9-1-11 Championship Game

Knights 9 Lunetta's5

FINAL REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry       11-1

Americans                  9-3

Knights                       9-3

Lunetta's                    4-8

Dudas                        4-8

EA Wireless                4-8

Canes                       1-11

9-1-11 Results Article

KNIGHTS ARE GLORY DAYS KINGS

The Orchard Park Bishop Burke Knights defeated Lunettas Restaurant 9-5 and won the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League Championship on 9/1 at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls. A large crowd watched game MVP Mike Hallinan hold Lunettas scoreless from the hill after the 3^rd inning as he also drove in 3 runs with a triple, double and single to pace the Knights attack. The Knights, the oldest team in the League with an average age of over 59, finished the season with an overall 12-3 record. The underdog Lunettas squad ended at 6-9.

Both teams came out smoking at the plate. Lunettas scored 3 runs in the top of the 1^st inning as Phil Teibel and Lim Larivey doubled while Tim Bajdas and Dave DiPietro stroked key singles. The Knights stormed right back and almost blew the game open as their first 6 batters all scored in the bottom of the 1^st frame. Al Schum and Hallinan tripled while Jim OBrien, Al Malke, Pete Rich, Mike Baetzhold, Dave Stepien and Sam DeJohn all poked singles in the inning for a 6-3 lead.

The Knights made the score 7-3 in the 2^nd when Rich drove in Schum with a sacrifice fly. Lunettas wouldnt quit and scored twice in the 3^rd to make it a 7-5 game. Darryl Szarpa singled to open the inning and later scored on a 2 RBI single by Greg Bajdas.

With a 7-5 lead after three innings the Knights defense held Lunettas scoreless on just 5 singles for the balance of the contest. The Knights added scores in the 5^th and 6^th as both Kevin Larson and DeJohn scored for the Champs!

Rich Nassoiy and Gary Preischel each made big plays in the field for the Knights in their strong defensive effort. For Lunettas, Bob Hanlon had a perfect 3 for 3 day at the dish, Teibel went 3 for 4, Dave Carlson had an RBI and Denny Collins needed a bit more defensive support as he pitched a great game in defeat.

Back Row: Dave Stepien, Kevin Larson, Al Malke, Gary Preischel, Mgr. Mike Kirkpatrick, Al Schum, Pete Rich & Sam DeJohn

Bottom Row: Rich Nassoiy, Mike Hallinan, Grant Pieniazek (bat boy) Pia Kirkpatrick, Jim O'Brien (with trophy & champage) & Mike Baetzhold.

Missing from photo: Tom McMquillan & Mike Smith

Final Glory Days 2011 Handshakes

9-1-11 82 degrees and Partly Sunny

Al Malke speeds toward home as waived on by Manager Mike Kirkpatrick on a 1st inning triple by Mike Hallinan. Lunetta's pitcher Denny Collins moves to back-up the play as Dave DiPietro fires the ball back into the infield. 9-1-11

8-25-11 Results Article

BIRDS WINGS CLIPPED BY LUNETTAS

In the biggest upset in the history of the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League the brand new Lunettas Restaurant team beat the defending Champions, Lehner Masonry, 2-1 in semi-final play-off action. The Surfin Birds entered the game with a 20-4 record over two seasons. Lunettas will face the Bishop Burke Knights for the Championship as they defeated the Americans 12-2 at J.P.Nicely Park in West Falls.

Lunettas came into the game with a modest 2 game win streak after finishing 4-8 during the regular season. The great defensive contest was scoreless until the 6^th frame when the visiting Lunettas team tallied twice. Tim Bajdas poked a single and Dave DiPietro crushed a double over the leftfielders head to plate the initial run of the game. Greg Bajdas advanced DiPietro to 3^rd and Jim Larivey drove in what turned out to be the winning run with a hard smash up the middle.

In the bottom of the 6^th the Surfin Birds rallied with a run of their own as John Wichman smacked a bases loaded single to score John Roedel. In the tense bottom of the 7^th the Birds had runners on 1^st and 2^nd base when Lunettas 2nd baseman Larivey completed a 4-3 putout to put the huge upset in the books. Dennis Collins pitched a great game in Lunettas victory, Darryl Szarpa had 5 putouts at 3^rd base, Tim Bajdas had 6 at shortstop, Bob Hanlon went 3 for 3 and Dennis Smith made a great running catch in right centerfield and went 2 for 3 at the dish. For the Birds Wichman had 2 hits while Joe and Tom Tighe had 10 putouts in the outfield.

The Bishop Burke Knights came out slugging early and pulled off a 12-2 win over the Americans who had defeated them twice during the regular season. The Knights scored 7 runs in the 1^st inning and never looked back. The Americans posted 2 of their own in the same frame but couldnt score again against a very tough Knights defense.

