|
|
 |
|
|
Durkin's Complete Game Victory Leads Braves over D-Backs
October 19, 2008 --
Tom Durkin (1-1, Save, 5.49) pitched a complete game victory as the Braves beat the Diamondbacks 7-6 at Sulak Field. Tom scattered 10 hits, any of them hard luck hits which either found holes of landed in front of the Braves outfielders and 3 walks over 9 innings as he kept the D-backs off balance all day,
Al Bracuti scored three times on a single, double and triple before flying out to deep right center field in the 6th inning after fouling a ball off his foot, just missing hitting for the cycle. Rich Durso and Tom Durkin doubles drove in two runs in the first inning. Victor Nieves drove in two runs. While Dan Mazzilli’s triple in the 4th drove in two runs before Chris Cichorek drove him in with his team leading 8th RBI.
.
|
VanOverloop gets the Win, Cichorek drives in 4
October 12, 2008 --
Chris Cichorek drove in four runs on three hits, scored once, stole a base and threw out one runner attmepting to steal. Al Bracuti homered and collected two hits in the 16-3 win over the Padres.
Mark Van Overloop picked up his second consecutive win, pitching 6 scoreless innings before allowing the Padres to score in the 7th.
|
Durso's 5 RBIs Van Overloop's pitching Lead Braves to 16-5 Win
September 28, 2008 --
Rich Durso went 4 for 5 while driving in 5 runs to lead the Braves to a 16-5 win. Jim Muldow singled, double, stole a base and drove in 4 runs.
Marl Van Overloop earned the victory while only giving up 2 earned runs on 6 innings
|
Al Bracuti's 5th home run of the season was the only bright spot in the Braves 11-1 loss to the Crdinals.
|
Tim Kenny won his first game as a Brave behind some timely hitting and solid defense.
The Braves jumped out into the lead in the first on three straight hits and a walk to take the lead. But the BlueJays came back on a three run homer in the bottom half of the frame. From there, through the 7th inning, Kenny was nearly flawless only giving up another run in the 7th and one in the 8th before yielding to John Laughlin, who closed out the game and was credited with the save, striking out five in 2 innings. Along the way, Kenny was aided by some superb defense. First in the 4, when Chris Cichorek saved a run by catching up to a long fly ball hit deep into the right center field gap, and in the 7th, when a Al Bracuti made a leaping catch at the left field wall saving another run, and a diving John Laughlin smoothing a ground ball which would have brought in another run.
Offensively, John Laughin homered in the third (2 for 5, double, HR, run, 4RBIs). Al Bracuti (3 for 5, 2 runs, 1` RBI) and Rich Durso (3 for 5, 2 runs) lead the Braves
|
Two different A's pitchers five hit the Park Ridge Braves, handing them their 5th loss of the season.
John Laughin took the loss, but pitched very well and was helped by good defense by Chris Cichorek in the 4th, saving two runs after trapping a line drive when he threw the ball to Dan Mazilli who flipped the ball to Bill Delany to end the forth, and by making another over the shoulder catch in the 7th.John Ross saved another run in the 5th with a diving catch on a line drive to third.
Al Bracuti picked up two of the five hits as he continues to maul league pitching. Rocky Panetta also had two hits.
|
June 1, 2008 --
Rich Durso's (4 for 5, HR, 3 runs, 6 RBIs, stolen base) third inning grand slam in the 3rd inning set the tone for this game as the Braves defeated the Padre's 18-8 in a shortened 7 inning game.Al Bracuti (5 for 6, 4 runs, 2 RBIs, stolen base, homer, two triples) also homered for his league leading 6th home run. Dan Mazilli's (2 for 4, run, 3RBIs HR) put the icing on the Braves win.
The Braves pounded out 18 hits, plating 18 runs ion the process.
Starter Mark Van Overloop got the win limiting the Padres to 4 earned runs while scattering 12 hits.
|
http://www.vanityfair.com/online/culture/2008/06/24/shatterproof-bats-from-africa.html
|
April 6, 2008 - 09:00 PM --
Hasbrook Heights, NJ – The Park Ridge Braves opened the 2008 season with a loss against the Hasbrook Heights Reds, losing the game 12-11.
