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Welcome To The Official Home Of The
STARPOINT SPARTANS BASEBALL TEAMS
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2009 ALUMNI GAME
June 15, 2009
4th Annual Alumni Baseball GameJune 13, 2009
Finally, on their fourth try, Team Even Years came out victorious in the 4th annual alumni baseball game played this past Saturday on Sarkovics Field. And the team that “claims to have the best athletes” did it in dramatic fashion. With two out and one on in the bottom of the ninth, (and rally caps being worn in the dugout), Rob Brooks(’88), doubled home the tie run followed by Jacob Jenks (who had a multiple hit day) pounding a one hop double over the fence at the 321 mark scoring Brooks to secure the win.
This was a bit of de juvue for the ‘88 players. It was the same Rob Brooks who knocked in two runs in the last inning, with 2 out, to secure our 1988 baseball sectional title.
It was another great day with family and friends seeing one of our best played games ever. Justin Tate ‘00 was the leading hitter going 4 for 4 and played strong defensively at first. Justin served 6 years in the military with tours in Afghanistan and Iraq so it was obvious he was playing with very little pressure.
Rich Voelker (’66) made his annual appearance. Rich didn’t play in the game but really enjoys coming back to see all the former players. Mike Kramer (’76) made it back from Rochester and did some catching along with Mike Fraass (’83) who caught most of the way. Mike just loves to put on the “tools of ignorance” every year. Another former catcher, Nate Beutel , hit his first triple ever, sliding into third in a big cloud of dust and tearing up his leg. Later, Nate said it was well worth it.
After the game, players who brought their children let the kids run the bases and took turns at hitting, while their fathers got another hot dog and talked over the game.
As usual it was great to see everyone. We are discussing the possibility of playing on a Sunday next year and even setting up a golf outing the Friday before. I will let you know. Right now you can block off June 11, 12 and 13, 2010, for next years alumni baseball events.
FORMER SPARTAN STAR IS RETURNING TO PLAY THE NIAGARA POWER
June 12, 2009
The Hornell Dodgers will play the Niagara Power this Saunday at 4:00 at Sal Maglie Stadium. The game will feature former Spartan Derek Speaker who is playing for the Dodgers. Speaker recently completed his second year at Alfred State and will be transfering to St. Bonaventure to play for the Bonnies.
6 STARPOINT PLAYERS ARE HONORED BY ECIC DIVISION 2
May 29, 2009
Outfielder Andy Boyce was recognized by the coaches of ECIC Division 2 by being named to its 1st Team. Junior shortstop Andy Lane and junior pitcher Jon Corbi were named to the second team. Seniors Garrett Britton, Joe DeLelio and Ryan Austin were named honorable mention. Congratulations.
OF- ANDY BOYCE 1ST TEAM ECIC DIV.II P-JON CORBI 2ND TEAM ECIC DIV. II
 
SS-ANDY LANE 2ND TEAM ECIC DIV. II
HONORABLE MENTION-JOE DELELIO HONORABLE MENTION-RYAN AUSTIN
HONORABLE MENTION-GARRETT BRITTON
STARPOINT LOSES TO PIONEER ON SECTIONAL QUALIFIER 1-0
May 27, 2009
Starpoint's pitcher Andy Lane couldn't have pitched a better game, giving up 4 hits and striking out 6. But unfortunately Starpoint's offensive woes and defensive miscues played a major role in the Spartans Class "A" Qualifier Sectional baseball game. Starpoint was able to get runners on base but could not plate a single run and was shutout for the fifth time of the year. Joe DeLelio was 3-3 with a double and Andy Lane was 2-3 and Jon Corbi added a single. The loss dropped the Spartans to 3-17. The 17 losses were the most ever by a Starpoint baseball team.
