in Coach Cron's head as he tried to fire up his team going into the bottom half of the seventh. Leadoff man Thomas Key singled to center and advanced to second on an error. The sign was for Mike Heslin to bunt, which he did, but not with great execution. The bunt went back to the pitcher who tried to throw a flying Key out at third. The slide was perfect as he made it in under the tag. With runners at first and third Heslin snagged second with an easy steal. This set up Joe Amend to be the hero and with a two-strike count he did just that. A line single to left-center would plate Key and Heslin with a walk off game winner. Final score Lakers 2 Chester 1....
Cron's Corner
What an amazing pitching performance by both pitchers. The game went by so fast I could not believe we were in the seventh inning down by one. I knew we were going to break through but we needed to stop watching good pitches go by. I felt bad for the Chester pitcher he pitched such a great game and he deserved to win. The Chester team is much improved this season and good coaching has helped them. We move onto O'Neill now who beat us earlier in the season. We are playing much better and I really think we will give them a run for their money.
Swing Joe
and tuck in your shirt!
Laker's Hold Down Hambeltonians
The Laker's traveled to Chester Friday as they would take on the Hambletonians for the first time this season. After his strong relief appearance on Thursday Scott Marren would get his first start of the season. After shaking off some nervous tension Marren dominated the Chester lineup recording 6 of the first 7 batters he would face striking out three and only walking one. The Hambletonians would not score a run until the third and by that time the Lakers had already given Marren a 10 run cusion. Working quickly and confidently Marren would pitch five solid innings giving up only 3 runs before his pitch count would get to high. He would give way to Joe Amend who was also on point not allowing a run to support Marren.
It was over early on offense as the Lakers would walk tall and carry a big stiok. The top of the lineup Thomas Key, Mike Heslin, Joe Amend, and Dominick Christiano would combine for 11 hits and 8 of the Lakers 14 runs. John Olson and Nick DePietro would also chip in with two hits each and score four runs. Solid hitting and aggresive baserunning was the key to the 14-3 win.
The Lakers will welcome the Hambletonians to GWL Middle School on Monday for the home at home series. Marren will get the nod once again coming off his game ball performance.
Cron's Corner
Marren was begging me to pitch this year and after his relief performance on Thursday I decided to give him his shot. He did not disappoint. The team seemed to rally around him and we played our best game of the year so far. "If It Aint Broke Don't Fix It" so that’s what I'm going with today same lineup at our place Monday I want to give a shout out thanks to Mr. Maldonado for helping me keep the book and keep the kids on their toes. See ya Monday 4:00....
Home Team Captains
Joe Amend, Mike Heslin
Spartans Walk On Lakers
Thursday's game welcomed the SS Seward Spartans to GWL Middle School for their first meeting of the season. With the game in doubt the Greenwood Lake Building & Grounds people (Brian) were able to get the water off the field and make it playable. With six rainouts the Lakers were eager to get this game in as well as the rest of the schedule. Eighth grade pitcher/shortstop Michael Heslin would get his second start of the season for Team Green. With a little rust Heslin would get through 5 and 2/3rds innings walking 7 and striking out 3. SS Seward runners were very aggressive as the Lakers would have problems keeping them at first. With a walk and an error in the first inning followed by a double by clean-up hitter Thompson the Lakers would find themselves in a 2-0 hole. Heslin would strike out the number 7 hitter Sgombick to end the scoring. In the bottom half of the first the Lakers would sail back as number 3 hitter Joe Amend would crush a long homerun over the right-center field fence. The homer would tie the game and end the scoring in the first.
The Lakers would take a 6-4 lead in the second as Thomas Key and Scott Marren would both get hits in the inning. With the help of a few throwing errors the Lakers would hang onto the lead until the fifth when Heslin found himself in a jam. Getting a tough second out Heslin had reached his pitch count and gave way to Thomas Key. Key would strike out number eight hitter Wooder with bases loaded to end the inning but the damage had already been done as the Spartans would plate 4 in the inning. With the game 10-9 in the fifth the Lakers failed to scratch in any runs on the scoresheet in the bottom half. Key would hold the score at 10-9 into the 7th when he lost some control walking 1 and giving up two hits and with no help from his fielders, a costly error would help plate two in the inning.