The Reds scored in the opening frame on a walk and a single. The Braves came back and posted two runs in the 2nd after singles by Rocky Panetta (3 for 4, 2 runs, 3 RBI) and John Laughlin (3 for 4, 2 runs, double triple) scored on John Ross’ (1 for 4, 2 RBI) two out double.
The Reds tied the game in the bottom of the 2nd. The Braves came roaring back, scoring 6 times on Al Bracuti’s (1 for 3, HR, run 2 RBIs) home run, a two run triple by Panetta, a ground out by Bill Delany (0 for 3, run, RBI walk) and a single by Chris Cichorek (1 for 4, 2 RBIs). The Reds scored two unearned runs in the bottom of the frame, followed by single runs in the 4th and 6th innings. By the time the Braves scored twice more in the top of the 8th on a Panetta single and walk by Delany, the Braves had built a 5 run lead.
The Reds plated six runs in the bottom of the eight off reliever Laughlin (0-1 54.00 ERA) and never relinquished the lead. Good pitching by starter Rick Bedford (0-0 6.75 ERA), and Tim Kenny (0-0, 3.00 ERA) kept the Reds at bay for most of the game, giving up only 3 earned runs through 7 innings.
|
April 13, 2008 - 04:00 PM --
Park Ridge, NJ – The Park Ridge Braves needed all their offense and some good defense, which included two 6-run innings to defeat the Montvale D’backs 15 – 12 in their home opener at Sulak Field.
General manager/manager Ritchie Durso, after consulting with the Braves managerial brain trust, decided to make some line-up changes and they sported a different line up, which placed left fielder Al Bracuti (2 for 3, 2 Home Runs, 2 runs, 3 RBIs, walk) in the lead off spot. The move immediately paid dividends as Bracuti lead off the bottom half of the 1st by crushing a home run to deep right field and sparked a 6 run inning which also featured a two run triple by Dan Mazzilli (3 for 4, 1 run, 4RBIs. The Braves were also aided by 3 D’back errors.
The D’backs plated 5 runs of their own in the top of the second to pull within one run mainly on the benefit of a grand slam, before the Braves scored twice in the 3rd on a SAC fly by Rick Bedford (1-0, SAC, RBI), and single by Rocky Panetta (2 for 4, run 2 RBIs). John Ross (2 for 3, double, HR, 2 runs, 3 RBIs
Braves starting pitcher Tom Durkin got himself into trouble after giving up a home run in the forth inning, and 3 runs in the third before being relieved by John Ross, who went on to pick up the victory.
The Braves scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 7th on a three run home run blast by Bracuti, and a two run double by Ross, and an RBI single by Mazilli. Bracuti’s home run ties him for the league lead.
Reliever Ross was flawless until giving up a three run homer to the D’backs left field (his third of the game). Both pitchers benefited by three double plays and perfect defense. The Braves have only commited two errors in two games.
|
Brucati's Walk Off Home Run Ices Astros
November 18, 2007 --
In an exciting end to the game and the season, Al Brucati (2 for 4, 2HRs, walk, 2 runs, 2 RBIs) drilled the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the 9th over the right field wall lifting the Braves 7-6 over the Astros. The home run was the second of the game for Brucati, and the 5th of the fall season, shattering all single season Marlins/Braves home run records. Brucati also had 10 home runs for the Orioles during the summer night season. The home run also gave him the team RBI lead with 15, pushing past Chris Cichorek (1 for 3, RBI, 2 stolen bases), and Mark Van Overloop (1 for 5, 1 RBI).
The Braves benefited by 6 Astros errors, 3 walks and one hit by pitch. John Laughlin ended the season by blistering 3 more hits and stealing two bases, giving him the team lead in team batting average (.578) runs scored (19), hits (26), doubles (6) and stolen bases (5 tied with Dan Mazilli).
Mark Van Overloop (4-2, 5.63) pitched the complete game win, his second complete game of the season. He scattered 14 hits over nine innings.
|
Braves Rout Rockland Yankees
November 11, 2007 --
Braves Rout Rockland Yankees 17-5
After falling behind 5-1, the Park Ridge Braves erupted for 9 runs in the 4th and another 7 in the 5th to defeat the Rockland Yankees 17-5. The Braves roughed-up Yankees pitching in the 4th by sending 13 batters to the plate, chasing the Yankees starter. The Braves were assisted by the Yankees reliever in the 5th, scoring 7 times with the help of 7 walks.
