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HOME OF THE HACKENSACK TROASTS
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TEAM WINTER MEETING
December 3, 2009 - 07:00 PM
The Hackensack Troast Baseball Club will have the first of it's off-season meetings on Thursday, December 3rd at HOULIHANS - 65 Route 4 West, Paramus. ALL PLAYERS are needed in attendance for the club is in the process of laying the groundwork for the 2010 season and the quest for a National Title. Friends, fans and supporters are also welcome as always. Topics to be covered: Hot stove Free Agency and talent needs/availability, Met League news and updates for 2010, new uniforms options, fund-raising, potential travel and/or dates for travel, etc.
WE WILL SEE EVERYONE AT HOULIHANS ON DECEMBER 3rd!!!
Player/Manager Mark DeMenna Recognized with Coach of Year Award
Hackensack Troast manager, outfielder and coach Mark DeMenna was named the 2009 AABC North Atlantic Regional Coach of the year. DeMenna's award was announced at the AABC National meeting this year. It is much deserved recognition for DeMenna, who has built and guided the Troasts off the field, and led them on the field to the 2009 North Jersey Met League, and NJ State Championships. 2009 was the Troasts' 4th consecutive Regional Final. Under DeMenna, the Troasts also captured a Regional Championship in 2007, advancing to the NABF World Series. DeMenna's work goes far beyond the wins and championships on the field. He handles all of the baseball, office, finanacial, business operations, as well as General Manager duties. Hackensack is lucky to have DeMenna at the helm and this award is just a small accolade for all that he means to Troast Baseball, the North Jersey Majors Met League, North Jersey amateur baseball, and the community. And, in looking ahead to 2010, DeMenna, with the help of some other Troasts, has been working since the season ended to ensure that 2010 will be another great season in the rich tradition of the Hackensack Troasts!... Congratulations Coach!
Montelbano named 2009 All-American
The NSPBA (National Semi-Pro Baseball Association) has named Troast first baseman Kevin "Bev" Montelbano to it's annual All-American Team! Bev is now a 2-time NSPBA All-American, earning 2nd team honors in '09 after being named to the 1st team in '07. In another outstanding season, Montelbano hit .393 and led the Troasts in RBI (22), hits (34) and doubles (11). Congratulations Bev! This is the 9th Troasts All-American in the last 3 years. Former All-Americans include RC Renshaw, Butch Bellenger, John DiGiralomo, Danny Singer (2008), and Mark Demenna, Mike Wassong, Tom Crohan, Montelbano (2007). Click the picture to see all the NSPBA All-American selections.
For 2nd Straight Year, Troasts Come Up Short in Brooklyn
August 9, 2009
The Hackensack Troast 2009 season came to a premature end early Sunday afternoon with a 5-3 loss to the Brooklyn Sports Fever. The Troasts just couldn't get a big, two-out hit, leaving runners in scoring position in nearly every inning, including leaving the bases loaded to end the game. On the other hand, the Fever got the big two-out hit with the score tied 3-3 in the bottom of the 6th and were able to hold on for the Regional Championship.
For the second straight year, Hackensack falls short of the year long goal of advancing to the National Championships (NABF World Series) in Louisville, Kentucky. Last year, the Troasts lost on the very same field, also in the Regional Final. It was the 4th year in a row that the Troasts have advanced to a Regional Final (winning the Regional in 2007). Another successful year at 25-6 will again be overshadowed by the tough loss at the Parade Grounds.
In the past 3 years, the Troasts have compiled an impressive 97-20 record, including league championships (WBA 2007, 2008, NJMML 2009) and a NJ State Championship (2009), as well as the World Series appearance (2007).
Troasts Survive Elimination Saturday vs. Lyndhurst & Pelham, Advance to Regional Championship
August 8, 2009
The Troasts staved off elimination in Brooklyn with wins over the Lyndhurst Bulldogs 9-3 and the Pelham Mets 1-0. Hackensack now advances to Championship Sunday to face the Brooklyn Sports Fever. To capture the Regional, the Troasts must beat the Fever twice Sunday. The Troasts have faced the Fever 3 times in this very same regional tournament the past 2 years. Hackensack holds a 3-0 mark against the Fever, including a 9-0 win in the 2007 Championship.