Winning pitcher Mike Hallinan helped his cause with 2 RBIs, Pete Rich went 2 for 4, Kevin Larson knocked in 3 runs going 3 for 4 while Al Malke was strong in leftfield defensively and went 2 for 4. Mike Beightzol had a 3 for 4 day at the dish, Dave Stepien added 2 RBIs while Sam DeJohn was 2 for 4.

The Americans had strong games in the field from shortstop Boris Kuvshinoff and Ken Struck at 3^rd base. Dave Corbelli and John Furey each added 2 hits to the attack while Dan Ozimek poked a double.

8-18-11 News Article

KNIGHTS AND LUNETTAS ADVANCE IN PLAY-OFFS

The Orchard Park Bishop Burke Knights and Lunettas Restaurant won their Round I Play-Off games in the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League and will move on to face the top 2 seeds in semi-final action. The Knights defeated EA Wireless 4-0 and Lunettas prevailed over the Dudas 5-1 at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls.

Lunettas combined great defense with timely hitting to secure the win over the Wallenweins Dudas. The outfield of Darryl Szarpa, Phil Teibel, Dave DiPietro and Dennis Smith combined for 11 put-outs while third baseman Dave Carlson added 5 in support of winning pitcher Denny Collins. Lunettas tallied 4 runs in the 3^rd inning behind a double by DiPietro and RBI singles by Szarpa and brothers Tim and Greg Bajdas to take the lead. Carlson drove in Tim Bajdas following his deep shot triple to close out the scoring in the 6^th. Dennis McMullen went 3 for 3 at the dish, Smith 1 for 2 and Jim Larivey was strong at 2^nd base for the winners.

For the Dudas veteran Greg Hunt went 3 for 3, Terry Belz had a 2 for 3 day while Mark Cooke and Tony DiFilippo each smacked singles. Ken Horton was steady at shortstop, Lenny Mazurkiewicz played well at 2^nd base and John Cimperman threw out a Lunettas runner at the plate behind the pitching of Tony Roncone.

The Knights advanced to Round II with a 4-0 victory over EA Wireless. Winning pitcher Mike Hallinan didnt allow a Connection runner to pass 2^nd base in the tight, well played defensive game. Knights leftfielder Al Malke stroked a 2 RBI double to cement the win. Pete Rich, Hallinan and Gary Preischel all had key hits for the winners.

The Connection of EA Wireless utilized some defensive shifts to slow down the Knights offense but couldnt round the bases themselves. Ray Orr, Joe Levesque and Fred Marshall all went 2 for 3 at the plate while Lance Over made 7 put-outs at shortstop in the hard fought loss.

This week in Round II Play-Off action Lunettas will face the defending Champions Lehner Masonry while the Americans will take on the Knights. All games will be played at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls with the first pitch at 6:30 PM.

8-11-11 News Article

BIRDS SOAR TO FIRST PLACE

The Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League wrapped up regular season play as the Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds captured 1^st place in Championship style. The defending Champions swept a double-header from the Americans who were tied with them for the top spot with a combination of steady hitting and great defense. Both teams will get a BYE in this Thursdays Round I Play-Off action. The Knights will square off against a hungry EA Wireless squad while Lunettas will play the DUDAS with both games starting at 6:30 PM at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls.

The Birds swept the DH 8-3 and 4-0. Their infield of Mamon, Wichman, Grabon and Allen recorded 30 total put-outs in the two games in support of Craig Zielin on the hill. Allen went 6 for 6 with 2 doubles and a triple. John Roedel had 4 hits, Bob Bierk had 5 hits including a triple and Mark Brinkel was great in the outfield and added a double for the Birds. The short-handed Americans were led by Ken Struck, Dan Ozimek and John Furey in the field and at the dish.

The EA Wireless Connection captured the 6^th and final Play-Off spot with a sweep of the Canes. In a 13-6 first game win the Connection scored 7 runs in the 4^th frame to secure the victory. Veteran Bob Stampfer had a big game going 3 for 3, scoring 2 runs and driving in 3 more. Ray Orr got the pitching win and helped himself with a 2 for 2 day at the plate. A huge defensive play turned the game around when Jonathan Backus of the Canes stroked a bases loaded double with no outs. Fred Marshall cut the ball off in the outfield, fired a solid relay throw to Brian Andrzejewski at 2^nd base who then threw home to catcher Ed Conboy in time to apply the tag for an out on the runner trying to score from 1^st base. The Canes never scored again in the inning. In the 2^nd game the Connection prevailed 8-6. Lance Over at shortstop was strong defensively and went 3 for 3 at the plate. John Marshall went 3 for 3 with a double and triple while Joe Levesque went 2 for 3 with a double and also robbed Backus of an extra base hit with a nice catch in deep right centerfield.