Al Burcati’s 2 RBIs moved him into a tie for the team lead with Chris Cichorek and Mark VanOverloop with 13. Juan Espinal drive in 3 runs as he lead the bottom third of the order, which contributed a total of 7 RBIs and 5 runs scored. Rocky Panetta drove in 2 runs on 2 doubles and a walk.
Mark Van Overloop (3-1, 5.52 ERA) pitched a complete game win, while scattering 11 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4.
|
Laughlin Shatters Record, Other records and Braves Fall 7-6 in14 Innings
November 6, 2007 - 05:00 PM --
Team and league records fell as the A’s defeated the Park Ridge Braves by a score of 7-6 in 14 innings. This was the longest game in league history, which was highlighted by a record 11 innings pitched in one game by Braves pitcher, John Laughin (2-0, 2.675 ERA), who struck out 9 and allowed only 3 earned runs. Laughlin also continued his year long assault on opposition pitching by collecting 3 hits and scoring twice. He leads the Braves in both categories with 22 hits and 18 runs.
The Braves got off to a rocky start by giving up 3 runs (2 earned) in the first, but retaliated in the bottom of the second with RBI singles by Chris Cichorek (2 for 4, 3 RBIs, 1 walk), and Juan Espinal (single, RBI). In the forth, the A’s retaliated with two runs and were threatening for more, when Jim Muldow picked off a line drive and fired home to catcher Cichorek who applied a diving tag at the plate to end the inning. The Braves pulled within one in the bottom of the 4th with Cichorek’s 2RBI single, which returned him to the team lead in RBIs with 12, share with Mark Van Overloop. Laughlin shut down the A’s for 7 consecutive innings until he left the game after the 11th inning. Van Overloop relieved Laughlin in the top of the 12th and surrendered a run, which the braves matched in the bottom of the inning. A single, stolen base, ground out and sac fly in the top of the 14th plated the A’s winning run.
This was the Braves 4th lose of the Fall season, also a record, and the four loss in the Fall season to come in the final inning, also a team and league record.
The Braves play their final game of the season this coming Sunday at Sulak Park.
|
Kenny Strikes out 11/Laughlin Stays hot in Braves Loss
October 8, 2007 - 10:00 PM --
Tim Kenny (1-1, 6.06) was within two outs of a masterful complete game performance by striking out 11, while scattering 7 hits and 4 walks. Instead, Kenny wound up taking the loss as errors, walks and timely hits allowed the Bergen Yankees to score 10 runs in the top of the 9th inning to send the Park Ridge Braves to their first fall season loss.
The Braves sent 11 men to the plate in the 3rd inning scoring five times, followed by tack on runs in the 4th and 5th. John Laughlin (3 for 4, 1 run, 2 RBI) continued to scorch league pitching and now leads the Braves in hits(14, and runs(12) and Al Brucati picked up where he left off last week by clubbing two doubles while scoring 2 runs and driving in two.
|
Brucati HR Sparks rally, defeats Black Sox 14-13
September 30, 2007 - 01:00 PM --
The Park Ridge Braves rallied back from a 7 run deficit to win their third game of the season by a score of 14-13. After being down 7 runs after 5 innings, the Braves scored 14 runs in the final four innings of the game, highlighted by a monster three run home run in the 7th inning by Al Brucati. The bottom of the order greatly contributed to the win, with Mark Van Overloop (2 for 4, 2 runs, RBI, 2 walks), Jim Muldow (3 for 4, 4 RBIs, walk, SAC fly), and Ron Weiss (2 for 4, 1 run, 4 RBI) combining for 7 hits, 3 runs and 9 RBIs. John Laughlin (3 for 6, 4 runs) continued his hot hand along with Victor Nieves (2 for 2, 4 runs, 4 walks, one stolen base).