Against Lyndhurst, Kevin Thompson put a shaky first 2 innings behind him and settled in to go 6 strong innings and record the win, allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits. Johnny Dige, Kevin Mont, Butch Bellenger and Angel Roman all had 2 hits each and Johnny Elia, RC Renshaw, and Roman chipped in with 2 RBI's apiece. The win set up an afternoon elimination showdown rematch with the Pelham Mets.
In the afternoon game against rival Pelham, the Troasts wasted opportunity after opportunity leaving 11 men on base in the first 6 innings. Brian Appleman was masterful allowing only 2 hits and 2 walks in a complete game. He also picked off 3 baserunners to halt any resemblances of a Met rally. The Troasts finally pushed across a run in the bottom of the 7th to advance 1-0. Kevin Montelbano and Butch Bellenger got back to back hits to lead off the 7th. After an intentional walk to Mike Guadango, John Elia delivered the walk-off hit up the middle for the win.
Sunday's game(s) will be held at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn beginning at 10am.
Wassong's No Hitter to Open the Tournament Overshadowed by Close Loss to Pelham
August 6, 2009
Mike Wassong of the Troasts fired a no-hitter in the opening game of the NABF regional tournament in Brooklyn as Hackensack beat down the Brooklyn Falcons 7-0. After walking the bases loaded in the top of the 1st inning, Wassong settled in to a deep groove, retiring 19 out of 20, including the final 13 in order. The lone baserunner to reach after the 1st inning was on an error in the 3rd, who was promptly erased by fill-in catcher Dave Sica's perfect throw on an attempted steal. Wassong face 3 batters over the minimum, struck out 9, walked only the 3, all on 104 total pitches in the complete game gem. Seven different Troasts had a hit apiece, highlighted by Sica 2-run single in a 6-run 3rd which put the game away.
The Troasts drew familiar foe Pelham Mets in the afternoon, winner's bracket game. 3 untimely errors in the 4th inning (2 on the same play) allowed the Mets to score twice and take a 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 4th, the Troasts Johnny Elia stole a run back when he swiped 3rd and scored on an errant throw. Tough luck starter Tommy Crohan hadn't allowed a hit until the 5th, however trailed 2-1. Crohan went 6 strong and allowed only 2 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), 4 walks and struck out 5. Down 3-1 entering the bottom of the 7th the Troasts mounted a rally by loading the bases with 1 out. Kevin Montelbano grounded out making 3-2. With 2 down and chance to tie or win it, Butch Bellenger dug in, but smacked a hard grounder to short that ended it.
The Troasts now take on Lyndhurst in the loser's bracket Saturday at 10am. The winner will play the loser of the winner's bracket Pelham/Sports Fever game in an afternoon elimination game. All Saturday games will be played at the American Legion Complex in Canarsie, Brooklyn. Sunday's Regional Championship will be held at the Parade Grounds.
Hackensack Troasts Square Off With Brooklyn Falcons in NABF Regional in Brooklyn
August 5, 2009
The Troasts head out to Brooklyn on Thursday to face the Brooklyn Falcons in the first round of the 6 team regional tournament. Hackensack will play 2 games, first vs. the Falcons at 10am and a second game against an opponent to be determined. Other teams in the tournament include Troast rival, the Pelham Mets, Brooklyn Sports Fever, NY Verdero Collegians, and the Lyndhurst (NJ) Bulldogs. The games Thursday will be held at the American Legion Fields in Canarsie Beach Park in Brooklyn. Address, map and directions are posted in the "directions" link on the left.