The Bishop Burke Knights finished in 3^rd place as they swept the DUDAS in two close games. In the first game the Knights trailed 9-7 going to the bottom of the 7^th inning when the bottom half of their batting order recorded 5 straight singles to pull out a 10-9 victory. Al Schum scored 3 runs and added a triple, Peter Rich drove in 3 runs with a double and sacrifice fly, Kevin Larson went 4 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Mike Beightzol had a 4 for 4 day while veteran Rich Nassoiy added 2 RBIs for the Knights. For the DUDAS Joe Shanahan was a perfect 4 for 4, Ken Horton knocked in 2 runs and Terry Belz marked his return to the line-up by adding 3 RBIs.

In the second game the Dudas trailed 10-2 going to the bottom of the final inning. Ten straight hitters got on base in a furious rally but the Knights held on for a 10-8 win. Al Malke had a great game smacking a grand slam while going 3 for 4, Larson had 4 RBIs and Jimmy OBrien scored 4 runs. Mike Hallinan got his 2^nd mound win of the day and helped his cause by going 2 for 3 in the second game Knights win. Lenny Mazurkiewicz poked a double, EJ Bitter added a two-bagger, Horton tripled and Mark Cooke singled during the final inning rally.

Pictures from 8-11-11 Play

Lenny Mazu of the DUDASsmacks a double in a 10-8 loss to the Knights

The bases are full of Connection runners as they clinch the final play-off spot with a 13-6 victory over the Canes

Bob Bierk powers a single up the middle as the Surfin' Birds clinch 1st Place against the Americans.

Ray Orr slices a double down the right field line against the Canes as EA Wireless clinches a Play-Off spot.

VIDEOS FROM 8-11-11 PLAY

http://youtu.be/dnN8O5_xtBc(Pete Rich at the Plate)

http://youtu.be/oUjl7Wrc7OA(Lance Over at SS)

http://youtu.be/wp0LPtNMsp0(Tony Roncone Great catch)

http://youtu.be/0vhwXMLugx8 (EA Wireless great 'D')

8-4-11 Newspaper Article

LUNETTAS CLINCHES PLAY-OFF SPOT

Lunettas Restaurant, a new team in the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League, clinched a play-off position with a 9-5 victory over the Wallenweins DUDAS in recent play. The play-off pairings and the final 6th team spot will be settled this week with double-header action at J.P.Nicely Park in West Falls.

Lunettas jumped to a quick 2-0 lead in the first inning as Tim Bajdas had an RBI double and Dave Carlson drove in Greg Bajdas who had singled with a sacrifice fly. The DUDAS came right back to tie as Joe Shanahan crushed a 2 run HR to right field. Lunettas took the lead for good in the 2^nd as winning pitcher Denny Collins drove in a run and Phil Teibel knocked in two more with a double. Dennis McMullen went 2 for 3, Bob Hanlon scored 2 runs, Jon Lines had 2 RBIs and, Dave DiPietro had an RBI for the winners. Pete Garbarini was strong behind the dish, Jim Larivey anchored 2^nd base and Carlson recorded 7 put-outs at 3^rd base for Lunettas. Jim Kane had a 2 for 3 at the plate while scoring 3 runs, Shanahan finished 3 for 3 and Greg Hunt made a great running catch in right field to rob DiPietro of a 4-bagger for the DUDAS.

The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds got back to their winning ways as they rallied to defeat a much improved Canes team 11-7. It was the Birds 10^th win in their last 11 League games. The score was 7-5 Canes entering the bottom of the 6^th when the Birds bats came alive as the plated 6 runs to win. John Wichman and Tom Tighe each had 3 hits in support of winning pitcher Craig Zielin. The Birds infield turned two double-plays while John Roedel, Coach John Grabon and Bob Bierk all smacked doubles for the winners. Tom Urbanski, Jonathan Backus and Dave Raponi each had 3 hits for the Canes.

In the final contest of the day the Bishop Burke Knights pounded the EA Wireless Connection 17-4. The Knights broke a 3-2 game wide open by scoring 7 runs in the third inning highlighted by a bases clearing triple by Al Schum. Winning hurler San DeJohn was 2 for 2 at the plate, Al Malke went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Kevin Larson had 3 RBIs and veteran Tom McQuillan scored 4 runs for the victorious Knights. For EA Wireless Gary Eckis played a strong game in left field and had 3 hits, Lance Over was 2 for 3 and Coach Fred Marshall had a 3 for 4 day. On defense John Marshall turned a fast double-play and his brother Fred robbed the Knights Larson of an extra base hit with a running catch early in the game. Bill Snyder took the hill loss but had a hit and scored for the Connection.

STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry 9-1

Americans 9-1

Knights 7-3

Dudas 4-6

Lunettas 4-8

EA Wireless2-8

Canes 1-9

7-28-11 Results Artilce

BIRDS STREAK SCREECHS TO AN END

The Bishop Burke Knights put up big numbers late in the game and knocked the Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds from the unbeaten ranks in Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League play. The loss ended the Birds 9 game winning streak and also dropped them into second place behind the Americans in the League standings.

Both the Knights and Birds came out smacking the ball with the score knotted at 4-4 after just the 1^st inning. The Knights tallied 2 in the 2^nd frame behind a Jim OBrien two-bagger but the Birds came back in the bottom of the inning to take a 7-6 lead as John Roedel poked a 2 RBI double. The Knights defense then took over the game recording 3 double-plays in support of winning pitcher Mike Hallinan who also added 2 hits and scored 3 runs. A big 6^th inning rally led by Kevin Larson and Dave Stepiens 2 RBI single gave the Knights the 13-7 victory. For Lehner Masonry Larry Allen had 3 hits, Mark Brinkel and Ken Mamon each added 2 hits and Joe Tighe made several nice running catches in the outfield.

The Americans ran their record to 9-1 and took over the top spot in the standings with a hard fought 8-5 win over Lunettas. A 5 run 2^nd inning sparked by RBI hits by Boris Kuvshinoff, Ken Struck and Dan Ozimek gave the Americans a quick lead. Lunettas rallied in the 4^th on RBI singles by Bob Hanlon and Dennis Smith to close the gap to 5-2. A Ron Bright double and RBI singles by Steve Piniewski and Jeff Gianiodis moved the score to 8-2. Lunettas rally fell short with just 3 runs on RBI hits by Dennis Collins and Greg Bajdas who also added 2 triples. Tony Rusinek got his 9^th straight mound win and Dave Corbelli was strong at 2^nd base for the Americans.

The Dudas moved into 4^th place with a solid 5-2 win over the EA Wireless Connection in a defensive struggle which had a 1-0 score in the 5^th inning. Winning pitcher Tony Roncone had 2 hits, John Cimperman had 3 RBIs and a triple and Wilson Curry added 2 singles for the Dudas. In a brilliant strategy move the Dudas twice moved outfielder Mark Cooke to the catcher position when the Connection had the bases loaded. In both situations perfect throws to Cooke nailed the base runners at the plate preserving the victory. Ray Orr went 2 for 3 and played a great defensive game on the hill for the Connection. John Marshall was 4 for 4, Ed Conboy was 2 for 3 as Brian Andrzejewski and Fred Marshall went 3 for 4 while scoring the only runs for EA Wireless.

STANDINGS

Americans 9-1

Lehner Masonry 8-1

Knights 6-3

Dudas 4-5

Lunettas 3-8

EA Wireless 2-7

Canes 1-8

7-21-11 Results Article

BIRDS SOAR TO 8-0 IN WOOD BAT LEAGUE

The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds pushed their record to 8-0 with a 16-3 win over EA Wireless in recent Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League play. The defending League Champions remain one-half game ahead of the Made-in-America Store Americans with 4 games to play in the season.

Mark Brinkel and Bob Bierk each had 3 hits and smashed HRs to lead the Birds attack. John Roedel went 4 for 4, Ed Engels added 3 hits and Ken Mamon made several exceptional defensive plays at 3^rd base while also contributing 3 hits including a double. Gary Eckis returned to action and went 2 for 3, Ed Conboy doubled in a 2 for 3 day and Lance Over was great at shortstop with several over the shoulder running catches for EA Wireless.

The Americans kept pace with a 13-4 victory over the Wallenweins Dudas. The Americans led 6-4 when key RBI hits by John Furey, Warren Lippert, Brian Spink and Ken Struck broke the game open with a 6 run 6^th inning. Tony Rusinek recorded his 7^th straight mound win and Dan Ozimek played superbly at three infield positions to help secure the win. Bill Ramsdell had 3 hits while Joe Shanahan poked a 3 run HR and added an RBI single to pace the Dudas attack. Len Mazurkiewicz made several nice diving stops at second base and combined with Wilson Curry to trap Ozimek in a run-down to lead the Wallenweins defense.

Lunettas got back in the win column with a 7-2 win over the Canes. Dave Carlson had a strong game at third base and knocked in 3 runs for the winners. Phil Teibel had a great 4 for 4 day at the dish, Greg Bajdas tripled, Pete Garbarini went 2 for 3 with a double and Dennis Smith went 2 for 3. Denny Collins got the hill win, Darryl Szarpa had 2 hits, Bob Hanlon had a key RBI single and was solid at 2^nd base as was Tim Bajdas at shortstop to help smother the Canes attack. Dave Raponi, Julian Laggett and Jim Navagh led the way for the Canes with 2 hits each. Steve Welk made a spectacular running catch in centerfield to rob Lunettas of 3 more runs.