Tardibuono helps Falcons fly past Starpoint
By Nate Beutel Niagara Gazette SANBORN —
On a day that the seniors were in the spotlight, a junior stole the show. Niagara-Wheatfield junior hurler Joe Tardibuono tossed six shutout innings to lead the Falcons to an 11-0 non-league win over neighboring Starpoint on Senior Day at N-W’s new athletic complex Saturday afternoon. The win improves N-W to 14-6 on the season. “It was the seniors’ day, so I was pretty happy to be able to shut them out and help get the seniors the win,” Tardibuono said. The victory was also big on a personal level for Tardibuono, who has struggled on the hill since the Falcons’ spring training trip to Florida. “He had a real nice day,” N-W coach Jim Hagerty said of his right-hander. “He had some nice outings early in the year, but since then he’s struggled a bit… so this was a good confidence builder for him. I think he showed today that he’s certainly in the mix now.” Tardibuono allowed only three hits, while striking out seven. He let a Starpoint runner to third base in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, but never allowed the visitors to get on the scoreboard. “It all came together for me today,” Tardibuono said. “I knew I had to prove myself again and I think I did that. It feels good.”
Tardibuono had no shortage of support either. N-W busted out for six runs in the first inning off Starpoint starter Ryan Austin. Chris Gruarin started the onslaught with a three-run inside-the-park home run, scoring Brad Fleming and Corey Paige. Five batters later, Junior Perez brought in Steve Seyler, Joe Mulcahy and Carl Graff with a three-run double to left-center. “After that I was able to go out there and pitch with a smile,” Tardibuono said. “It took a lot of weight off my shoulders.” The weight continued to drop in the second when Gruarin and Billy Nalbone notched back-to-back RBI hits.
Gruarin scored Paul Smith, who had led off the frame with a triple, and Nalbone roped a double to center to bring in Gruarin and make it 8-0. Perez came around on a passed ball to make it 9-0 in the third. In the sixth, Gruarin brought in Tardibuono with an RBI double and Nalbone followed that up with an RBI single to score Gruarin. “A couple of our guys came in with some struggles, but a lot of those struggles were scraped off today,” Hagerty said. “It was an all-around good day for everybody.”
Starpoint coach Tim Racey, an N-W graduate, said his 3-15 ballclub still has a long way to go and a very short time to do so. “There’s no excuses because Niagara-Wheatfield is a very talented team from top to bottom… but we’ve got to do the little things better and play much better fundamental baseball,” he said. “We seem to have one or two bad innings almost every game, but we have to learn to overcome that and not let it eat at us like it seems to do too often."
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
STARPOINT BATS COME ALIVE, BEAT LAKE SHORE 14-3
May 21, 2009
Starpoint's bats finally came alive and played a nearly flawless game as they ended their home season with a 14-3 victory over second place Lake Shore. Seniors Garrett Britton .and Joe DeLelio led the offense each driving in 5 runs. Britton was 2-3 scoring 3 runs while DeLelio was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles. Junior Jon Corbi pitched his best game as a varsity pitcher throwing a 3-hitter while striking out 9. His highlight was most likely shutting down 2-time All-WNY player Jason Radwan, limiting him to 2 walks.
ANOTHER BIG INNINGS SPELLS DOOM FOR THE SPARTANS, LOSE 13-8 TO SWEET HOME
May 20, 2009
STARPOINT LOSES TO 1ST PLACE IROQUOIS 6-1
May 15, 2009
STARPOINT SCORES 9 BUT LOSES TO WEST SENECA EAST
May 14, 2009
STARPOINT IS SHUT-OUT AGAIN....LOSE 3-0 TO WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH
May 13, 2009
For the third game the Starpoint Spartans were shut-out and lost to the Williamsville South Billies 3-0. Jon Corbi pitched the first five innings striking out 9 and giving up 6 hits. He was replaced in the sixth after giving up a 2-run home run to Brandon Mong. Andy Boyce steadied the ship as he pitched the last two innings giving up two hits.