Remainder of State Tourney Washed Away; Troasts Now Gear Up for Brooklyn Regional Tourney
August 2, 2009
The Championship rounds of the NJ State Tournament were cancelled Sunday due to rain. Hackensack can claim the State championship by being the only undefeated team remaining. The final State tournament standings are as follows:
Hackensack Troasts -3-0
Bergen Cardinals - 2-1
Clinton Knights - 2-1
Wayne Wolfpack - 2-1
Jersey City Brewers - 1-2
Ramapo Valley Saints - 1-2
North Haledon Reds - 0-2
Warren Hills Blue Devils - 0-2
By winning the North Jersey Majors Met League regular season, Hackensack will travel to Brooklyn this week to compete in the NABF Regional Tournament, with the winner advancing to the NABF World Series in Louisville, Kentucky. This will be the 3rd straight year the Troasts will compete in the Brooklyn regional. The Troasts advanced to Louisville in 07, and were tripped up in the regional final last year. The Troasts will challenge 6 other teams in Brooklyn including the Pelham Mets, Brooklyn Sports Fever, Brooklyn Falcons, NY Verdero Collegians, and the Lyndhurst (NJ) Bulldogs. Play begins Thursday in Brooklyn where the Troasts at 22-4 will be riding a 10 game winning streak.
Troasts Sweep 2, In Driver's Seat in State Tourney
August 1, 2009
Hackensack got 2 big wins on Saturday to advance to the Championship round of the NJ State Tournament. In the opener, Mike Wassong fire 4 no hit innings and Kevin Thompson got the win with 3 innings of relief in the Troasts 5-2 win over Ramapo Valley. Down 1-0 in the 6th, Mark Demenna boomed an RBI double to tie it and Kevin Montebano followed with a RBi single. Later in the inning, Johnny Elia drove in 2 with a basehit to give the Troasts a 4-1 lead.
In the winner's bracket game vs. Clinton, the Troasts survived a slugfest, outlasting the Knights 8-7 in walkoff fashion. Butch Bellenger's sacrifice fly was the winner. Down 7-6 entering the bottom of the 7th, Dave Sica (3 for 3) collected a 1 out single. Johnny Dige (4 for 5) followed with his 3rd double of the day. Demenna was intentionally walked and Montelbano work a walk to tie the game in front of Bellenger's (2 for 2, 3 RBI) sac fly to right scoring Dige. Danny Singer went the final 5 gutsy innings to earn the win.
The Troasts now play Wayne at 12:15pm Sunday in North Haledon. If the Troasts beat Wayne, they can lock up the championship in a game immediately following.
Rounds 2 & 3 Tournament Scores from Saturday:
Hackensack..........5
Ramapo Valley.....2
Clinton..........4
Jersey City.....3
Bergen..............W
North Haledon...L
(North Haledon eliminated)
Hackensack...8
Clinton..........7
Wayne.........9
Jersey City...0
(Jersey CIty eliminated)
Bergen...............2
Ramapo Valley...1
(Ramapo Valley eliminated)
Sunday Schedule @ North Haledon:
Bergen vs. Clinton 10am
Hackensack vs. Wayne 12:15pm
TBD vs, TBD 2:30pm
FRIDAY TOURNAMENT GAMES POSTPONED, TO RESUME SATURDAY.
Revised Bracket
July 31, 2009
Because of severe weather, ALL GAMES tonight are canceled. Games will resume tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 11 AM in North Haledon and at William Paterson University (Hackensack is under water). See the directions link for map, directions and information for WPU.
See the link above for a revised bracket.
Ramapo Valley vs. Hackensack @ William Paterson - 11am
(winner plays @ WPU - 1:45pm)
(loser plays @ N. Haledon - 3:30pm)
Jersey City vs. Clinton @ North Haledon - 11am
(winner plays @ WPU - 1:45pm)
(loser vs. Wayne @ WPU - 4:00pm)
Bergen vs. North Haledon @ North Haledon - 1:15pm
(winner plays @ N. Haledon - 3:30pm)
(loser eliminated)
Troasts Roll Into States at 19-4 and on an 8 Game Winning Streak
2009 NJ State Tournament Bracket
The regular season wrapped up on Sunday, with, what else but a couple rain-outs. Luckily, playoff positioning had been decided and the few lost games Sunday became meaningless. It was an eventful (mostly rain events and rescheduled games) regular season but a very successful one in the North Jersey Majors Met League. The return of the Hackensack Troasts was a positive for the league and seemingly raised the level of play throughout the league. Even though Hackensack won the regular season title and has accepted an NABF Regional bid to Brooklyn, NY, parity was evident this year. The veteran Hackensack team finished the season 19-4 but lost to the young Newark Angels/Royals as well as the upstart NJ Spartans who both finished the season with 7 wins, respectively. The competitive Belleville Blue Jays battled to the end and finished with 6 quality, hard fought wins (including the season series win 2-1 vs. rival Spartans). Hackensack felt pressure all year from North Haledon and Wayne (12 wins each), Jersey City (13 wins) and the Bergen Cards (15 wins). Ramapo Valley started slow and came on strong down the stretch, finishing with 10 wins. SEE THE FINAL STANDINGS BY CLICKING THE STANDINGS LINK. The league flourished this year with all teams fulfilling their obligations to play all their games for the integrity of the league and forfeits were at a minimum, even with all the rain and rescheduling. All coaches and players deserve all the credit in making the league better in 2009.