The Lakers would try to rally in the bottom half of the seventh but bad approaches at the plate resulted in a double play and it would be too late as the Lakers would sink not swim....final score Spartans 12 - Lakers 10
Cron's Corner
To many walks! To many errors! To many base running blunders! To many bad approaches at the plate! And with all this we only lose by two runs. We scored 20 runs in the last two game but give up 25. The pitching has to stop giving free passes and the defense has to stop giving extra outs. We are scoring runs but we could score more. I feel like I'm showing and telling this group what to do but it does not translate over to the field. I'm going to have crack the whip! LOL
Away Team Captains
Nick DiPietro, Thomas Key
Raiders Dround Out Lakers Comeback
The Greenwood Lake Lakers welcomed the James I O'Neill Raiders on Wednesday for the Lakers home opener. This rivalry is always brings intense competition providing great baseball for students and fans.
Coach Cron would send eighth grade pitcher Micheal Heslin to the hill with hopes that he would provide some experience and leadership for team green. Heslin did not have his usual pinpoint control to start the game but did give the Lakers enough to get some outs. The problem for Heslin and Team Green was sloppy play in the infield and outfield. The Lakers would give up 4 runs in the first largely in part to errors on routine plays. In the inning the Raiders would send 8 batsmen to the plate and it was Heslin that stopped the bleeding by striking out number nine hitter J Schmidt to end the top half.
The Lake Show struck back with a couple runs of their own in the bottom half when Joe Amend doubled scoring Thomas Key who would come around to score on an O'Neill throwing error. The rally was snuffed out as Dom Christiano was caught stealing and Scott Marren was caught looking on a close outside corner pitch.
With a scoreless second inning the Raiders would once again benefit from a comedy of errors in the third. 4 more runs would come across all or most unearned leaving the Laker's down 8-2 after three. Team Green could not get anything going against pitcher A. Savoye as 7 Lakers batsmen would go down swinging or looking. It was not until the fifth inning that the Lakers bats would finally wake up. Down 12-2 at that point the Lakers mounted a furious comeback scoring 7 runs off O'Neill relief pitching. Nick DePietro pulled the Lakers within 3 as he smashed a 2 run double over the left fielders head driving home Christiano and John Olson before ending the inning.
Going to the bottom seventh the Lakers would give up another unearned run to find themselves down by four. The comeback would stall after Mike Heslin would come around to score after reaching on a single. The game would end on a ground out to second and the Raiders would hold on to the win.
Cron's Corner
Errors! Errors! and more Errors! I got tired of watching it. We should have been right in the game at the end instead of 4 runs down. The thing is we have been doing fielding practice everyday. We just did not get into the flow those first 4 innings. Their pitcher was tough but I did not feel that that they were that much better than us. I guess we will just have to work harder. We will be seeing those guys again and I will make some adjustments the next time around. I give our kids credit that they did not give up and we made a nice comeback. This team has heart and we will have a good season. Even if I have to lose the rest of my hair!
Laker's Turn Up The Heat In Opener
It was finally here..Opening Day! After being rained out 5 times the Lakers traveled to Quarry Field to take on the Tuxedo Tornados. With the loss of Matt Mondschein and Pat Cisek Coach Cron would have to retool the line up to find out where the power was going to come from. With some new faces the Lakers have taken on a different dimension when it comes to scoring runs. New to the top of the starting lineup are eight graders Dominick Christiano, Nick DePietro, Thomas Key, and Jeremy Scott. As well as big swinging seventh grader Jeremy Maldonado. Rounding out the starting line up the Lakers bring back John Olson, Jordan Buckley, Joe Amend, Scott Marren, and Mike Heslin.
The new lineup produced quickly as Joe Amend and Dom Christiano would come around to score after reaching on singles. John Olson drove home a run with a hit and Jeremy Maldonado picked up an RBI with a sac fly to right. Olson would finish the scoring in the inning to give the Lakers a early 3-0 lead. Joe Amend would get the opening day honors on the hill limiting the Tornados to 4 base runners and striking out 3 over the first two innings of work.
The Lakers would put the game away early as they tagged Tornado pitching for 5 more runs in the second inning. Lakers catcher Scott Marren reached base safely 3 times while scoring twice in the contest. The story however was Christiano who went 4 for 4 and scored 4 times finding his home in the 3 spot in the lineup.
Jordan Buckley and John Olson would share the final 3 innings on the mound as the time limit would end the game with a 13-5 final score.
Cron's Corner
We were very tired of rainouts so the 90-degree heat was not going to simmer our enthusiasum. We were not as sharp as I expected and it showed with some sloppy fielding. I was able to see three pitchers that I plan to use this season to fill in the gaps. Tuxedo is much more competitive then they used to be. The new coaches have been able to find enough pitching and defense to make it fun to play them now. Our approach at the plate was decent but there is plenty of room for improvement. I think people will see a much more focused Laker team on Wednesday vs. O'Neill in the home opener. See you there....
The Sandlot - The Challenge
Field Of Dreams
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