G.D. Newsletter "Sure to Entertain" ed. 20

GDS Coed Softball Leagues
coverage by Mike Loser


Week 7
Marlton League

This one wasn’t very close but it was a pretty entertaining game to watch if you were there. Hit &; Run got on the board early and any hope Brian Babineau had of getting another game ball went out the window. The Hairy Koalas failed to respond in their half of the inning.

Babineau put the first 2 Hit & Run batters on in the top half of the 2nd and Russell “Rusty Griswald” Reese singled to load the bases. Mike Carnevale singled in a run and then, not to be out done, Kevin Newell cleared the bases with a triple. Mike Powell got in on the fun with a single of his own to score Kevin which ended the scoring for Hit & Run. Rhoys Coker singled off of the soccer playing shortstop’s foot for the Hairy Koalas to start things off. Beth Atkins then got the crowd going with a single to left which put 2 on and no out. Tom Snyder got on base and moved the runner over to third on a fielder’s choice back to the pitcher. Chris Seeds then got on base thanks to some shaky glove work by Hit & Run which scored Rhoys. Then, Mike “Nobody beats the wiz” Wisniewski singled in another run for the Hairy Koalas. Unfortunately that was all the offense the Hairy Koalas could come up with as Michelle Caporale popped up to kill the rally.

Justin Stepanow got his 2nd leadoff hit in as many innings with a double to left. Tom Snyder of the Hairy Koalas almost took Justin’s head off with his relay in from center but Justin skillfully ducked the throw (someone should sign him up for dodgeball) and eventually scored on the error. Mike Carnevale doubled in one more run for Hit & Run before Rhoys “Web Gem” Coker made a great diving catch to end the inning. It’s a shame the ESPN cameras weren’t there for this game as this easily would’ve made the top 10 plays of the day. The Hairy Koalas had some more fireworks in the bottom of the third. After a single by Anthony Bernato, Player/Coach Brian Cotter knocked a 2 run homer to left – it looked to be a run of the mill homer until Brian got to 3rd base. At this point, he decided he might get home faster if he crawled the rest of the way….either that or he tripped on 3rd base. I’ll let you decide. Dennis Moffett hit a bases loaded triple a few batters later and the Hairy Koalas looked like they were right back in the game.

Mike Powell blasted a triple to right field to lead off the inning (I think I heard Brian Cotter say “I would’ve scored on that. He should’ve crawled once he got to third”). Anthony Bernato tried to one up his teammate, Rhoys Coker, with a nice diving catch of his own on a foul ball. The defense of the Hairy Koalas was looking pretty good in the 4th as Dennis Moffett flashed some leather with a nice over the shoulder catch that ended the inning. The Hairy Koalas couldn’t get much going in their turn at bat with only an infield single in the inning.

The defensive prowess of the Hairy Koalas was short lived – Michelle Caporale took what would’ve been a nice play and turned it into a circus as she launched a ball into right field after making a nice stop at 3rd. This opened the way for Mike Carnevale who doubled in 2 runs. Kevin “One Upper” Newell then tripled to knock in Carnevale and then went on to score on a single by Mike Powell. The Hairy Koalas looked like they ran out of gas and went scoreless again in the bottom of the 5th.

Justin “Juice” Stepanow showed off his power with a leadoff homer to left. Dustin Moffett made another nice play in the field with a diving stop which saved a run (and prolonged the agony for his team). Kevin Newell padded his stats a little more with a blooper to right that scored 2 runs. Brian Cotter led off for the Hairy Koalas in what would be their last at bat due to being down by about 50 runs. He managed to get on base on an error and even managed to stay on his feet in an impressive display of athleticism. Pierre Cadas showed that the Koalas, much like the Goonies, never say die with a single to knock in Brian. Brian Babineau hustled to third in an apparent effort to earn another gameball and Rhoys Coker then knocked in another run before Hit & Run got out of the inning & the game.

Around the Marlton League: Sta-Green Turf Care and The Ball Busters either rescheduled their game, the game is still going on, or it was so bad that they didn’t submit a score. Balls & Knockers got a little closer to clinching a playoff spot with a 9-3 win over the HK Bombers. We Got the Runs won 6-1 over PJ’s in a game that took just long enough for 3 beers.

Hammonton League

Rumor has it ARH & Title America had a hell of a game. Unfortunately, Lee Minniti talked me into going to the Phillies game with him on Sunday and I was unable to attend. For future reference, if Lee ever asks you to go to a game with him, make sure you get the tickets from him before the day of the game. On the Brightside, McFaddens has some fantastic beer tub girls so the day wasn’t a total waste.

Around the Hammonton League: The Rabid Woodchucks got their 2nd win of the season with a win over I’ll Hit that. That’s What She Said then knocked them right back down to earth with a 17-7 win over the Rabid Woodchucks. The West End Warriors kept themselves in position for a playoff spot with a win over Just Us. ARH stayed in 1st place with a 16-15 win over Title America in a real nail-biter. The Wet Beavers shut out Prestige Worldwide 10-0.