So the State Tournament is set. The top 6 teams from the North Jersey Majors Met League advanced (Hackensack, Bergen, Jersey City, Wayne, North Haledon, Ramapo Valley) as well as 2 teams from the Pyramid Baseball League of Central Jersey (Warren Hills and Clinton).
Here's how the playoffs will go. There will be 2 brackets, one will be playing in Hackensack and the other in North Haledon. Since the teams from Central Jersey are coming from a long distance, they will play the late games at both sites against the host teams. Teams 2 & 3 will play at 6 PM followed by Teams 1 & 4 starting at 8:15 PM. SEE THE LINK AT THE TOP FOR THE FULL BRACKET.
Bracket 1 at Hackensack
1. Hackensack Troasts
2. Wayne Wolfpack
3. Ramapo Valley Saints
4. Warren Hills
Bracket 2 at North Haledon
1. North HaledonReds
2. BergenCardinals
3. Jersey CityBrewers
4. Clinton Township Knights
Bracket 1 at Hackensack- Wednesday, July 29th
2. Wayne Wolfpack vs. 3. Ramapo Valley Saints @ 6 PM
1. Hackensack Troasts vs. 4. Warren Hills@ 8:15 PM
Bracket 2 at North Haledon- Wednesday, July 29th
2. BergenCardinalsvs. 3. Jersey CityBrewers@ 6 PM
1. North HaledonReds vs. 4. Clinton Township Knights @ 8:15 PM
On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday there will be 2 games at each site. On Saturday & Sunday all game will take place in North Haledon.
Troasts Toast of N. Jersey Majors Met League Regular Season - Clinch 1st with Pair of Wins
July 22, 2009
After a 3 season hiatus from the league, the Hackensack Troasts earned the North Jersey Majors Met League regular season title with 2 wins Wednesday night - a blanking of the North Haledon Reds 4-0, and an exciting & dramatic nail-biter 5-4 over a tough Bergen Cardinal squad. Hackensack won it's 8th game in 7 days, and with 1 game remaining on the schedule, has won 13 of 14 down the stretch to clinch the regular season.
North Haledon was stymied by Troast lefty Brian Appleman, who fired a complete game 4 hitter in the first game at Foschini Park in Hackensack. Red's starter Josh Greenstein went 5 strong innings keeping North Haledon (12-9) in the game, but Appleman kept the Reds offense at bay, not allowing a runner past second base.
In the late game against the Bergen Cards, Hackensack left fielder John Elia fired a strike to catcher RC Renshaw to cut down the tying run in the bottom of the 7th and end the game. Down 5-2 going into the 7th, Bergen mounted a 2-out rally off Troast southpaw Tommy Crohan (6 2/3 innings). With the bases loaded and the score 5-3, Bobby Khalil replaced Crohan to face Anthony Mazzo (2 for 4, 3 RBI). On a 1-2 count, Mazzo laced a single to left. With Nick Urbs racing around 3rd as the tying run, Elia came up firing from left with a perfect 1 hop throw to home to seal the win, the save for Khalil, and the regular season title for the Troasts. Card's starter Dan Quakenbush kept Troast hitters off balance all night with his change-up and Crohan got his 6th win of the season with a gutsy effort against the tough Cardinal lineup. Down 2-1 early, Dave Sica (2 hits, 2 RBI) laced a 2 run double to give the Troasts the lead which they extended and carried into the 7th. Renshaw also had 2 hits for the Troasts. Hackensack will look for it's 20th win (4 losses) of the season vs. Wayne on Thursday to wrap up their schedule.