WGRZ-TV Sports Reporter Ben Hayes and crew stopped by J.P. Nicely Park in West Falls to do a short story about the Glory Days League. We are the only Senior Mens (50+) Slow-Pitch League using WOOD BATS supplied by the League in the USA! Come on out and join the fun!

STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry 8-0

Americans 8-1

Knights 5-3

Wallenweins 3-5

Lunettas 3-7

EA Wireless 2-6

Canes 1-8

7-14-11 Results Article

SWEEPS DOMINATE GLORY DAYS PLAY

Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League play at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls featured double-header sweeps by the teams leading in the standings. The Surfin Birds, Americans and Knights all won both their games and remained in the top 3 spots after 10 weeks of action.

The undefeated Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds won their 1^st game vs. the Wallenweins Dudas 8-5 behind the hitting of Bob Bierk, Larry Allen and Tom Tighe. John Roedel in right centerfield and Ken Mamon at 3^rd base made several great plays to hold down the Dudas offense. For Wallenweins Joe Shanahan smashed a 2 run HR, Mark Cooke had an RBI single and John Cimperman stroked an RBI double. Tony DiFilippo didnt have time to watch the game as he recorded 9 put-outs & 2 assists at 3^rd base for the Dudas. In the second game the Birds scored all their runs in the 1^st inning and shut down the Dudas attack behind winning pitcher Craig Zielin in a 4-0 victory. John Wichman, John Grabon, Mark Brinkel, Ed Engels and Joe Tighe all had key hits in the 4 run first inning. Jim Kane and Frank Bartolomeo each had 2 hits for the Dudas.

The Made-in-America Americans held on to second place in the standings with a sweep of the Canes. In an 18-7 win pitcher Tony Rusinek went 3 for 5 with a double as wile veteran Jeff Becker smacked a four-bagger to key a 6 run first inning for the Americans. Coach Ken Struck was 4 for 4 at the dish, Brian Spink went 3 for 5 and Boris Kuvshinoff was extra solid at shortstop and added 3 hits for the winners. For the Canes Steve Welk had 4 singles, Tom Urbanski was 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles, Tom Richert poked 2 doubles while Tony Kempa and Dave Raponi each went 2 for 4. In the 2^nd game Rusinek hurled a 2 hitter in a 4-0 win as Struck and Kuvshinoff each had 2 hits.

The 3^rd place Bishop Burke Knights won two tight games over Lunettas. In the first game Mike Beightzol had an RBI single and Al Schum an RBI double in the 4^th inning to knot the score at 2-2 in a defensive struggle. Beightzol then drove in the go ahead run in the 5^th as the Knights won a close 4-2 battle. Mike Hallinan got the hill win and added 2 hits. For Lunettas Greg Bajdas, Tim Bajdas and Phil Teibel all doubled as did Dave DiPietro who went 2 for 3 at the plate. In the second game of the sweep the Knights defense dominated as Sam DeJohn at SS and Gary Preischel at 3B were excellent in the 4-1 win. Al Malke stroked a 2 out, 2 run triple as Hallinan picked up his 2^nd win of the day. Dave Stepien had 2 hits and made several nice plays in the OF for the Knights. DiPietro went 2 for 2 and Tim Bajdas doubled for Lunettas.

7-14-11 PICTURES

Bob Bierk smacks a double for the Birdsvs. the Dudas

Crafty veteran Jeff Becker of the Americanspokes a double down the line in a win over the Canes

Dave Corbelli of the Americans at the dish in a win vs. the Canes

Wilson Curry of the Dudas smashes a ball at base runner Tony DiFilippo and Birds 1st baseman Larry Allen on 7-14-11

Larry Allen of the Birds makes a great twisting catch on a throw from pitcher Craig Zielin in a victory over the Dudas

Larry Allen of the Birds strokes a double as base runner John Grabon

starts a trip to 3rd base vs. the Dudas

7-7-11 Article

AMERICANS SWEEP KNIGHTS

The Made-In-America Store Americans swept both games of a double-header against the Orchard Park Bishop Burke Knights in a key matchup during Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League play. Excellent defense and RBI hits with two-outs allowed the Americans to post the victories and move two full games ahead of the Knights in the standings.

