The first teammers for our all area baseball team -- our coach of the year, player of the year -- have already been contacted, so I'm going to take a page out of colleague Simeon Pincus' book and do a daily look at the positions that were the toughest to pick.
Remember, our all area supplement runs Sunday, June 24.
We do have FIVE -- 5 -- Immaculata first teammers, including our Player of the Year. And I might have been able to sneak another Spartan on that first team. I think every one of them is justified, so that left me with 9 other spots to fill.
Somerville and Hunterdon Central have two. Middlesex, Piscataway, Watchung Hills, Hillsborough and Governor Livingston all have one apiece.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
All area headache
Take a bow all you baseball players in the Courier News coverage area. You've made it a turbulent life for me the last few days. Picking our all area baseball team is as always a difficult chore and it seems to get tougher with each passing year.
The Skyland Conference alone is deep enough to fill our all area first team, which runs Sunday, June 24th. We also pick a second and third team and a honorable mention.
I have always had this feeling that some kids feel let down if they don't make first team -- feel as if their season was somewhat less than a success. But, believe me, as I peruse the names of the schools we cover -- unfortunately we have just so many spots.
Don't feel bad if you didn't make first team. We have one talented area for baseball talent. I wish everybody could make first team.
I'm going to continue posting baseball stuff on this site -- probably until the last week of June when we have a couple of all star football games to cover.
The Skyland Conference alone is deep enough to fill our all area first team, which runs Sunday, June 24th. We also pick a second and third team and a honorable mention.
I have always had this feeling that some kids feel let down if they don't make first team -- feel as if their season was somewhat less than a success. But, believe me, as I peruse the names of the schools we cover -- unfortunately we have just so many spots.
Don't feel bad if you didn't make first team. We have one talented area for baseball talent. I wish everybody could make first team.
I'm going to continue posting baseball stuff on this site -- probably until the last week of June when we have a couple of all star football games to cover.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Last team standing
Middlesex.
Who would have thought it....
Not me. The Blue Jays have their prom Friday night in East Brunswick, then have to get back home quick because their state Group I final with Hoboken is Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Toms River East.
Head coach Mike O'Donnell isn't worried about his team's dilemma. In fact, he believes the early start time Saturday is better.
"They'll know they'll have to be in early," he said.
O'Donnell said that the Middlesex prom used to be on the Friday before Memorial Day, which meant that the Blue Jays would play their state tournament game, then rush to the prom. Now it'll be the other way around.
More on the game later.
Who would have thought it....
Not me. The Blue Jays have their prom Friday night in East Brunswick, then have to get back home quick because their state Group I final with Hoboken is Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Toms River East.
Head coach Mike O'Donnell isn't worried about his team's dilemma. In fact, he believes the early start time Saturday is better.
"They'll know they'll have to be in early," he said.
O'Donnell said that the Middlesex prom used to be on the Friday before Memorial Day, which meant that the Blue Jays would play their state tournament game, then rush to the prom. Now it'll be the other way around.
More on the game later.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Spartans, Middlesex redux
Heard from a colleague or two that the Middlesex fans gave me a nice chant after the Blue Jays rallied to beat Pennsville 8-7 in the state Group I semifinal. Congratulations to Middlesex, which is the last team standing.
See, when we pick against your schools you're supposed to thank us.
First-year head coach Mike O'Donnell has Middlesex in position to win a state group title if it can beat Hoboken Saturday. We'll be at the game.
I spoke to a few people after the Immaculata-Seton Hall Prep game at Harter Road Field. Immaculata coach Tom Gambino said that the teams have been separated by pitching in their last few meetings. Senior lefty Sean McKeown pitched well enough to beat most teams in the state. Immaculata lost 3-0, but Seton Hall Prep's runs were unearned.
Seton Hall Prep starter and winner Evan Danieli pitched a three-hitter against a team that had been averaging more than 11.5 runs per game. Rick Porcello, expected to be among the first picks in Thursday's First-Year Major League Draft, pitched the seventh after Danieli allowed a double to Jack Rice and walked Tom Burke.
I thought Chas Crane did the right thing. He offered at the first pitch and hit a sharp grounder to second. The grounder was turned into a double play, but Crane hit the ball solidly.
Spoke to former Major League pitcher Al Santorini before the game. Santorini, a Union High graduate, played in parts of six Major League seasons with the Braves, Cardinals and Padres. It was great trading names from the late 1960s and 1970s like Clay Kirby and Ollie Brown.
See, when we pick against your schools you're supposed to thank us.
First-year head coach Mike O'Donnell has Middlesex in position to win a state group title if it can beat Hoboken Saturday. We'll be at the game.
I spoke to a few people after the Immaculata-Seton Hall Prep game at Harter Road Field. Immaculata coach Tom Gambino said that the teams have been separated by pitching in their last few meetings. Senior lefty Sean McKeown pitched well enough to beat most teams in the state. Immaculata lost 3-0, but Seton Hall Prep's runs were unearned.