GDS Men's Basketball League
coverage by Mike Valenti


Week 7
Marlton League


Week Seven … I mean weak seven! It wasn’t a very exciting night of basketball to say the least. This week’s games featured Team Ghost vs. 67ers and the Grizzle Bear Survivors vs. Grated Cheese. Despite the interest level in these games please read on as some interesting things did occur throughout the night.

Team GHOST came into this week with a 1-5 record. High off their win from the previous week or something like that team GHOST came ready to play while the 67ers were in search of their first win. The game started and not even the presence of Governor McGreevey in a white and black zebra thong would have surprised this crowd as play went back and forth with each team turning the ball over. After the first 7 minutes of play the score was 6 – 4 in favor of team GHOST. As play continued team GHOST opened up a 20 – 12 lead with just under 4 minutes to play. Given their team name in an effort to make up for other teams not being able to see them they sure are loud. Team GHOST has one of the loudest benches in the league and at this point has taken over the number 1 spot for 6th man of the year award. It also helps that for some reason family and friends sit on their bench as added inspiration. To close out the first half the 67ers went on a run of their own lead by Mark DeNafo and Nate Monroe each scoring 6 points to close out the half down 21 – 26. Nate Reedy from GHOST led all scorers in the first half with 11.

The second half began with GHOST going on a 22 to 7 run putting them ahead by twenty, 48 – 28. One highlight for the 67ers in the second half was when Mark DeNafo somehow managed to shoot a “high archer” through the rafters and just short of the basket. I have seen many actually shoot and hit the rafters but this was a first for Glory Days Sports. Mark DeNafo said after the game he was going for one of those 25 pointers from MTV’s Rock and Jock Basketball. His inspiration came from none other than now Rock and Jock Basketball Hall of Famer player/coach Bill Bellamy of the Violators. Despite this desperation shot team GHOST was not fazed and continued to play their game. Nate Reedy led the way for team GHOST with 25 points in a 60 – 40 final.

The late game featured a matchup between the Grizzle Bear Survivors and Grated Cheese. These two teams had each other marked on their schedules all season long. One might ponder why this would be? I will tell you why… Grizzle Bear Survivors team captain Lou Russo was a former team member of Grated Cheese. That’s right folks Lou Russo could have been seen last season jumping on top of the pile in what proved to be a meaningless win against OFF ALL NIGHT. Contrary to popular belief Grated Cheese did beat OFF ALL NIGHT once last season. They will not get that chance to do so again this year. With Lou Russo on his new team Grated Cheese was looking for revenge, a dish best served cold. Even Grated Cheese Coach Jay Wright was suited up for this epic battle. No, not the suit you are used to seeing him in on the sideline including shirt and tie with his clipboard (one player who will remain anonymous believes he has seen this clipboard being used to play tic-tac-toe on the sideline during a game) but an actual jersey and shorts. Despite all the hype surrounding this game GBS seemed to be missing a few players to start the game. Normally I wouldn’t recognize players not at the game, but there was one in particular that for some odd reason stuck out in my mind… Lou Russo. Can you believe it! I can’t. Look for a comment from Lou Russo in next weeks newsletter as to why he was a no call no show for this much anticipated battle to the death. With that terrible news the game all of a sudden lost all its excitement.

The game started with GBS jumping all over Grated Cheese. It seemed that GBS was scoring with ease and that Grated Cheese was hardly scoring. At the end of the first half GBS led Grated Cheese by the score of 34 – 12.

The second half wasn’t much different. GBS continued to dominate Grated Cheese. One highlight for Grated Cheese in the second half was a basket scored by Brian Riley. For those of you who don’t know Brian he is known of his antics on the court. Last season he was witnessed showing his nipple while running down the court after a made basket and it wasn’t because he cut his sleeves to short like that of Mike Loser from OFF ALL NIGHT. To no surprise his antics continued against GBS. After Brian’s made basket he did what I am sure was a cross between the chicken dance and R. Kelly’s humping the stage dance (please note Glory Days does not support this type of behavior although it is perceived to be very entertaining). Despite the distractions from Brian Riley and team high 8 points from Tom “The Nasty” Nasto GBS prevailed behind a total team effort. Pat Zano and Chris Hand led the way for GBS with 15 points each in a convincing 67 – 30 win.

Thanks for tuning in… Until next week, hasta la vista, baby!

GDS Player Of The Week ***Jim Gagliardi***

Jim Gagliardi of
LawnKafters, TriState, Prestige Worldwide (various GDS Coed Softball seasons); Slink (GDS Wiffle Ball); Off All Night (GDS Men's Basketball); and Gag On Our Balls (GDS Coed Dodgeball)

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Some background information on Jim's "Glory Days":

As a young lad I participated in numerous sports including but not limited to soccer, baseball, basketball, and just about any playground activity that had a ball or the ability to keep score. Winning wasn't everything...it was the only thing. I brought that mentality up through my "glory days" while in high school where I played football, basketball, and baseball. On off days, I would join the tennis team at their practices, just see if I could give them competition too... in a sport that wasn't my forte. After high school I still played basketball and baseball ... and eventually softball.