The Americans won the first game 7-1as they pulled away with 4 runs in the 6^th inning.Boris Kuvshinoff at shortstop and Ken Struck at 3^rd base anchored the defense and each went 3 for 4 at the plate. Steve Pinewski smacked a long ball for the winners. Peter Rich and Jimmy OBrien each had two hits for the Knights. In a tight 4-3 second game win both John Furey and Kuvshinoff had 2 RBI singles with 2 outs to pace the attack. Dave Corbelli, Jeff Gianiodis, Ron Bright, Jeff Becker and Dan Ozimek all sparkled defensively in support of 2 game winning pitcher Tony Rusinek. Gary Preischel had 2 hits and was strong at 3^rd base for the Knights.

The Canes broke into the left-side win column as they won the first game of their DH with the Wallenweins Dudas 8-7. Dave Long drove in Tom Urbanski who had tripled for the winning run in the bottom of the 6^th inning as the Canes rallied from a 7-3 deficit to grab the victory. Frank Walsh went 2 for 3, Urbanski added 3 more hits, Tom Richert went 3 for 4 as did Dave Raponi while winning pitcher Tony Kempa had a 4 for 4 day at the dish. The Dudas turned two double-plays involving Tony DiFilippo and Greg Hunt in the infield. John Cimperman, Wilson Curry and Jim Kane each had 2 hits while Hunt tripled for the Dudas. In the 2^nd game Wallenweins rebounded with a 6-3 victory over the Canes. Cimperman smacked a solo four-bagger into the RF gap to start the game. Frank Bartolomeo, Kane, Kerry Hise and Hunt then all followed with base hits to give the Dudas a quick 4-0 lead after the 1^st inning. Tony Roncone was the winning pitcher as the Canes scored just 3 runs all in the 4^th inning. Welk went 3 for 3, Raponi had a double and Walsh added 2 hits for the Canes in defeat.

Lunettas and EA Wireless also split their twin bill. Lunettas won 12-1 in the first game as Phil Teibel, Dave Carlson, Greg Bajdas, Dave DiPietro, Darryl Szarpa and Jim Larivey all poked 2 hits in the game to pace the steady attack. Rookie Brian Guise went 3 for 3 with a triple and 3 RBIs. Tim Bajdas and Ange Daluisio played strong games defensively in the infield behind winning pitcher Denny Collins. Joe Levesque doubled, Brian Andrzejewski added 2 hits and Lance Over was strong at shortstop for the Connection of EA Wireless. In the second game winning pitcher Ray Orr held Lunettas to just 4 hits in a 5-1 win. Dom Patterson had a key 2 run single and Levesque drove in 2 more runs for the Connection. Over returned to the field after an injury and along with John Marshall led the Connection defense. Tim Bajdas tripled for Lunettas.

STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry 5-0

Americans 5-1

Wallenweins 3-2

Knights 3-3

Lunettas 2-5

EA Wireless 2-5

Canes 1-5

6-30-11 Article

AMERICANS AND BIRDS UNDEFEATED

The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds and the Made-in-America Store Americans remain unbeaten as the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League moved into second round of play. The Birds defeated Lunettas Restaurant 14-2 while the Americans moved by EA Wireless 20-8 at J.P. Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls.

The Surfin Birds poured on a barrage of singles and scored in every inning but one to pound out the 14-2 victory. Coach John Grabon, John Wichman and winning pitcher Craig Zielin each had 3 singles to pace the attack. Larry Allen and Bob Bierk both poked two-baggers and Ken Mamon was strong defensively at 3^rd base for the winners. Brothers Greg and Tim Bajdas each had 2 hits for the Lunettas squad.

The Americans were led by a towering big fly and 3 singles from Tom Spulecki as Tony Rusinek took the hill win and also went 4 for 5 at the dish. Jeff Gianiodis made a spectacular diving catch at 3^rd base and also smacked 3 doubles for the winners. John Furey and Steve Pinewski hit triples and Ken Struck had a 3 for 4 outing for the victorious Americans. For EA Wireless Dom Patterson played a good game in left field and smacked a HR. Both Brian Andrzejewski and John Marshall went 2 for 3 at the plate with doubles.

In the final game of the day the Knights of Bishop Burke bombed the Canes 18-2. Tom McQuillan sparked on the hill while adding 4 hits. Peter Rich went 5 for 5, Mike Smith had 3 hits and scored 4 runs, Al Malke tripled, Gary Preischel went 3 for 4 and Al Schum was strong at shortstop for the winners. For the Canes Tom Urbanski stroked a triple to drive in Steve Welk and Dave Raponi added an RBI single.

STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry 5-0

Americans 4-0

Knights 3-1

Wallenweins 2-1

Lunettas 1-4

Canes 0-4

EA Wireless 0-5

CHECK OUT the video below as Coach Stegner tries to help Lunetta's keep the mighty DUDAS offense in check!!!

http://youtu.be/xIK095mkUTE

Jim Kane of Wallenwein's smashes a line drive single past 3rd baseman Jim Larivey of Lunetta's in a 6-4 Wally's victory on 6-16-11.