Starter Mark Van Overloop (1-0, 7.62) lasted only 1/3 of an inning before being relieved by winning pitcher John Laughlin (2-0, 2.16) who recorded his second win of the year. Rich Durso pitched the final 3 1/3 earning his first save.
|
Mazilli, Kenny Take a Bite out of Diamondbacks
September 23, 2007 - 04:00 PM --
Dan Mazzilli (4 for 4, 2 doubles, 2 runs, 4 RBIs) raked Diamondback pitching while Tim Kenny (1-0, 3.37 ERA) pitched a complete game win as the Braves dismantled the Diamondbacks 15-5. Mazilli opened the game with a double to the gap and the Braves scored 6 times before recording two outs in the 1st, highlighted by RBI hits by Al Brucati (1 for 4, 1 Run, 1 RBI), Joe Hennesy (1 for 3, 1 run, 2 RBIs) , and Victor Nieves (1 for 3, 1 Run, 1 RBI). Tom Durkin (3 for 3, 1 run, 2 RBIs) also contributed to the win, with John Laughlin’s (2 for 3, 2 runs 1 RBI) stated the final inning with a bomb off the left center field wall, missing a home run by less than a foot.
Tim Kenny pitched 8 strong innings, earning his first win of the fall season allowing only 3earned runs.
|
Laughlin Earns Win as Braves Bop P Yankees 10-7
September 16, 2007 - 03:00 PM --
The Park Ridge Braves pounded out 11 hits, and scored 10 times in defeating the Pequannock Yankees by a score of 10-7. The Yankees scored twice in the first inning, before the Braves answered with one in the 3rd when Jim Muldow (Run scored) scored on a Juan Espinol’s (RBI) fielder’s choice. The Yankees answered with a single run in the bottom of the inning, before Yankee pitching fell apart in the 4th. The Braves loaded the bases with a single from Joe Hennesy (1 for 3, two runs scored), Rich Durso (1 for 4, two runs scored) reaching on an error, and a single by John Laughlin (2 for 4, two runs, RBI). Three walks plated three Braves that inning. In the fifth, the Braves loaded the bases again after singles by Dan Mazilli (2 FOR 5, run scored,stolen base) and Durso, and a walk by Hennesy and scored 3 to take the lead. The Yankees came back with 2 runs in the bottom of the inning, and again with a run in the 7th. With the score tied at seven, the Braves scored the go ahead run on one of 5 Yankees errors on the day, with Ron Weiss (1 for 3, 2 RBIs) driving in an insurance run. Chris Cichorek (1 for 4, walk, 3RBIs) provided another run in the 9th by driving in his team leading 8th RBI of the young season.
Mark Van Overloop pitched 5 2/3 innings, but it was fireballer Laughlin (1-0, 2.70ERA) who shut the Yankees down for good pitching 3 1/3 while striking out 5.
|
Cichorek Powers braves in 17-2 Win
September 9, 2007 - 03:00 PM --
The Park Ridge Brave won the fall Season (2007) opener today by pounding the Rockland Yankees 17-2. Chris Cichorek (4 for 6, 5 RBIs, 2 runs, one stolen base) drove in 5 of the first 6 runs of the game before the Braves broke open the game with a single run in the 6th inning, and a 10 run 8th inning. John Laughlin contributed with 4 hits in six plate appearance, driving in 3 runs. Rich Durso’s (3 for 4, 3 RBIs, 4 runs scores) mammoth triple in the 8th topped off the 10 run inning. Tom Durkin’s (3 for four, 1 RBI, 3 runs) two doubles contributed to the Braves win.
Mark Van Overloop pitched flawlessly, scattering 7 hits over seven innings, yielding only 2 unearned runs in the 7th. Tom Durkin closed out the game for the Braves.
|
Weinstein has "Father's" Day-Dodgers Pound Listless Braves
June 18, 2007 --
The Braves bats went silent once again, and the Dodgers scored 6 runs in the 8th inning powered by three home runs. It was a well pitched game on either side until the 8th, when the first two Dodger batters homered on consectutive pitches. Starter Mark Van Overloop was relieved by Rick Bedford in the 5th inning with the score 3-0, with the Dodgers scoring 3 runs on Braves errors. Tim Kenny finished the game pitching the 8th and 9th innings.