Troasts 8-5 Winners Over Wayne; Bev Powers Offense, Klap Saves It for Hulse
July 20, 2009
For the 2nd time in 3 days the Troasts topped the Wayne Wolfpack by 3 with an 8-5 win. Kevin Montelbano had 3 hits and 3 RBI, Butch Bellenger and RC Renshaw chipped in with 2 RBI each and Joey Higgins went 2 for 2. Bobby Klapish came on in relief of Dennis Hulse to earn the save with 2 scoreless innings. Hulse battled through 5 innings to get his 1st win of the year. Hackensack got it's 6th in a row and leads the division with a 17-4 mark.
Troasts Sweep Jersey City Out of North Haledon with 2 Big W's
July 19, 2009
In North Haledon, it was Wassong and Wolfe highlighting a pair of 5-2 W's Sunday over the Jersey City Brewers. Hackensack improved to 16-4 on the season, capping another 5 game winning streak and grabbing a 10th win in 11 games. Game 1 featured Mike Wassong on the mound and going the distance. He allowed only 3 hits and 3 walks and 1 earned run. With the game tied at 2 in the 5th, Angel Roman got a bad hop RBI single to break the tie and RC Renshaw followed with some chalk talk down the right field line - a 2 RBI single to give the Troasts the 5-2 lead and win. Johnny Dige and Charlie Stewart both had 2 hits in the game 1 win. In game 2, Mike Wolfe, in his first start of the season also went the distance. He allowed 1 earned run and 6 hits, and got help from Johnny Bravette and Butch Bellenger in the middle infield by inducing 4 sparkling double plays, including one in the 7th with the bases loaded. Kevin Montelbano had 2 RBI, including a run scoring double in the first. Angel had 2 hits and an RBI.
Saturday Night in Wayne: Troasts Beat Wolfpack 5-2
July 18, 2009
Kevin Thompson battled through 7 innings to get a complete game victory vs. Wayne Saturday night. KT allowed only 4 hits and had 7 k's, but did walk 4 and plunk 2 batters. Mark DeMenna had 3 hits including a 2 RBI triple. Butch Bellenger and John Elia both went 2 for 4 in the 5-2 win. John Bravette scored 3 of the 5 Hackensack runs.
Troasts Survive Newark, Rain
July 17, 2009
Hackensack scored 4 times in the bottom of the 3rd to break a 1-1 tie before the thunderstorms rolled through in the bottom of the 5th, forcing the game to be called. The Troasts were credited with the 5-1 win. Mike Guadango and RC Renshaw were both 2 for 2 and Danny Singer went the shortened distance for the victory.
Troasts Spank Spartans 12-0
July 16, 2009
In Belleville, Hackensack beat the New Jersey Spartans 12-0. Leading 2-0 after 4, the Troasts erupted with a 10 run 5th. Tommy Crohan went the distance (5 innings) allowing only 2 baserunners (1 hit, 1 walk), and struck out 7, while earning his 5th win. Mike Guadango locked-in with 3 laser-beam basehits including 2 doubles and 2 RBI. Kevin Montelbano also knocked in 2 and had 2 hits for the Troasts. Hackensack now plays 4 games over the weekend starting tonight in Hackensack vs. Newark at 8pm. The Troasts travel to Wayne for their first meeting with the Wolfpack at 8pm on Saturday, and then to North Haledon on Sunday for 2 vs. Jersey City beginning at 3pm.
Last Licks Doom Hackensack - Lose to RV 6-3.
July 14, 2009
In an Ramapo Valley home game at Hackensack, last licks proved the difference as the Saints came from behind to beat Hackensack 6-3 punctuated by Bobby Sprague, of RV's 2-out, 3-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 7th. Hackensack led until the bottom of the 6th behind RBI's from Butch Bellenger and Mike Guadango (3 hits each) and brilliant starting pitching from crafty Bobby Khalil. Khalil was masterful through 5 innings, allowing on ly 1 run on 1 hit. But it was the Saints who came from behind with 2 in the 6th to tie it, and of course 3 in the 7th off Khalil. RV starting pitcher Kyle Van Vleit went 6 strong while allowing 3 runs on 8 hits but striking out 11, and most importantly keeping the Saints in the game, wiggling out of potential big innings for the Troasts. Hackensack remains atop the standings at 11-4 and looks to bounce back with a little revenge against the Spartans in Belleville on Thursday.