Responsibility hit me like a ton of bricks when I had my two amazing children, Dominic and Mia. So sports (my "glory days" and my stretch as a so called "awesome athlete"), were over...or were they? I continued softball but irregularly ..and then found the world of golf. Wow, what a different pace but what a great game. Relaxation and competitiveness all around a 1 inch diameter ball. Who would have thought it! Time ceased to exist, for a 6 hour round of golf. Slowly sports became last on the priority list.

Until as of late. Joining Glory Days Sports leagues has brought it back with the numerous events and sporting leagues that seem to always work with the kids and my busy schedule. Now 3 years later, its all coming back!!!
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GDS says: 
Thanks Jim! We appreciate you and all you do. Congratulations on being the 1st ever GDS Player Of The Week!   GDS has also personally experienced Jim's 6 hour rounds of golf too! He is all over the course, how could it take any less time!!!
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G.D. Newsletter "Sure to Entertain" ed. 19

GDS Coed Softball Leagues

coverage by Mike Loser

Week 6

Marlton League

Balls & Knockers vs. Hairy Koalas

                Balls & Knockers kept themselves in 2^nd place in the Marlton League with a 9-5 win over the Hairy Koalas.  The Hairy Koalas did most of their damage in the first inning on a pair of bases loaded singles by Dennis Moffett & Beth Atkins.  Beth was apparently having some break problems as she just kept running on a single by Anthony Bernato.  Balls & Knockers got a run back in the bottom of the inning and would’ve cut the lead in half if it weren’t for Jason Hunt trying to round the bases with a piano on his back. 

                Both teams put up goose eggs in their half of the 2^nd and the score remained 4-1 until the bottom of the 3^rd.  Ed Kuhn turned on the jets and led off the inning with a triple.  He was quickly knocked in by a Brian Hill single who also scored in the inning to cut the Hairy Koalas’ lead to 1. 

                The Hairy Koalas stayed cold in the top of the 4^th and Balls & Knockers took advantage of their cold streak and took the lead back with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning.  Balls & Knockers looked to open up their lead in the bottom of the fifth and pitcher Brian Babineau did his best to put a stop to that with a great defensive play on the mound.  His impressive glovework didn’t prove to be enough as Balls & Knockers scored 3 runs in the inning to open up their lead.  It wasn’t til a sliding catch by Rhoys Coker aka Willy Mayes Hayes in left that Babineau and the Hairy Koalas got out of the inning. 

                The Hairy Koalas couldn’t cut into Balls & Knockers lead in their next to at-bats and the game finally ended on a rather impressive pop up by Patrick Wallace.  For some reason, Brian Babineau of the Hairy Koalas received the game ball for his performance in the losing effort. Maybe it was to reward him for slightly less than average pitching performance, maybe it was for his outstanding catch in the field, or maybe it was just because he kept all of his clothes on this week.

Around the Marlton League:  Hit & Run edged Sta-Green Turf Care 8-6 – either Sta-Green is getting better or Hit & Run is getting worse…only time will tell.  PJ’s broke out of their funk with a 22-0 win over the Ball Busters – you couldn’t have picked a better team to play when you’re in the middle of a losing streak.  We Got the Runs stayed perfect with a 12-1 win over the HK Bombers who apparently had the game time mixed up.

Hammonton League

Rabid Woodchucks vs. AC Strangers

                The Rabid Woodchucks squeaked out a hard fought win over the AC Strangers for their first win of the season.  This game was easily the best and most entertaining game I’ve seen all season with a back & forth battle that didn’t end until a walk off homerun in the bottom of the 7^th. 

                The AC Strangers got on the board first with one run in the first inning.  Pitcher Ray Ewing gave up back to back singles at which point he received some outstanding advice from left fielder Jeff Driscoll who told him “Hey Ray, try to get a guy out”.  It almost worked but unfortunately, the AC Strangers scored before Ray took his advice and Juan Pino to ground out to end the inning.  The Rabid Woodchucks fought right back in their turn at the plate as they got their first 2 batters on base off of pitcher Neil Wetzel.  Neil got Phil Pirollo to pop up to catcher Carl Maglowski for the first out but one batter later, an error allowed the Rabid Woodchucks to tie the score.  Neil apparently felt bad about making the Pirollo family look bad as he walked Phil’s better half to load the bases.  He then got the next batter to pop up to end the inning with the scored tied 1-1.

                Ray Ewing walked Milissa Lunser to start off the 2^nd inning and was immediately heckled by Jeff Driscoll and Phil Pirollo also known as Jerry Lewis & Dean Martin – no one was off limits for these two.  Chuck McClure came across the infield from his shortstop postion looking like Brian Dawkins intercepting a pass as he leapt in front of his 2^nd baseman to catch a pop up for out #1.  Ray settled down and got the next 2 batters to pop out as well.  The Rabid Woodchucks’ couldn’t get any offense going in the bottom of the 2^nd and the score remained 1-1. 