6-16 Article

WALLENWEINS MOVES TO 2nd SPOT

An ever improving Wallenweins team combined timely hitting with sound defense to defeat Lunettas Restaurant 6-4 in Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League play. The DUDAS of Wallenweins never trailed in the well played game as they moved into a tie for the 2^nd spot in the League standings.

The DUDAS took a 2-0 lead in the 2^nd inning as Bill Ramsdell smacked a double to drive in Greg Hunt and Mark Cooke. Jim Kane had 2 hits and drove in the third run for the winners. John Cimperman went 3 for 4 with a double, Ken Horton doubled while Hunt drove in the eventual winning runs with a single in the 6^th frame. Wilson Curry got the mound decision with very strong relief support from Tony Roncone. Frank Bartolomeo and Doug Hayes sparkled in the field while Terry Belz took away 3 runs with a great catch down the right field line with the bases loaded. Greg Bajdas and brother Tim each stroked 3 hits for Lunettas and played strong defensive games. Phil Teibel went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs and Jim Larivey added 2 hits for Lunettas.

The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds recorded a rare shut-out as they beat the CANES 15-0. Rookie Bob Bierk hit a double and triple in a 5 for 5 day, Tom Tighe also went 5 for 5, Mark Brinkel pounded a double and 2 triples and Ed Engels doubled. Kevin Palmer had 2 hits in support of the shut-out pitching of Craig Zielin.

The Knights of the Bishop Burke Knights of Columbus poured on the offense to defeat EA Wireless 16-4. Pete Rich had a 3 for 4 day in support of winning pitcher Mike Hallinan. Jim OBrien poked a grand slam, Mike Smith went 3 for 4 and Rich Nassoiy added 2 hits for the winners. Veteran pitcher Bill Gonsa was on the hill for the Connection of EA Wireless and added 2 solid hits. Lance Over was 2 for 3 with a double. Over also made a great play in the field as he relayed a throw to Ray Orr at second base to gun down the speedy OBrien. Dominic Patterson was solid in centerfield and reached base 3 times for the Connection.

STANDINGS:

Lehner Masonry 4-0

Americans 3-0

Wallenweins 2-1

Knights 2-1

Lunettas1-3

Canes 0-3

EA Wireless 0-4

6-9-11 Article

AMERICANS AND BIRDS UNDEFEATED

After three weeks of play in the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League the AMERICANS coached by Ken Struck and the Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds led by John Grabon remain the only undefeated teams with perfect 3-0 records. The Birds pulled out a dramatic 15-14 victory over the Knights while the AMERICANS rallied with 4 runs in the 6^th inning to beat Lunettas 6-3 in League action.

The Surfin Birds scored 4 runs in the top of the 6^th inning led by rookie Bob Bierks two RBI triple and then held the Knights scoreless in their final two plate appearances to win the thriller 15-14. Leftfielder Joe Tighe made an over-the-shoulder running catch with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7^th to preserve the victory. Tom Tighe poked 4 hits while Mark Brinkel went 4 for 4 with a four-bagger and added 5 RBIs. Ed Engels doubled and Grabon had 3 hits in support of winning pitcher Craig Zielin. The Bishop Burke Knights of Columbus were led by Mike Smiths 4 for 5 day at the dish and a triple by Al Malke. Pete Rich and Jim OBrien each had 2 hits as rookie pitcher Tom McQuillan took the hill loss but also slammed a triple.

The AMERICANS kept their record unblemished by scoring 4 runs with 2 outs on keys hits by Dan Ozimek and Dave Corbelli in the decisive 6^th for the 6-3 win over the young Lunettas squad. Jeff Becker had a great day at the plate going 3 for 4, Tom Spulecki had 2 hits including a double and scored 3 runs as John Furey stroked an RBI single all in support of the master on the mound Tony Rusinek. Lunettas played a sound defensive game with nice plays by Greg Bajdas, Dennis Smith and Phil Teibel in support of Denny Collins who pitched a strong game. Tim Bajdas doubled in 2 runs and scored the 3^rd as Lunettas led 3-2 after 5 frames. Bob Hanlon had an RBI and Jon Lines had 2 hits for the losers.

The DUDAS of Wallenweins got into the left side column with a 14-4 win over EAWireless. Tony Roncone was the winning pitcher as veteran Len Mazurkiewicz pounded his 400^th career triple in East Aurora softball history driving in 3 runs to break open a 1-1 tie game after 3 innings. The DUDAS played great in the field as the Jim Kane, Greg Hunt and Wilson Curry infield combination turned a double play while Doug Hayes in centerfield threw a strike to catcher Mark Cooke to gun down an EA Wireless runner. John Cimperman, Frank Bartolomeo and Terry Belz each added 3 hits for the winners. For the Connection Ray Orr, Lance Over and Arnie Eisensmith each smacked 2 hits.