Hack Hammers Haledon Again, 11-1
July 12, 2009
Kevin Montelbano went 5 for 5, Johnny Digirolamo scored 4 runs, and Mike Wassong fired 5 strong innings to lead the Troasts. With the win (their 5th in a row), Hackensack remains in 1st place with an 11-3 record. The Troasts are back in action Tuesday in a game moved to FOSCHINI at 8pm.
Troasts Bury Blue Jays 8-1, behind Veteran K's: KT, Khalil, Klap
July 8, 2009
In Ridgefield Park, Hackensack got a sweep in the 3 game season series with the Belleville Blue Jays with an 8-1 victory. The win was a season high 4th in a row for the Troasts. Veteran hurlers Kevin Thompson (5 IP, Win), Bobby Khalil and Bob Klapish neutralized the Blue Jays offense by keeping them off balance all game. After a leadoff Blue Jays single to start the game, KT efficiently retired 13 consecutive Belleville batters before allowing back-to-back hits in the 5th, which produced the Jays only run. Khalil and Klapish both threw economical scoreless innings. Kevin Montelbano and Johnny Bravette had 2 hits each and Butch Bellenger cracked a 2 run triple. Dave Sica also chipped in with 2 RBI. Hackensack, at 10-3 and in 1st place, travels to North Haledon Sunday at 5pm.
Troasts Trounce North Haledon, 10-0
July 7, 2009
In Hackensack, the Troasts jumped all over the North Haledon Reds and cruised to a 10-0 win. Tommy Crohan was dominant on the mound going the distance (5 innings). Angel Roman had 2 hits and 4 RBI and Chuck Stewart, Kevin Montelbano, Johnny Bravette, Mike Guadango and RC Renshaw all also chipped in with 2 hits apiece for Hackensack, which runs it's record to 9-3 to remain atop the North Jersey Majors Met League standings. Next, the Troasts travel to a familiar neutral site on Wednesday to face the Belleville Blue Jays at Ridgefield Park High School. Then, starting Sunday (7/18), the Troasts will be busy with 9 games in 12 days.
Troasts Rebound with Sweep of Ramapo Valley behind lefties, DeMenna's bat
June 28, 2009
The Hackensack Troasts stopped their mini losing streak at 2 with a sweep of the RV Saints 10-1 & 3-1. Left handed pitching was the story of the day. In the opener, Mike Wassong threw a 6 inning complete game striking out 10. Mark DeMenna and John Elia both drove in 2 runs with 2 hits and Kevin Mont had 3 RBI. Chuck Stewart scored 3 runs. In the nightcap, lefty Tommy Crohan out-dueled southpaw counterpart Matty Smith. Both went 6 strong innings allowing only 4 hits each. Crohan K'd 7 and Smith whiffed 8 Troasts. DeMenna broke up a 1-1 tie in the 5th with a RBI single up the middle driving in Johnny Dige after his lead-off double. Former Saint Mike Wolf saved it for Crohan and the Troasts with a scoreless 7th.
2 Losses in a Row for Troasts
June 23, 2009
Bergen's veteran right-hander Steve Livingstone kept both veteran and rookie Hackensack hitters at bay Tuesday night in a complete game effort in the Cardinals 4-1 win. The Troasts hit into 4 inning ending double plays, including a game ending one with the trying run at the plate. The lone bright spot for the Troasts was John Elia's 3 for 3 night. Lefty starter Mike Wassong struck out 10 in 5 2/3 but took the loss. Hackensack lost it's second straight and is 6-3.
Depleted Troasts Snookered by Spartans in 8, 5-1
June 17, 2009
The Troasts let one slip away to the New Jersey Spartans in extra innings, 5-1. The Troasts were shorthanded, with pitchers in the line-up, but still had their chances to grab a win. Down 1-0 until the 5th, a Mark DeMenna RBI single tied it. Later in the inning, trying for the go-ahead score on a RC Renshaw single, DeMenna was hosed at the plate. With the score tied at one in the 7th, Chuck Stewart led off with a triple setting up a runner on 3rd and no outs with the top of the order due up to knock in that winning run. Hackensack choked and the Spartans capitalized in the following frame to get the victory. Kevin Thompson started and pitched 4 terrific innings. Besides Stewart's triple, the only other bright spot offensively for the Troasts was the player/manager DeMenna's 3 for 3, RBI effort in the loss.