                Neil Wetzel beat out an infield single and scored on an RBI triple by Joe Wells which made up for his error in the previous inning.  With his team down 1 run, Phil Pirollo cranked a 2 run double to take the lead right back for the Rabid Woodchucks.  Chelon Ellis singled in Phil to put them up 2.

                The AC Strangers went down in order as Cesar Morales robbed Mike Tomasella of a basehit, Joe Simko flied out to right and Dave Bartole flied out to deep left to end the inning.  The Rabid Woodchucks put a few more on the board in the bottom of the 4^th with 3 runs to give them a 5 run lead.

                Juan Pino started things off with a single over the head of Chuck McClure who was promptly heckled by Phil & Jeff for being too short. Cesar Morales’ error allowed another baserunner and Tristan Bennett moved the baserunners over with the hardest swinging bunt in softball history.  With runners on second and third, Elaine Piontkowski hit a groundball to Chelon Ellis at first who threw the ball across the diamond to Cesar Morales in plenty of time….if it was a force out.  Unfortunately, he forgot to tag the runner and the bases were loaded.  The AC Strangers only managed to get one run in the inning and the Rabid Woodchucks’ lead was looking like it might be big enough.  In the bottom of the 5^th, Neil Wetzel brushed back Sheri Pirollo who threatened to charge the mound.  Thankfully, commissioner Jamie Connor was there to keep the peace and a crisis was averted.  After things settled down, Neil got Sheri to pop up to end the inning.

                The AC Strangers mounted a comeback in the top of the 6^th inning which was started when Mike Tomasella came up huge with a 2 run double down the left field line to cut the Rabid Woodchucks lead in half.  Joe Simko singled to score Mike Tomasella and make it a 1 run game. After Dave Bartole flied out to deep left field, Juan Pino singled to put men on first & third.  Milissa Lunser then hit what looked to be an easy grounder to Cesar Morales who threw the ball over his first baseman’s head which lead to the tying run crossing the plate.  Tristan Bennett then pulled off another swinging bunt to knock in the go ahead run.  The Rabid Woodchucks came right back in the bottom of the inning as Jeff Driscoll singled and an dropped fly ball in the outfield gave Ray Ewing a chance to help himself- he took full advantage of the opportunity and stroked a 2 run double to take back the lead.  Chuck McCure knocked in another run for insurance but the Rabid Woodchucks got greedy and got gunned at the plate by Dave Bartole for the 3^rd out.

                With a 10-8 lead, the Rabid Woodchucks brought in Cesar Morales to close things out.  Carl Maglowski tomahawked a high pitch for an infield single and then pulled a Roger Dorn when he refused to come out for a pinch runner.  The AC Strangers got another baserunner when Natalie Gimalski got on base thanks to another Cesar Morales error.  I think we should just start calling errors “Cesars” from now on.  Neil Wetzel came up with 2 on and no outs and worked a walk.  A single by KC brought the AC Strangers within 1 and then a Joe Wells sac fly tied the game.  With a chance to take the lead, Cesar flashed some leather and robbed Mike Tomasella for the 2^nd time in the game for the 3^rd out. What happened next made this game an instant classic – Phil Pirollo walked to the plate with the game on the line and hit an opposite field walk off homerun to end the game. 

Around the Hammonton League:  The Golden Nugget apparently left their bats at home for the 3^rd game in a row as they lost to Title America 19-1.  The West End Warrior beat Prestige Worldwide to put themselves over the .500 mark.  That’s What She Said won their first game of the day 16-10 over the Wet Beavers.  Just Us gave I’ll Hit That a 17-2 spanking.  ARH put up 21 in their win over That’s What She Said.

GDS Men's Basketball League

coverage by Mike Valenti

Week 6

Marlton League

Last second shot… Week 6 featured two games that were each decided by one point.  In the early game OFF ALL NIGHT took on the 0-5 Team GHOST.  I apologize that I don’t have the names of many of the players from Team GHOST to add to this article.  It was fairly difficult to keep track of who was who being that they all wore different t-shirts and had numbers written in magic marker on their backs.  I doubt that even Dick Tracy could have figured them out.  The game started with each team trading baskets.  Then Mike Loser from OFF ALL NIGHT had four close range shots toilet bowl out.  Some believed that his shirt was affecting his ability to finish in the paint.  I was told that Mike Loser recently switched shirts from his original which was cut off at the sleeves.  Apparently teams were complaining that his shirt was revealing a little too much.  For those of you who are trying to figure out what could have possibly caused this uproar I would advise you please reference the “Janet Jackson Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction.”  Mike perhaps it is time to go back to the oldie but goodie regardless of what others think.  Despite this distraction it wasn’t long before OFF ALL NIGHT opened up a 10 point lead behind the sharp shooting of middle aged man of the year nominee Chris Caprio.  Don’t be fooled by his matured look or the baseball gravel stained sneakers, this guy can flat out shoot the rock.  Meanwhile the scrappy play of Team GHOST enabled them to chip away at their deficit to bring them within 2 at the end of the first half 25-27.