Scott Weinstein provided the Braves' offense going two for three and driving in the only two Braves runs. This was the second consective Father's Day when one Braves player supplied all the Braves offense. Last year, Chris Cichorek's 3-run homer produced the only runs in a 5-3 loss to the Cubs.
|
Durso HR, Kenny’s RBIs Power Braves over A’s
June 4, 2007 --
The Braves offense exploded once again, but they needed every run as the Braves defeated the A’s (I) 18-14. Powered by Ritchie Durso’s (3 for 6, 3 runs, 3 RBI, 7TBs) 4th inning 3 run home run, and Tim Kenny’s (3 for 3, 2 SAC flies, 1 run, SB) 5 RBI day the Braves needed every run as the pesky A’s battled back the entire game. In fact, the A’s out hit the Braves 24-23, but walks and timely hitting allowed the Braves to capitalize, scoring 8 runs with two outs during the game. Every Brave in the line-up reached base safely at least once, and 10 of 11 batters via hits lead by Dan Mazilli’s 4 hit performance. (2 runs, RBI, SB), and 8 batters with multiple hits. This marks the second game this year where all but one Brave reached base on a base hit. John Ross continued his hot hand by coming up with another three hits (2 runs).
While the top half of the order got on base and scored 12 times, they were driven in by clutch hitting and SAC flies from the 6th (Kenny) and 7th batters (Chris Cichorek-3RBIs) combining for 8 RBIs.
Starting Braves pitcher Mark Van Overloop (2-0, 5.16 ERA) breezed through the first two innings easily, giving up one hit and striking out one. He ran into trouble in the 3rd as the A’s batted around, scoring 4 runs, followed by another 2 in the 4th. Van Overloop looked like he was back in a groove in the fifth facing only 4 batters and picking up his second strikeout followed by another strikeout to start the 6th, when after giving up hits to the next three batters, Durso turned to Kenny to get out of the inning which he did but not before allowing 2 inherited runners to score. The A’s touched Kenny (0-4, 1 Save 8.10 ERA) for 5 runs of his own in the final two innings, but the Braves held on, earning Van Overloop the win, and Kenny the first save in Braves history.
The Braves defense contributed to the win giving up only one error in the game, but they were plagued by bloop hits, bad hops, and seeing-eye ground balls.
.
|
Braves Get Hair Cuts-Lose to Blue Jays
June 11, 2007 --
The entire Braves line up, except one player, got a hair cut this week. However, this did not help as the Blue Jays Mowed down the Braves 17-4.
|
Mets Slam Braves-Snap Two Game Win Streak
May 22, 2007 - 11:00 PM --
Powered by three home runs, including a 9th ninth inning grand slam from their first baseman and by solid starting pitching, the Mets hammered the Braves in a 20-4 loss. The loss snapped a 2 game Braves winning streak.
The Braves finally broke through against the Mets relief pitching scoring three runs in the 7th and a single run in the 8th.
Rick Bedford continued his torrid offensive attack by going three for three, an RBI, and two stolen bases. He accounted for 1/3 of the entire Braves hit production. John Laughlin also chipped in with a single and double with a run scored.
Defensively, John Ross picked up a nifty outfield assist with a double play in the 7th, Bedford threw out a runner trying to steal in the first, and Chris Cichorek picked up three more outfield put outs for a team outfield leading 12.
|
Bedford Slam, Durkin HR Power Braves to Victory
May 14, 2007 --
A Grand Slam by Rick Bedford, and a three run shot by Tom Durkin powered the Braves over the hapless Athletics. Braves pitching continued to be near flawless allowing no earned runs, with Mark Van Overloop going 5 strong innings scattering 8 hits. Durkin pitched the final two innings, striking out the side to end the game.
The A’s played the Braves close for the first four innings, holding the Braves to four runs. The Braves exploded for 19 runs in the fifth (10), sixth (5) and seventh innings (4), lead by an opposite field grand slam by Bedford (the first HR by a Brave), and a 3-run opposite field shot by Durkin, which capped off a 3 hit, 4 run, 5 RBI day for Tom.
The Braves offense was off the charts, with everyone in the starting line-up scoring at least once, 8 of 9 reaching base safely at least once (7 of 9 hitting) and , 7 of 9 driving in runs, along with 7 stolen bases. Six players had multiple hits lead by Chris Cichorek (4), Dan Mazelli and Durkin (3 each) and Tim Kenny, John Ross and Bedford (2 each).