Weather permitting, the Troasts travel to North Haledon to face the Reds Sunday evening at 7pm.
Troasts Hold On 8-5, Survive Late Jays Rally
June 16, 2009
The Belleville Blue Jays scored 4 runs in the top of the sixth to cut in to a 7-1 Troasts lead, and had the tying run on base, but Hackensack held on for an 8-5 victory. The Troasts were led offensively by reliable leadoff man, Capt. Johnny Dige, who went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI. Butch Bellenger (RBI double) and John Ellia both scored twice, and steady veteran role players Marc Houser (RBI) and Angel Roman (2RBI) both went 2 for 4. Brian Appleman making a spot start, his first of the season, was strong for 5 innings allowing only 1 run on 3 hits while whiffing 6. Mike Wolfe got the save in his Troast debut. Hackensack, at 6-1, takes on the other team from Belleville Wednesday night, when the New Jersey Spartans come to Foschini at 8pm.
Hackensack NO-NO's Newark
June 7, 2009
In Hackensack, lefties Tommy Crohan (4IP, 4K, W) and Mike Wassong (3IP, 7K, S) combined on a no-hitter to carry the Troasts to a 3-0 win over the Newark Angels. Crohan faced the minimum 12 batters and was perfect with the exception of 1 runner reaching on an error (who was erased with a double play). Wassong was also efficient through his 3 innings only allowing 1 baserunner by walk. Kevin Montelbano went 2 for 3 with an RBI double in the 1st when Hackensack got all the run support they needed. Capt. Johnny Dige also laced a double and had an RBI. The Troasts are now 5-1 and go on the road for the first time this week - Tuesday in Suffern and Thursday in Jersey City.
Hackensack Bounces Back with Sloppy Win
June 2, 2009
Starting pitcher Kevin Thompson pitched beautifully over 5 innings to get the win in his first start of the season. Although he was victimized by 7 Troast errors, KT only allowed 3 hits and 3 unearned runs as Hackensack beat the Bergen Cardinals 4-3. Kevin Montelbano had 2 hits and 3 rbi and Mark DeMenna scored twice, also collecting 2 hits. Johnny Bravette went 2 for 3 with a double. Lefty reliever Ryan Loban pitched a scoreless 6th, getting out of a 1st and 3rd, no out jam, and JJ Moran picked up the save by striking out the side in the 7th on 10 pitches. Despite the shoddy defense, the Troasts did spin 3 inning-ending double plays to kill Cardinal rallies. Hackensack is now 4-1 and back at Foschini on Thursday versus the North Haledon Reds.
Troasts Suffer 1st Loss at Hands of Angels
May 31, 2009
The Troasts uncharacteristically left 11 runners on base and committed 3 errors leading to a 3-1 defeat to the Newark Angels. Mike Wassong was very impressive in his 2nd start of the season going 3 hitless/scoreless innings while striking out 7. Mike Guadango had 2 hits for the Troasts, who wasted opportunities in the 1st (bases loaded), the 6th (bases loaded) and in the 7th (2nd & 3rd). The Angels got a walk, sacrifice, wild pitch, and a timely hit to jump ahead, followed by 2 Troast errors leading to 3 runs in the 6th off lefty Tommy Crohan, who suffered the loss. JJ Moran pitched a scoreless 7th, while striking out the side.
Troasts Jump All Over Belleville Blue Jays
May 28, 2009
The Troasts got off to a quick start Thursday scoring 4 times in the 1st inning. Johnny Dige (2 runs scored) and Butch Bellenger (3 RBI) had 2 hits each and John Ellia also had 3 RBI to lead the offensive onslaught. Chris Finneran (W) got the start on the mound and went 3 scoreless innnings striking out 6 and was followed by strong outings from Danny Singer (2IP, 4Ks) and the season debut of Bobby Klapish (2IP). The Troasts now are 3-0 and are back in Hackensack Sunday night vs. Newark.