The Spartans only managed 4 base-runners, 2 hits by Corbi and a walk by Ryan Austin and a hit by pitch by Andy Lane. Starpoint's best chance to score was in the first inning as Andy Lane was hit in the head and then proceeded to third on a wild pitch. So with Lane at third with no outs, the next three Spartan hitters failed to plate him.
Starpoint's defense did turn a 6-4-3 double play to keep the Billies off the board in the third. Corbi also pitched his way out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth, only giving up one run.
SPARTANS ARE SHUTOUT......AGAIN LOSE 9-0 TO WILLIAMSVILLE EAST
May 11, 2009
For the second game the Starpoint Spartans bats were silent as they were two-hit by the visiting Williamsville East Flames and lost 9-0. The loss drops the Spartans to 2-11 overall and 1-6 in ECIC Division 2. Starpoint's first hit was achieved by Brendan Reinert as he hit a hard grounder that the Williamsville East shortstop couldn't get to in the hole. Starpoint only managed 3 base-runners all day, one walk and another hit when Ryan Austin's sharply hit ball to third that the third baseman bobbled. It was originally ruled an error, but then ruled a hit due to its velocity. It was the second game in which a Starpoint runner didn't advance to third-base.
Andy Lane battled and challenged the Flames hitters as he pitched a complete game, giving up 12 hits, 1 walk and six strikeouts. Starpoint's lone defensive highlight came in the sixth as left-fielder Andy Boyce made a running catch to his right and then doubled up the runner at second.
LAKE SHORE EARNS FIRST SHUTOUT IN OVER 6 YEARS
May 6, 2009
All WNY- player Jason Radwan pitched a complete game 2-hitter as the Lake Shore Eagles beat the Starpoint Spartans 7-0. It was the first shutout Lake Shore has earned in over 6 years. Andy O'Donnell and Tyler Kroening had the lone hits for Starpoint. Tyler Kroening pitched a complete game but became unraveled in the last inning as the Eagles plated 4 runs to boost the score to 7-0.
SWEET HOME HOLDS ON TO BEAT STARPOINT 3-2
May 4, 2009
Despite a gutty pitching performance by Andy Lane, the varsity baseball team lost to Sweet Home 3-2. Starpoint took the lead in the first by executing a first and third double steal to score Andy Lane. Starpoint then let Sweet Home score three runs in the second innning. With one out in the sixth, Andy Boyce hit a triple, then scored on Garrett Britton's hit up the middle. Britton finished with two hits. Jon Corbi also had two hits including a double. Lane tossed a complete game giving up 6 hits.
SPARTANS LOSE A CLOSE ONE TO 1ST PLACE CHEIFS
April 29, 2009
Iroquois 3, Starpoint 1
Jon Corbi tossed a complete game, allowing three hits, two earned runs and striking out six for the Spartans, who dropped to 2-8 overall and 1-3 in ECIC II play. The Chiefs (7-3, 4-0) benefitted from three walks and a pair of passed balls in the first two innings. Paul Lane ripped an RBI double to bring in Andy O’Donnell in the fourth for the Spartans’ lone run. Starpoint, which got two hits from Ryan Austin, had the bases loaded with no outs in the fifth inning but couldn’t score.
STARPOINT EARNS FIRST ECIC DIVISION 2 VICTORY
April 27, 2009
Starpoint 7, Will.South 1
Tyler Kroening took a no-hitter into the fifth inning and settled for a complete game, three-hitter with 11 strikeouts and only one walk as the Spartans picked up their first ECIC II win. Andy Lane doubled home the game-winning run in the second inning. The Spartans (2-7 overall, 1-2 ECIC II) scored four runs in the second inning, all with two outs. At the plate for Starpoint, Andy Boyce was 2-for-3 with two doubles, an RBI and a pair of stolen bases, Brendan Reinert had two hits, an RBI and a run scored, Andy Lane had the game winning RBI double.