The second half proved to be just as close as the first.  This game was sure to be decided by the last possession.  Nate “The Not So Friendly Ghost” Reedy was hitting just about everything he put up.  Team GHOST took a 5 point lead with just under two minutes to play.  OFF ALL NIGHT was able to close the gap to one on a three by Lee Minniti and a mid range jumper by Chad Hilliard.  With less than 5 seconds remaining OFF ALL NIGHT rebounded the front end of a one and one.  In an effort to catch Team GHOST with their sheets down, OFF ALL NIGHT neglected to call a time out and pushed the ball down the court.  Chad Hilliard was met by two defenders and had to pass the ball off to team Captain Mike Valenti.  The buzzer sounded and the shot went up.  The shot would have been reviewed but it was actually no where close to going in.  Team GHOST was led by Nate Reedy and his 23 points.  In a losing effort Chad Hilliard scored 21.        Needless to say Team GHOST picked up their first win of the season by upsetting and beating OFF ALL NIGHT 55-54. 

              In another inter-league game the Grizzle Bear Survivors looked to stay undefeated against Bro’s Before Ho’s.  I would like to know if the Bro’s Before Ho’s team actually believes in their team name.  Something tells me that their team name might not hold true at a bar at 1:30 am when a little something something approaches you.  I usually am not concerned with my Bro’s whatsoever at that point.  Now back to the game.  Glory Days own Mark Denafo suggested at the start of the game that this could be a preview of this years championship.  The first half featured several lead changes as both teams went back and forth each scoring tough baskets while playing good defense.  Chris Hand from the Grizzle Bear Survivors owned the paint in the first half scoring at will. Keith Brown from BBH’s was quick to answer at the other end. At the end of the first half BBH’s led GBS 25–23. 

              Bro’s Before Ho’s came out on fire in the second half hitting three consecutive 3’s.  Lou Russo responded with a three of his own finally finding his stroke from behind the arc.  With ten minutes to play in the game GBS took a slight lead over BBH’s 39-38.  Just when you thought GBS had taken the lead Justin Stribling answered with his own 10-0 run consisting of two 3’s and two dribble drives.  BBH’s had regained the lead at 48-41 with seven minutes remaining.  Rishawn Davis pulled GBS within three when he completed a behind the back opposite hand layup.  Each team again traded baskets.  Then Lou Russo hit yet another big three to pull GBS within three at 50-53.  Chris Hand completed a dunk to put GBS ahead 54-53.  However, it left plenty of time for Justin Stribling to dribble penetrate and score putting BBH’s back on top 55-54 with 31 seconds left.  Justin came through in the clutch once again and hit two free throws to put BBH’s up 57-54.  Chris Hand went coast to coast in all of 4 seconds to pull GBS within one.  GBS would have one last chance at inbounding the ball from their own end but their desperation shot fell short as Bro’s Before Ho’s won this epic battle 57-56.  GBS was led by Chris Hand who scored 14 and Mike Mullane who added 15.  Bro’s Before Ho’s picked up the impressive win behind the play of Keith Brown who scored 15 and the player of the game Justin Stribling who added 17.  GBS did add after the game that they were without their big man Sean Coffey, like the drink just not spelled the same.  Ironically enough Bro’s Before Ho’s was without its Captain Tom Dickert who was unable to play due to a Mr. Deeds black foot… Maybe there will be a shot at redemption.  Look for these two teams to match up at some point in the playoffs.  Until next week…Arrivederci!

G.D. Newsletter "Sure to Entertain" ed. 18

GDS Coed Softball Leagues

coverage by Mike Loser

Week 5

Marlton League

HK Bombers vs. Hit & Run

      This game was a friggin marathon - it took almost 2 hours to complete this one with over 30 runs scored between both teams.  In the end, Hit & Run bested the HK Bombers 25-12 to improve to 3-2 on the season.  The HK Bombers dropped to 3-2. 

                Hit & Run jumped on the HK Bombers early with a 2 run homerun by Mike Powell.  It looked as if the HK Bombers would bounce right back in the bottom of the inning when Mason Stewart beat out an infield single (I’m surprised he didn’t bunt).  That was all the offense they could come up with in the inning and they were down 2-0 at the end of the first.

                Joe “Cargo Pants” got things going for Hit & Run in the 2^nd with a circus-slide into 3^rd base and then went on to score on one of many errors on the day for the HK Bombers.  The HK Bombers had something going in the bottom half of the inning when they worked 3 walks to load the bases with no outs.  They probably should have scored on a sac fly to left but for some reason, the runner on 3^rd froze and didn’t attempt to score.  Liz Carty then grounded back to the pitcher who went home to first for an inning ending double play.