Braves’ pitching was tough, scattering 8 hits over 7 innings. Mark Van Overloop started the game and got his first win as a Brave, allowing no errand runs. Durkin completed the last two innings, with a 1-2-3 9th inning, all on strike outs. The Braves defense chipped in with two double plays, as Kenny threw out a runner at first base from right field to close the second inning.
|
Braves Win First Game of Season. Pitching Staff Stars
May 6, 2007 - 08:30 PM --
Braves pitchers starred on both sides of the plate as starter Mark Van Overloop shut down the Black Sox after the 3rd inning, along with help from relievers John Ross, who got the win, and Tim Kenny. Offensively, this trio was responsible for scoring 7 of the Braves 11 runs, while going a combined 8 for 13. Catcher Rick Bedford put on a hitting clinic of his own by breaking out of an early season slump by scorching Black Sox pitching with four straight right-center field gap hits.
After falling behind early by scores of 3-1, 5-2, after three innings, the Braves pitching and defense was flawless the rest of the way in this extra inning win. The Braves pulled within one run in the 7th on a SAC fly by Chris Cichorek, and a RBI single by Kenny, eventually tying the score in the 9th on a RBI-fielders choice by manager Ritchie Durso.
The Braves exploded in the 11th inning, finally chasing the Black Sox starter, and showing the reliever no respect by scoring 6 runs on 8 hits. The game, although an extra inning affair, was completed in a record 2 hours, 45 minutes.
The game gave reliever Ross the first pitching win in Braves history and avoided embarrassment as manager Durso threatened to return to the uniforms of the Marlins unless the Braves won this game. Players were relieved to know that the teal and black could remain in mothballs, at least for the time being.
|
Panetta Drives in Sole Braves Runs
April 29, 2007 --
Rocky Panetta drove in the three sole runs as the Braves troubles continue as the Diamonbacks pounded out 6 runs on 7 hits in the first inning to gain a win over the Braves 13-3. The Braves managed only seven hits over a mercy-rule shortened game.
The Braves bats fell silent as it took them until the fourth inning to gaim their first base hit.
The defense tightened up a bit, commiting only three errors. There was a rare 9-6 double play which earned Chris Cichorek his team high 9th outfeild put out and 4th outfield assist. A defensive gem at first base by Scott Weinstein in the 7th prompted manager Rich Durso to compare him to Mo Vaughn.
|
Braves Fall to Reds 8-5
April 22, 2007 --
The Braves fell to the Reds falling victim to 5 unearned runs in the top of the 4th inning to the Reds which did not reliquish the lead. John Ross, Ron Clemente, and Marl Van Overloop lead the Braves with two hits each. John Ross collected the first ever Braves extra base hit. Rich Durso knocked in two runs on a signle and sac fly.
The Braves were crusing along until the 4th inning when 3 errors and two walks allowed the Reds to score five times. The Braves never recovered.
Braves pitchers combined for 7 Ks during the game.
|
Edward Van Overloop
April 14, 2007 --
Edward Van Overloop, father of Braves player and commissioner of A League of Our Own, Mark, passed away this past Good Friday. He was the founder and leader of C.A.R.E., New Jersey's largest alternative cancer care support group. Mr. Van Overloop, a frequent fixture of many League of Our Own games, was a cancer survivor himself.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 15 at 4PM at the Montvale Evangelical Free Church .
In lieu of flowers, the family request that you make a contribution instead to the Hospice at Bergen Community Healthcare, 400 Old Hook Road, Westwood, NJ 07675, or , R.B.A.R.I. Animal Shelter , 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, NJ 07436.
|
Marlins now the Park Ridge Braves
March 25, 2007 --
Park Ridge, NJ – In a startling development during this past off season, General Manager Rich Durso announced that the Marlins will start the 2007 season known as the Park Ridge Braves. The Braves, previously known as the Park Ridge Marlins, of the ever-popular A League of Our Own (http://www.aleagueofourown.org/mainpage.htm), began play in the league in 1997 by founding members and current players Durso, Ron Clemente, Rocky Panetta, along with the late Dave Singer.
“It was time for a change”, Durso was quoted during a recent visit at his palatial home he shares with his wife and daughters). “The Marlins have been a very competitive team in A League of Our Own over the years. The name change was a long time in coming", added Durso. The name remained unchanged over the years partially as a tribute to the late manager Dave Singer.
Hopes are high around the PR Braves spring training camp, with players hoping to emulate their namesakes, the NL East powerhouse, Atlanta Braves. “I’ve been a Braves fan for many years, and this is really a thrill, to get to use the “Braves-wear” which I have accumulated over the years. I’ve been a huge fan of Hank Aaron since I was a little kid”. Durso dons the ever-noticeable “44” on his uniform in honor of his hero, and Hall of Famer, “hammering” Hank.