SPARTANS LOSE TO WILLIAMSVILLE EAST 13-7
April 25, 2009
Despite the consecutive extra base hits from Jon Corbi and Paul Lane the Spartans could never catch up to the Flames from Williamsville East and lost 13-7. Jon Corbi led off the 3rd inning with a triple and then Paul Lane's double plated him. At that point the game was knottd up at 1-1. But then the a series a defensive miscues and hits allowed the Flames to score 12 runs.
The Spartans did put up a stand in the 5th inning as Paul Lane reached base on an error followed by Tyler Kroening's hit, Andy Lane's walk and Andy Boyce's RBI single. A few walks later and Brendan Reinert's RBI single, the Spartans scored six runs to keep the score respectable. Tyler Kroening pitched the last 2 1/3 innings to secure the silence the Flames. Andy O'Donnell also contributed with 2 for 2 performance.
SPARTANS LOSE ECIC OPENER 3-1
April 23, 2009
The Starpoint Spartans squandered a terrific pitching performance by Andy Lane lost their ECIC Division II opener to West Seneca East 3-1. Lane retired the first two batters of the game then the inning blew up as an error, a walk, a hit and a hit batsmen opened the door for the Trojans as they plated 3 runs. Lane only allowed 2 more base runners the entire game as he struck out six and finsihed with a 3-hitter.
At the plate the Spartans also squandered many opprtunities leaving 10 runners on base. A number of Spartans struck out looking leaving runners in scoring position. Starpoints' lone run was generated as Andy Boyce hit a triple with one out in the 7th inning, then came home on Joe DeLelio's ground out to second base. Boyce finished with 2 hits. Andy O' Donnell hit a double to start the sixth inning, only to be stranded there by the bottom of the Starpoint line-up.
STARPOINT GETS FIRST VICTORY OF THE YEAR
April 16, 2009
The Starpoint Spartans beat the Maryvale Flyers 8-5 to earn their first victory of the young 2009 season. Junior capatin Andy Lane pitched a solid 6 innings striking out 12 Flyers. Lane scattered 7 hits over the 6 innings before giving way to Andy Boyce who pitched the seventh, striking out three after giving up a single.
Ryan Austin scored the winning run due to Matt Miller's two-RBI single in the second inning. Garrett Britton was two for three with a triple, two stolen bases and an RBI. Lead-off hitter Andy Lane drew three bases on balls and had two stolen bases.
WILSON RIPS STARPOINT 13-5
April 15, 2009
HS BASEBALL: Wilson sweeps Starpoint in home-and-home set By Nate Beutel
Niagara Gazette
PENDLETON — Confidence is contagious and apparently it has caught on within the Wilson baseball team.
For the second consecutive day, the upstart Lakemen downed Starpoint in non-league action as junior first baseman Collin Okoniewski was 4-for-5 with three RBIs and senior Andy Jones pitched five solid innings in a 13-5 victory at Thomas J. Sarkovics Field Wednesday afternoon.
Wilson, which saw its season canceled a year ago due to an alleged hazing incident, is now 2-1 under new head coach Mark Kurtz.
“These two wins definitely bring up our confidence level,” Okoniewski said. “Mr. Kurtz has really focused on the basics and fundamentals of the game and those have shown through these last two games. This gives us something to build on.”
“This is a young team with not a lot of playing experience, but they’ve bought into the system,” Kurtz added. “They’ve gotten some good leadership from the captains and they’re really into it. You can see they’ve got a little confidence rolling right now.”
Count Spartans coach Tim Racey among those impressed with Wilson’s quick turnaround.
“You’ve got to give a ton of credit to that coaching staff,” he said pointing toward the Lakemen dugout. “They’ve got their kids playing fundamentally-sound baseball and they’re playing the game the right way. If I had to vote for a Coach of the Year this early in the season, (Kurtz) would be my pick.”
Wednesday, Kurtz saw his team get its bats rolling early and often in support of Jones. The Lakemen plated a pair of runs in the first on a two-run single from Okoniewski. They added two more in the second after an RBI ground out from Andy Carroll and an RBI single off the bat of Jones.