                Hit & Run opened things up a little bit in the 3^rd inning.  After Ashley Corcoran flied out to right for out #1, Andrea Harner and Russell “Rusty Griswald” Reese hit back to back singles and scored a run on some more sloppy play by the HK Bombers following another single by Mike Carnevale.  Kevin Newell then came up with runners on first & third and hit a shot to 2^nd basemen Mason Stewart who couldn’t handle it and Hit & Run scored another run.  Joe “Cargo pants” got himself a base hit up the middle to load the bases for Jerry Martinelli who knocked 2 runs in with a single to left.  Hit & Run managed to score one more before the HK Bombers finally got out of the inning.  The HK Bombers came up in the bottom of the 3^rd and made 2 quick outs.  Mason Stewart came up and tried to weasel his way on by taking a pitch off his leg (at least he didn’t try to bunt this time!) but managed to earn a free pass anyway after taking a few more pitches.  An infield single by Chris Szalma scored Mason Stewart but that was all the offense the HK Bombers could muster as Brent Mileski grounded out to end the inning.

                Hit & Run got a leadoff single out of Amanda Corcoran in the top of the fourth and managed to get another runner on base on another error by the HK Bombers but couldn’t get any runners across the plate as Eugene Smith settled down on the mound and got out of the inning with no damage done.  Courtney Stewart followed a lead off single with a single of her own to put 2 runners on with Eugene Smith coming to the plate who hit a screamer to shortstop for an out but moved a runner into scoring position.  Jess Biekiak then snuck one through the left side of the infield which scored another run for the HK Bombers.  Liz Carty then fouled out to end the inning and the scoring for the HK Bombers.

                The floodgates opened for Hit & Run and they opened up their lead even more in the fifth inning.  Eugene Smith walked Mike Powell who scored on a triple by Kevin Newell.  Joe “Cargo Pants” hit a blooper to short which he somehow stretched into a double scored Kevin Newell.  It looked like the HK Bombers were going to get out of the inning but Eugene Smith & Mason Stewart couldn’t turn a double play which would’ve helped their cause.  After the left fielder lost what should have been an easy out in the sun, Mike Carnevale took advantage of the opportunity and knocked in another run for Hit & Run.  Ashley Corcoran knocked in 2 more before the inning ended to give Hit & Run a 16-2 lead. The HK Bombers showed some fight in the bottom half of the inning and cut into Hit & Run’s lead.  Jerry Altman led off with a walk and 2 outs later, the HK Bombers worked 2 more walks to load the bases for Brent Mileski.  The HK Bombers got 4 runs back when Mileski came up huge with a grand slam and another single knocked in another run.

                Hit & Run got another run back in the top half of the 6^th on an RBI single by Jerry Martinelli.  The HK Bombers couldn’t get much going in their turn at bat in the 6^th and the game finally looked like it might be coming to a close. 

                The bats of Hit & Run came alive in the top of the 7^th and 4 runs and what felt like 4 hours later, the top half of the inning was finally over.  Brad Lidge came in for Hit & Run to close things out and immediately issued walks to Jerry Altman, Bob Sapio, & Mason Stewart to load the bases.  The HK Bombers managed to score 6 runs in the inning on a hit by Chris Szalma, a 2 run triple by Brent Mileski, and a single by Shawn Nam.  The HK Bombers loaded the bases once again after a single by Eugene Smith but a nice double play by Hit & Run shut the door on the comeback attempt.  Finally, this game ended with a score of 25-12 ( I think…..I fell asleep a few times and may have missed a run or 2)

AROUND THE MARLTON LEAGUE:  We Got the Runs kept rolling with a big win over Sta-Green Turf Care.  The Hairy Koalas kept the Ball Busters in the basement with a 15-9 win.  The wheels continued to fall of for PJ's as the dropped to 3-2 with a 9-8 loss to Balls & Knockers.

Week 5

Hammonton League

Prestige Worldwide vs. I'll Hit That

     At first glance, I would’ve thought that I’ll Hit that would win this one after seeing their phenomenal matching socks and hats.   They were no match for Prestige Worldwide, who was shorthanded with only one girl playing, as they lost 21-6 on a cold windy day.

                Dennis Gray started things off for I’ll Hit That with a single to right followed by another single by the #2 hitter – Shay.  Jason Speller got on base on a fielder’s choice and I’ll Hit That had 2 men on with one out.  Cleanup hitter Rob Jardel came up and popped out to short.  Sam followed that with a single to left which knocked in the first run of the day for I’ll Hit That.  Jennifer Gola, who was talking some smack on the GDS Facebook page, walked Kevin Lisek to start off the bottom of the 1^st.  James Huff-Miller smacked a 2 run homer to give Prestige Worldwide the lead.  Dave Rubman, despite his terrible taste in headwear (a mets hat), followed the homerun with a single to right.  John Hansen knocked in a run with an RBI triple and Prestige Worldwide scored 2 more before the inning was over.