Seton Hall Prep starter and winner Evan Danieli pitched a three-hitter against a team that had been averaging more than 11.5 runs per game. Rick Porcello, expected to be among the first picks in Thursday's First-Year Major League Draft, pitched the seventh after Danieli allowed a double to Jack Rice and walked Tom Burke.
I thought Chas Crane did the right thing. He offered at the first pitch and hit a sharp grounder to second. The grounder was turned into a double play, but Crane hit the ball solidly.
Spoke to former Major League pitcher Al Santorini before the game. Santorini, a Union High graduate, played in parts of six Major League seasons with the Braves, Cardinals and Padres. It was great trading names from the late 1960s and 1970s like Clay Kirby and Ollie Brown.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Blue Jays, Spartans and RIP Clete
I guess Pennsville and Seton Hall Prep should beware. I've picked them to win Tuesday's ballgames against Middlesex (State Group I semifinal) and Immaculata (Non-Public A final).
Pennsville was just a fourth seed in South I, but was able to win another South Jersey title. Pennsville has played a better schedule than Middlesex in the Tri County Classic Division where it was co-champions with Pitman.
Pennsville has eliminated our teams in the past like Middlesex in 2003 and Bernards a year or two earlier. Both of the teams have suffered quite a few losses this year. Pennsville is 16-9 and Middlesex is 16-7.
Middlesex should be able to hit Joel Rios, a right hander, who's 5-2 with a 3.05 earned run average. Blue Jay third baseman Anthony Pace is having some season. He's hitting .455 with 30 hits in 66 at bats with four homers, seven doubles and 26 RBIs. Blue Jay starter Dan Sarao is 4-4 with a Rios-like 3.05 earned run average.
I'm taking Pennsville. Sorry.
Immaculata against Seton Hall Prep. Maybe I've bought all the hype -- OK, hook and line. I'm eager to see Seton Hall Prep 6-foot-9, 230-pound senior righty Evan Danieli throw to a very powerful Immaculata lineup led by unheralded senior catcher Jeff Bland. Could this be a slugfest?
Immaculata senior lefty Sean McKeown is going to have pitch better against SHP than he did in the Somerset County Tournament final against Hillsborough. Immaculata might have the better lineup from top to bottom in this matchup. Just pitch and we should have a classic.
I'm taking Seton Hall Prep because it's the safe pick.
Heard the sad news about former Yankee third baseman Clete Boyer, dying Monday at age 70. I heard Clete stopped by the Southside Bar in South Bound Brook a few years ago with another former Yankee Mickey Rivers. I heard Rivers did some karaoke. The two stopped off after doing a baseball card show in Somerset.
I don't remember Boyer in his prime, but I do remember when was traded for outfielder Bill Robinson before the 1967 season. The Yankees didn't have a suitable replacement for Boyer until they traded for Graig Nettles in 1973. RIP Clete.
Pennsville was just a fourth seed in South I, but was able to win another South Jersey title. Pennsville has played a better schedule than Middlesex in the Tri County Classic Division where it was co-champions with Pitman.
Pennsville has eliminated our teams in the past like Middlesex in 2003 and Bernards a year or two earlier. Both of the teams have suffered quite a few losses this year. Pennsville is 16-9 and Middlesex is 16-7.
Middlesex should be able to hit Joel Rios, a right hander, who's 5-2 with a 3.05 earned run average. Blue Jay third baseman Anthony Pace is having some season. He's hitting .455 with 30 hits in 66 at bats with four homers, seven doubles and 26 RBIs. Blue Jay starter Dan Sarao is 4-4 with a Rios-like 3.05 earned run average.
I'm taking Pennsville. Sorry.
Immaculata against Seton Hall Prep. Maybe I've bought all the hype -- OK, hook and line. I'm eager to see Seton Hall Prep 6-foot-9, 230-pound senior righty Evan Danieli throw to a very powerful Immaculata lineup led by unheralded senior catcher Jeff Bland. Could this be a slugfest?
Immaculata senior lefty Sean McKeown is going to have pitch better against SHP than he did in the Somerset County Tournament final against Hillsborough. Immaculata might have the better lineup from top to bottom in this matchup. Just pitch and we should have a classic.
I'm taking Seton Hall Prep because it's the safe pick.
Heard the sad news about former Yankee third baseman Clete Boyer, dying Monday at age 70. I heard Clete stopped by the Southside Bar in South Bound Brook a few years ago with another former Yankee Mickey Rivers. I heard Rivers did some karaoke. The two stopped off after doing a baseball card show in Somerset.
I don't remember Boyer in his prime, but I do remember when was traded for outfielder Bill Robinson before the 1967 season. The Yankees didn't have a suitable replacement for Boyer until they traded for Graig Nettles in 1973. RIP Clete.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Warming up for Seton Hall Prep-Immaculata
We're looking forward to Tuesday's North Jersey Non-Public A final at the Harter Road Field in Morris Township at 4 p.m.
Immaculata (24-1) against Seton Hall Prep (30-1).
Here's some Sunday morning tidbits.