Troasts Nip Jersey City in 9 Innings
May 20, 2009
A depleted Troast lineup was able to get it done versus Jersey City Wednesday night. It wasn't easy, and it took 9 innings for a 4-3 win. Mark DeMenna singled home Donnie Hays for the walk-off win at Foschini Park in Hackensack. Leading 3-1 in the top of the 7th, the Brewers got the proverbial "bloop and a bomb" off of winning pitcher JJ Moran. Moran (4 IP) rebounded nicely from the 7th inning to fire a scoreless 8th & 9th in earning his first Troast win. Pitchers Chris Finneran (3 IP) and veteran Kevin Thompson (2 IP) were impressive in their season debuts. Hays had 2 hits, DeMenna had 3 hits and 2 RBI. The Troasts are now 2-0 and are back in action on Thursday, 5/28 vs. the Belleville Blue Jays at 8pm in Hackensack.
Lefties Carry Troasts on Opening Night - Klapish Honored!
May 17, 2009
In front of a big crowd on a cold and windy night at Foschini Park in Hackensack, The Hackensack Troasts opened the 2009 North Jersey Majors Met League Season with an exciting 4-0 win over the New Jersey Spartans of Belleville.
It was all about the pitching.
First, the Troasts honored pitcher Bob Klapish before the game for his courageous recovery from an eye injury which nearly blinded him that occurred with Bob on the mound last season. Klapish is back throwing and looking forward to toeing the rubber for the Troasts soon. He looked in mid-season form firing a strike for the Ceremonial First Pitch!
Secondly, lefties Mike Wassong (3 IP), Danny Singer(2 IP) and Tommy Crohan (W, 2 IP) combined on a 2-hit shutout in which a ball never left the Troast's infield. Both Spartan hits were infield singles and there were no fly ball outs.
With the game scoreless in the 6th, the Troasts finally broke through when Johnny Bravette drew a bases loaded RBI walk. Capt. Johnny DiGiralomo followed with a 2 RBI line single which eventually plated 3 runs to give the Troasts a 4-0 lead. RC Renshaw had 2 hits to lead the Troasts and newcomer to the Troasts, John Ellia drew a pinch-hit 14 pitch walk in the 6th to ignite the rally.
Hackensack is back in action at home on Wednesday 5/20 vs. the Jersey City Brewers.
OPENING NIGHT '09!!!
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May 17, 2009 - 07:00 PM
The Hackensack Troasts and the NJ Spartans of Belleville will open the 2009 North Jersey Majors Met League season on Sunday Night, May 17th at Foschini Park in Hackensack.
Opening Night '09 promises to be a great event for the league, all teams, all players and especially the fans. There plans to be special guests, first pitch and opening night ceremonies, and a presentation celebrating last year's Majors Met League Champions. Ballpark and BBQ food will also be available. Join the Troasts, Spartans, and the Majors Met League in this celebration of the opening of what is sure to be an exciting 2009 season.
The Majors Met League welcomes back the Troasts, champs of the 2005 season, after 3 dominating seasons in the Westchester Baseball Association.
The Troasts preliminary schedule has also been posted. Click the schedule link or the calendar link in the menu bar on the left.
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT - Troasts ranked #3 in pre-season poll
May 12, 2009
The success that the Hackensack Troasts have had over the past several years has turned into some flattering National recognition and awareness for the team. The National Semi-Pro Baseball Association (NSPBA) has released it's pre-season National poll rankings and the Troasts are #3. Hackensack looks to built off an impressive 08 season in which the team finished 31-6, but was bounced in the finals of the NABF Regional tournament and denied a 2nd straight trip to the World Series. Mission unaccomplished. The Troasts have one goal in mind for 09!
See the complete rankings by clicking "NSPBA - Rankings" link in the nav bar on the left of this page.
Hackensack Troasts Baseball featured in 201 Magazine!
August 1, 2008
A story on Troast Baseball is featured in 201 Magazine's August issue - Bergen County's premiere, and only, monthly magazine! Pick up the magazine at your nearest news stand or go to www.201.net to subscribe, find out where to get it, or order photos and/or pages from the magazine.
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