                I’ll Hit That managed to get a leadoff single but Bill Zbrozek was robbed by the 3^rd baseman of Prestige Worldwide which most likely would’ve knocked in a run or 2.  Kevin Lisek got another free pass in the bottom of the inning from Jen Gola who also walked the next batter. Dave “Silly Mets fan” Rubman flied out to right but Neal Galletta (who was rocking a Yankees hat…what’s with these NY fans???) picked up his slack and knocked in Kevin Lisek on a line drive to left.             

                Jen Gola made up for her wild pitching with a single to right field which was followed by a walk to Mike Eng.  Dennis Gray couldn’t move the runners but a single one batter later loaded the bases for Jason Speller who singled to left and drove in 2 runs.  Rob Jardel then singled to short right to load the bases again.  Neal Galletta appeared to have an easy out but he booted a ground ball and allowed another run to score on a groundball by Sam.  Newcomer Michelle Crean led off the bottom of the 3^rd with her 2^nd walk of the day – I don’t know if she’s just really patient or just really short.  Jim Gagliardi then singled to right center to put 2 on with 1 out for Kevin Lisek who I don’t think swung the bat up until this point in the game.  He was probably better off trying to get another walk as he flied out to center for out #2.  James Huff-Miller tripled which scored Michelle Crean and Jim Gagliardi who almost caught up to her as he crossed home plate….he’s a lot faster than he looks!  Dave Rubman then doubled to drive in a run and then got himself caught in a pickle.  He got himself out of it and advanced to third but then got a little greedy and got gunned out at home trying to score.  I guess he’s been watching too many Mets games.

                The 4^th inning went pretty quickly.  After Keith Huggins lead off with a single, Jackie Gola grounded into a double play to Neal Galletta who also caught a pop up for the third out of the inning.  Luke “Pink Hat” legged out an infield single and scored on a shot to left field which went over the head of Rob Jardel.  Then, Michelle Crean fouled out, Jim Gagliardi lined out to short, and Prestige Worldwide then had to take the 3^rd out for not having enough girls. 

                I’ll Hit That started a little rally in the top of the fifth to get a little bit closer.  Dennis Gray lead off the inning with basehit to left which he stretched into a triple.  Shay then followed that with a triple to knock Dennis in.  Jason Speller stayed hot with a double which knocked her in. The rally was short-lived as Rob “Rally Killer” Jardel popped up to 2^nd to end the inning.  Prestige Worldwide came up in the bottom of the inning and answered right back.  Kevin Lisek walked AGAIN, and Neal Galletta came up with the bases loaded only to pop up to the catcher.  Luke “Pink Hat” picked him up with a 2 run double.  Michelle Crean also walked which loaded the bases for Jim Gagliardi.  He hit a dribbler back to the pitcher which should’ve been an easy out.  Unfortunately, outs don’t come easy for I’ll Hit That and the ball sailed into the backstop on the throw home and 1 more run scored for Prestige Worldwide before I’ll Hit That finally got out of the inning.

                I’ll Hit That came up in the top of the 6^th looking to start another rally.  They started off with 2 singles in a row but then Sam tried to sneak home on an error on a potential double play ball only to get thrown out at home.  Prestige Worldwide got out of the inning with no runs allowed.  Dave Rubman hit a 1 out single  to right and then scored on Neal Galletta’s 2 run homer which put the game even more out of reach. John Hansen singled to center and Michelle Crean walked one more time to bring up Jim Gagliardi with the bases loaded.  With a chance to mercy rule I’ll Hit That, Gags hit a sacrifice fly which scored 2 runs to end the game and gave Prestige Worldwide their first win of the season.

AROUND THE HAMMONTON LEAGUE:  That's What She Said beat the West End Warriors 11-7.  Title America edged the Rabid Woodchucks 15-12.  Just Us scored 4 TD's and held the Golden Nugget to a field goal in a 28-3 win.  The AC Strangers kept themselves in good position with a win over the Wet Beavers.  The Golden Nugget avoided getting shut out against ARH in a 30-1 loss in game 2 of their doubleheader....I guess scoring those 3 runs in their first game really took it out of them.

GDS Men's Basketball League

coverage by Mike Valenti

Week 5

Marlton League

SHHHHHHOOOOOOWWWWTIME!  Last weeks games featured a matchup between undefeated Showtime and the 1-2 Caucasian Invasion.  In a pregame interview with Scott Gottlieb from Caucasian Invasion, when asked what would be the key to success he simply replied with a smile and a laugh.  Not much to say!  On the other hand teammate Jim Osterhelt commented that the game would be determined by the tempo. 