Nate Meier notched an RBI in third before the flood gates opened in the fourth. With Starpoint’s Paul Lane on in relief of starter Andy O’Donnell, Wilson sent 12 batters to the plate in the frame, scoring six runs. Jones and Okoniewski each had RBI singles during the flurry, which included five walks.
“We came out and right away we were swinging the bats well and we didn’t stop, which was nice to see,” Kurtz said. “We just kept building from the first inning on.”
Jones, a southpaw, allowed only four hits and struck out four for the Lakemen after getting roughed up in his first outing this season against North Tonawanda.
“He looked really good,” Kurtz said of Jones. “He mixed up his pitches well and he threw strikes, which was big. That’s the best I’ve seen him throw.”
The Spartans, who have struggled mightily thus far this spring, finally got on the board in the fourth as Garrett Britton picked up an RBI double. Wilson would respond, though, as it got RBI singles from Meier and Pat Diez to up the lead to 13-2 in the top of the fifth.
Starpoint scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh, but it wouldn’t be nearly enough to prevent it from dropping to 0-4 on the year.
“A lot of growth has to happen with this team,” Racey said. “We’ve got a mountain ahead of us as far as the talent we’re going to face, so we’ve got to get back to fundamentals and get this back on the right track. Still, the fact that we were able to plate a couple runs there at the end, shows that Spartans never quit.”
STARPOINT LOSES TO WILSON 8-5
April 14, 2009
A huge second inning was enough to lift the upstart Wilson Lakemen to an 8-5 victory over the Starpoint Spartans. Starpoint committed a number of error's and never was able to sustain a rally in order to overtake the Lakemen. One bright spot was the pitching of junior Tyler Kroening. Kroening relieved Ryan Austin and pitched four scoreless innings while striking out eight. At the plate Joe DeLelio hit two doubles and Jon Corbi drove in two with a fence touching double.
SPARTANS GET THEIR KLOCK CLEANED
April 13, 2009
The Starpoint Spartans 2009 home opener was like the weather, rather chilly. Grand Island pitcher Joel Klock was unhittable as he mastered the Spartan line-up by striking out every hitter recording 12 strikeouts in four innings of work. Only Garrett Britton and Andy Lane reached base on an error and a walk respectively. Starpoint was able to manage one hit in their last at bat as Andy Boyce singled to right. Starpoint managed only 4 base runners all day. Andy Boyce took the loss on the hill as he pitched the first 4 innings. Things started out well as Boyce breezed through the first inning. Boyce struggled with location in the second inning as he pitched around GI's clean up hitter Joe Oliverio and then walked Chris Podluckly. Oliverio was driven in by Ben Tompkins' single. Starpoint managed a double-play to stay out of a big inning as Andy Lane caught a line drive then quickly flipped the ball to Ryan Austin for the force at second. Starpoint then gave up a run in the fourth as a walk and then a series of well executed bunts loaded the bases. Once again Starpoint's defense stood on its heels as Austin and Lane teamed up for a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Jon Corbi pitched the fifth and sixth innings managing 3 K's.
Starpoint is on the road as they travel North to meet an old N-O foe, the Wilson Lakemen at 1:00.
STARPOINT OPENS WITH A LOSS TO LEW-PORT
Starpoint lost its seaon opener to Lew-Port 5-4 despite a homerun by senior Ryan Austin. Starpoint also got some timely hitting by Garrett Britton who tripled home Joe DeLelio and Andy O'Donnell who doubled in Erik Eisenhauer who lead off the seventh with a double. Six Starpoint pitchers saw time on the hill.
SENIOR CITIZENS BREAKFAST
HIGH SCHOOL PREVIEW
Starpoint Baseball - Sports Albert T. McCracken Jr. /Contributor Pendleton, NY Garrett Briton a Senior takes a swing during boys practice for the 2009 baseball season at Starpoint High school on Saturday, April 4, 2009.