A glimpse at the recent history
2006: Seton Hall Prep 5, Immaculata 0 (North Non-Public A final)
2001: Seton Hall Prep 4, Immaculata 3 (North Non-Public A final)
2000: Seton Hall Prep 6, Immaculata 5 (North Non-Public A final)
1998: Seton Hall Prep 13, Immaculata 6 (sectional semifinal)
1992: Immaculata 7, Seton Hall Prep 4 (sectional first round)
1988: Seton Hall Prep 15, Immaculata 6 (sectional first round)
Seton Hall Prep scheduled starter Evan Danieli, who lives in East Hanover, is 10-0 with an 0.50 earned run average. He has struck out 75 in 56 innings, walking 24. The senior righthy pitched Seton Hall Prep to a 14-0 sectional quarterfinal win against St. Peter Prep, striking out 14, walking one and allowing four hits. The 6-foot-9, 230-pounder is headed to Notre Dame.
By the way, we haven't forgotten about Middlesex. The Blue Jays will play Pennsville in the state Group I semifinal Tuesday at Raritan High School. We'll preview that game later on.
Immaculata (24-1) against Seton Hall Prep (30-1).
Here's some Sunday morning tidbits.
A glimpse at the recent history
2006: Seton Hall Prep 5, Immaculata 0 (North Non-Public A final)
2001: Seton Hall Prep 4, Immaculata 3 (North Non-Public A final)
2000: Seton Hall Prep 6, Immaculata 5 (North Non-Public A final)
1998: Seton Hall Prep 13, Immaculata 6 (sectional semifinal)
1992: Immaculata 7, Seton Hall Prep 4 (sectional first round)
1988: Seton Hall Prep 15, Immaculata 6 (sectional first round)
Seton Hall Prep scheduled starter Evan Danieli, who lives in East Hanover, is 10-0 with an 0.50 earned run average. He has struck out 75 in 56 innings, walking 24. The senior righthy pitched Seton Hall Prep to a 14-0 sectional quarterfinal win against St. Peter Prep, striking out 14, walking one and allowing four hits. The 6-foot-9, 230-pounder is headed to Notre Dame.
By the way, we haven't forgotten about Middlesex. The Blue Jays will play Pennsville in the state Group I semifinal Tuesday at Raritan High School. We'll preview that game later on.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Sad day in Hamilton
Senior catcher Matt Sadin's absence from the Hillsborough High School lineup wasn't the reason the Raiders lost to Steinert 5-0 in the Central Jersey Group IV final today. But it didn't help. His leadership, defense and offense were missed.
Sadin had to sit out since he was disciplined for having his cel phone on in class, Raider coach Norm Hewitt said. Hillsborough Athletic Director Mike Fannizzi called the Hillsborough bus as it headed to the game Friday afternoon to tell Hewitt that the decision was final.
Sophomore Matt Mosko was quickly told that he would be stepping in for Sadin. Mosko made his first varsity start May 22 against Franklin. But a state sectional final is a bit different than a regular season game with Franklin.
Mosko had some tough plays and one Steinert run scored when he overthrew third baseman Sean MacDonald. Mosko won't forget this day and he'll be a better player for it.
Hewitt told us after the game that he will sit out this Wednesday's season-finale game at Watchung Hills.
Hewitt and head softball coach Cheryl Iaione were suspended a game because their teams practiced May 17 -- the day after a student made a terrorist threat at the high school -- on a field off the Hillsborough High campus. Hillsborough has three games left -- Watchung Hills Tueday at home; at Immaculata at HealthQuest Wednesday and Thursday at Watchung Hills.
Home plate umpire Dave Vivino did a great job in keeping things in order in Hamilton. The Spartans public address announcer pushed the envelope with the entertainment. A couple of times, Vivino briefly stopped the game to scold the kid when the music continued as the Raiders or Spartans batted. Vivino informed the kid with the microphone that either the music stopped or there would be no public address activities.
Sadin had to sit out since he was disciplined for having his cel phone on in class, Raider coach Norm Hewitt said. Hillsborough Athletic Director Mike Fannizzi called the Hillsborough bus as it headed to the game Friday afternoon to tell Hewitt that the decision was final.
Sophomore Matt Mosko was quickly told that he would be stepping in for Sadin. Mosko made his first varsity start May 22 against Franklin. But a state sectional final is a bit different than a regular season game with Franklin.
Mosko had some tough plays and one Steinert run scored when he overthrew third baseman Sean MacDonald. Mosko won't forget this day and he'll be a better player for it.
Hewitt told us after the game that he will sit out this Wednesday's season-finale game at Watchung Hills.
Hewitt and head softball coach Cheryl Iaione were suspended a game because their teams practiced May 17 -- the day after a student made a terrorist threat at the high school -- on a field off the Hillsborough High campus. Hillsborough has three games left -- Watchung Hills Tueday at home; at Immaculata at HealthQuest Wednesday and Thursday at Watchung Hills.
Home plate umpire Dave Vivino did a great job in keeping things in order in Hamilton. The Spartans public address announcer pushed the envelope with the entertainment. A couple of times, Vivino briefly stopped the game to scold the kid when the music continued as the Raiders or Spartans batted. Vivino informed the kid with the microphone that either the music stopped or there would be no public address activities.
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