6-2-11 ARTICLE

SURFIN BIRDS KEEP WINNING

The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds are the defending Champions of the Glory Days 50+ Wood Bat Softball League. They ran their 11 record to 2-0 with timely hitting and strong defensive play in a 12-1 win over EA Wireless to highlight League play at J.P.Nicely Memorial Park in West Falls.

The Birds infield of Ken Mamon, John Wichman, John Grabon and Larry Allen turned 3 double-plays behind winning pitcher Craig Zielin. Rookie Bob Bierk doubled, Allen was 4 for 4 with a double while John Roedel had 4 hits. Ed Engels and Wichman also added 3 hits for the Champs. Lance Over played a very strong game at shortstop for the Connection of EA Wireless. Ray Orr broke up the shut-out bid with an RBI single in the 6^th inning.

In a battle of brand new teams Lunettas Restaurant bounced the CANES 12-4. Veteran pitcher Denny Collins got the hill win and helped himself with a 3 for 4 day at the dish. Brothers Greg and Tim Bajdas each went 3 for 4 while Jon Lines and Dennis Smith poked doubles. Phil Teibel and Darryl Szarpa anchored the outfield, Angelo Daluisio helped turn 2 infield double-plays at 2B while rookie Pete Garbarini made a great tumbling catch at third base for the winners. For the CANES Frank Walsh had 2 hits in 3 trips to the plate, Tom Reichert played tough at shortstop and added a hit while Dave Raponi stroked a 2 RBI single.

In the final game of the day the AMERICANS broke open a close game with a steady barrage of hits in innings 4 through 7 to defeat the Wallenweins DUDAS 19-5. With the score tied at 5 after three innings the AMERICANS scored 14 unanswered runs behind a towering HR by Tom Spulecki. Tony Rusinek got the mound win and went 5 for 6 at the plate. Jeff Becker added 4 singles, Steve Piniewski slammed 3 triples and Boris Kuvshinoff scored 4 runs off 4 hits for the winners. For the DUDAS Kerry Hise played a great game at shortstop and stroked a 2 run double. Terry Belz had 2 hits as Tony Roncone took the hill loss.

STANDINGS

Lehner Masonry 2-0

AMERICANS 2-0

KNIGHTS 1-0

Lunettas 1-1

Wallenweins 0-1

EA Wireless 0-2

CANES 0-2

5-12-11

WOOD BATS ARE BACK

The Glory Days 50+ Mens Wood Bat Softball League began their 2^nd season with three new teams and an expanded schedule of games at J.P. Nicely Park Memorial Park in West Falls. The Lehner Masonry Surfin Birds, defending League Champions, won a hard fought game over new entry Lunettas Restaurant 10-5 to highlight action.

Lunettas took the field with only 3 players who participated in the League last season and 8 rookies. In the top of the 1^st they jumped to a 4-0 lead as Dave Carlson, Greg Bajdas, Dave DiPietro, Dennis Smith and Dennis Caruana all smacked solid base hits. The Birds came back with 3 scores of their own in the bottom of the frame as winning pitcher Mark Brinkel and John Wichman plated the RBIs. The Birds gained the lead as they pecked away with 2 runs in innings 3, 5 and 6 as Brinkel doubled while Ken Mamon, John Grabon and Jerry Krawczyk had key RBI singles. For the Wolves of Lunettas Bajdas doubled and Caruana went 2 for 3 at the dish.

The Bishop Burke Knights of Columbus defeated the CANES 8-1 in a battle of new teams in the Glory Days League. The score was just 4-1 after 6 innings but the Knights plated 4 runs in the top of the 7^th to secure the victory. Mike Hallinan got the hill win as the CANES scored 1 unearned run. Pete Rich and Rich Nassoiy each had 2 RBIs while Jimmy OBrien scored on a 1^st base to home dash with a headfirst slide. Mike Smith played a great defensive game at 1^st base. Coach Tony Kempa took the mound loss for the CANES but also had the first RBI hit in team history.

In the final game of the day the AMERICANS scored early and often as they defeated EA Wireless 17-2. Kevin Struck gained the pitching win and added 2 singles and a double. Jeff Becker was strong at 2^nd base while adding a four-bagger and 2 singles. Ken Struck had 2 doubles, Steve Pinewski poked 3 singles and Jeff Gianiodis had 3 hits for the winners. On the bright side for the Connection, LP Bill Gonsa went 2 for 2 and scored a run, Bob Stampfer was 2 for 3 and Gary Eckis returning after a 15 year absence from softball played a strong defensive game.

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