Braves players who are fans of the other NL East powerhouse, the New York Mets, were unavailable for comment about the name change at press time.
The Braves open their 2007 campaign against heated rivals, the Pequannock Yankees, at Pequannock High School on April 1.
|
April 1, 2007 - 03:00 PM --
Tim Kenny struck out 8 in 5 innings, but took the loss as the Braves dropped their opener to the Pequannock Yanks 10-8. A shaky first inning, where the Yankees scored 5 runs, 3 unearned, on just two hits put the Braves in a hole they just couldn't climb out of.
The stingy P Yankees continued their home domination of the Braves (formerly the Marlins), by keeping them off the scoreboard entirely until Tim Kenny's sac fly which scored Rick Bedford in the 5th inning. The Braves mounted a comeback by scoring 4 in the seventh fueled by two Yankee errors, and timely RBI singles by John Laughlin and Kenny. The Braves would not go quietly, scoring another three times in the 9th with a 2 RBI single by Rich Durso and a SAC fly by Rocky Panetta.
Tom Durkin and John Laughlin each had two hits, while Tim Kenny, Rocky Panetta and Rich Durso each drove in a pair of runs.
This first game as the Braves in A League of Our Own had some historic moments. Chris Cichorek had both the first putout, and first hit for the Braves, Rick Bedford scored the first run on Tim Kenny's first Brave RBI. Kenny also became the first Brave pitcher to register a strike out.
|
Mark Van Overloop Joins Braves for 2007 Season
March 25, 2007 --
Park Ridge, NJ – In an off season which has been full of changes for the Park Ridge Braves (formerly the Park Ridge Marlins), general manager Rich Durso announced a blockbuster deal last week which will bring perennial pitching phenomena, and future A League of Our Own Hall of Farmer, Mark Van Overloop, to the red and blue of Park Ridge Braves. Van Overloop, who brings with him an outstanding winning pitching record (over 200 lifetime wins) and minuscule ERA will be joining an already impressive pitching staff.
Van Overloop will be joining the Braves staff who were led last year by fireballer Tim Kenny, along with relievers John Laughlin, Tom Durkin, and John Ross. Mark’s famous pitch, “the Overloop”, named for his sweeping motion and fierce break, will be an important addition to the Braves and gives GM Durso many more pitching options, especially in the dog-days of July.
Durso’s shrewd moves this off-season could not only place the Braves in a very competitive position this year, but could almost guarantee “Executive of the Year-2007” honors.
In two related developments, GM Durso also announced that the Braves will now call Sulak Lane field their home, and that the Braves would become the first team to have fully-paid members for the 2007 season.
|
Ron Clemente Rejoins Braves
March 25, 2007 --
Park Ridge, New Jersey – Park Ridge Braves General Manager Rich Durso announced today that former Park Ridge Marlin player and assistant manager, Ron Clemente, will be rejoining the team for the 2007 season.
The team, now known as the Park Ridge Braves, was co-founded by GM Durso, Clemente, center fielder extraordinaire Rocky Panetta and the late Dave Singer in 1997 and plays it's games in A League of Our Own. Clemente returns to the team after a two year hiatus and is ready to resume his influential role on the Braves.
“It’s great to have Ron back where he belongs”, said GM Durso a recent interview. “Ron has been an integral part of the Marlins for many years, and we’re all happy to see him back again. His presence was sorely missed on the field and in the dugout.”
Ron was a solid part of the offensive and defensive force behind the Marlins for many years, with his steady play at third base, along with respectable offensive numbers which were consistent throughout his tenure with the Marlins.
GM Durso expects Clemente to be ready for opening day, April 1, in a game with the always-competitive Pequannock Yankees.
|
2007 Season Opener for Park Ridge Braves
March 25, 2007 --
Park Ridge, NJ – Park Ridge Braves’ General Manager and field general, Rich Durso, announced last week that the new Braves will open their 2007 season against division rivals The Pequannock Yankees. The game will be played at 9AM at Pequannock High School.
The always competitive Braves, who already boast an offensive-heavy line-up, have improved themselves by adding starting pitcher Mark Van Overloop and founding Marlins member, Ron Clemente this off season.
|
|
|