Caucasian Invasion was planning to slow the game down.  This plan seemed to be in full affect when Showtime Captain Walt Montford arrived and walked across the court minutes before tipoff in what appeared to be brown fuzzy slippers.  I wasn’t sure if he was ready to play basketball or if he was ready to walk down stairs for a midnight snack.  Eventually each team was ready and the buzzer sounded.  Actually the buzzer sounded multiple times as Glory Days own Mark Denafo was operating the scoreboard or at least he was attempting to.  Each team started the game trading baskets.  After the first 5 minutes Showtime led Caucasian Invasion 6 – 4.  Caucasian Invasions strategy proved to be working.  Later in the first half Mike Gottlieb hit a big three to pull Caucasian Invasion within three 17 – 20.  Scott Gottlieb would then hit a deep two to make it a one point game at 19 – 20.  Showtime in typical fashion would go on a nine to two run led by guard Tim McDanials to close out the half to go up 29 – 21.  They are a team of runs!  Not to be confused with “We Got the Runs” who plays in GDS Marlton Softball league. 
Caucasian Invasion looked to carry their strategy into the second half.  Showtime had a different plan in mind.  No it was not to conquer the World like Pinky and the Brain.  Showtime wanted to press Caucasian Invasion and speed up the game.  Showtime came out in the second half like a bat out of hell, like a speeding bullet, like a flash of lightning, or like Barbaro at the Kentucky Derby, whichever tickles your fancy.  Showtime would go on a scoring tear.  Tim McDanials proved to be too much to handle as he was scoring with ease as he finished with a game high 29 points.  Also contributing to the second half surge was that of an unlikely source.  Bill Hadik hit four 3’s, one of which was from nothing short of 35 feet.  Amidst the commotion of Bill Hadik’s sharp shooting Caucasian Invasions Chris Hastings etched his name into the record books by scoring his first points in GDS basketball.  After he scored the basket Chris and teammates proceeded to slap hands, high five, and hug at center court.  All the while Showtime quickly inbounded the ball and scored before Caucasian Invasion was done celebrating a center court.  At least they had something to celebrate as Showtime went on to remain undefeated with a 71 – 47 victory.    

SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD…Nagy hits three with two seconds left!  Was it enough to complete the upset?  This game featured another undefeated team in the Grizzle Bear Survivors vs. Onions.  GBS got out to a quick start led by hot shooting from, well pretty much their entire team.  GBS quickly opened up the lead 15 – 5.  It was time for sixth man of the year candidate Steve Roberts to check into the game.  He entered the game while ripping off his shooting shirt aka gray gap v neck.  Rumor has it he went 1-12 shooting the week before.  Maybe he should play a game while wearing the shooting shirt if it would help make a difference.  Steve struggled again from the floor as did most of the Onions.  At the 10 minute mark Onions called a much needed timeout being down 25 – 13.  This gave the opportunity for Max (Maximus) Ingram to check into the game.  Just what the team needed.  The crowd roared and chanted MAXIMUS, MAXIMUS, MAXIMUS…It brought chills to most who witnessed.  While Max checked in he shouted, “when a Roman general is betrayed and my team down by 12 points, he comes to the Blue Barn in Marlton as a gladiator to seek revenge.”  For your information Max wasn’t wearing a chiseled suit of armor nor was he wearing a hand crafted steel enforced mask when he made his epic entrance. Yet this gladiator was wearing a green Callahan Auto Parts t-shirt and a backwards Philadelphia Eagles cap.  I must say I have not seen anyone ever check into a basketball game wearing a baseball cap.  That’s kind of like wearing jeans to play Softball (reference to GDS Softball Newsletter).  Regardless of his uniform it still had the same impact as it sent fear into the eyes of the Grizzle Bear Survivors.  After the crowd settled play resumed.  GBS continued to shoot well behind Lou Russo who hit six 3’s and finished with 32 points.  Brian Peak of Onions rebutted with a few of his own baskets scoring 14 in the game.  At the half GBS had what appeared to be a convincing lead over Onions 55 – 24.  The second half started with talks of GBS scoring over 100 points in the game to set a Glory Days record.  Andrew Lee of Onions didn’t want anything to do with becoming part of history as he hit two consecutive 3’s in an attempt to chip away at their deficit.  Rishawn Davis of Grizzle Bear Survivors went on a scoring frenzy hitting 12 of his 32 points in the span of 2 minutes to increase their lead to 82 – 39 with 10 minutes to play.  Just when it appeared that GBS would coast to 100 points Rishawn Davis was poked in the eye by a player on Onions who will remain anonymous.  It has yet to be confirmed that the poke was intentional.  Play was stopped in search of Rishawn’s contact.  In good faith Onions players were on the ground looking for the contact.  Just as someone uttered the words there is no way we are going to find it miraculously Onions own Rich Tyburski spotted the contact.  One of the better plays Onions had all night.  Great teamwork!  Only if I could give your team 60 points for good sportsmanship you would have tied.  Play once again resumed as Grizzle Bear Survivors continued their great shooting on their way to a 110 – 50 win.  This win set two current Glory Days Sports records for most points in a game and largest point differential.  Congratulations Grizzle Bear Survivors.  Sorry Onions!  Someone had to be on the other end of the stick.  If it means anything I couldn’t think of a better group of guys for it to happen to.  

Stayed tuned for next weeks newsletter as we have some great matchups!!! Until then Au revoir