HS BASEBALL PREVIEW:
Spartans Expect To Compete In New Division
By Nate Beutel
Niagara Gazette
PENDLETON — They’ve got arguably the nicest ballpark in the area. This spring, the Starpoint baseball squad hopes to look just as good as the diamond it plays on.
“We’re really looking forward to playing some quality baseball on Thomas J. Sarkovics Field,” Spartans coach Tim Racey said recently. “We’ve made a bunch of adjustments to the field, including a permanent fence and warning track, so the kids are excited to get out there and play for the first time.”
The team is also looking forward to the challenge of joining ECIC II after four fairly successful seasons in ECIC III.
“The first couple games are going to be tough, but once we see the competition a few times I think we’ll settle right in and hopefully get into a groove,” senior center fielder Joe Delelio said.
“We have limited experience against most of the teams we’re going to be playing, but I’m anxious to see what we can do,” Racey added.
The Spartans will be anchored by a deep pitching staff, which includes seven players that Racey believes can give the team “quality innings.” Junior right-hander Andy Lane will likely be at the top of the rotation with junior southpaw Andy Boyce just behind. Juniors Jon Corbi and Andy O’Donnell should also see a good deal of time on the hill, according to Racey.
The lineup will be led by senior catcher Garrett Britton, an all-ECIC III selection a year ago. Boyce and Paul Lane will platoon at first base with Matt Miller, Ryan Austin and Corbi in the mix at second and third base. Andy Lane will play shortstop when he’s not pitching.
Delelio leads a strong outfield in center with O’Donnell and Ben Ruppert to man right and left fields, respectively. Erik Eisenhauer, Tyler Kroening and Brendan Reinert round out the roster.
“There are a lot of question marks, especially after losing two legit college players (Tim Szalkowski, Canisius and Kevin Hughes, ECC) ... but this is a great group of guys and I think some our young guys are going to surprise people this year,” Racey said.
“We have high expectations for ourselves,” Delelio added. “If we can jump out on teams early, we’re going to be tough.”
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
STARPOINT BASEBALL
• COACH: Tim Racey
• KEY RETURNEES: Andy Boyce (Junior, P/1B), Garrett Britton (Senior, C), Jon Corbi (Junior, SS/P), Joe Delelio (Senior, CF), Andy Lane (Junior, P/SS)
• QUESTION: Can the Spartans’ offense provide enough support for their arms?
• PROJECTION: Will surprise a few of its new foes in ECIC II, despite young roster.
2009 PRE-SEASON BASEBALL DINNER
SARKOVICS FIELD FENCE CONSTRUCTION
STARPOINT'S OWN KURT SHERWOOD AND JOE SMITH OF WOODSMITH FENCING PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THE VARSITY BASEBALL FIELD'S NEW FENCE.
BASEBALL PROGRAM ADVERTISING SALE
In order to raise funds we are now taking applications for AD's for the upcoming baseball program. The form is below.
SPEAKER NAMED PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICAN
Speaker Named Pre-Season Baseball All-American
Mon, 02/02/2009 - 4:37pm
 Alfred State College sophomore infielder Derek Speaker (Starpoint) has been named to the NJCAA Division II Pre-season All-American 1st team. Speaker is the only representative of Region III in the any of the three teams.
Speaker hit .352 (63 for 179) during the 2007-08 season. He collected 10 doubles, one homerun, and drove in 34 runs. He scored 48 bases and was 37 for 40 on the base paths. He was an All-Region 1st team selection following the spring season.
This fall, Speaker hit .288 (15 for 52) with two doubles and nine RBI. He scored a team high 15 runs and was 10-11 stealing bases.
Speaker has played all over the field during his time wearing the blue and gold spending time at 2B, SS, 3B, OF, and on the mound.
Speaker and the Pioneers are busy preparing for the upcoming spring season which will begin March 14 with the teams annual trip to Cocoa, FL to play at Cocoa Expo.
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