The Marlin 58s defeated the surging Warriors 58s to win the 2022 RIMA Baseball 58s Division Championship.

The Marlins 58 team jumped out to an 11-1 lead after two innings and never looked back winning the championship game 20-2. Leading the way with the bats was Pete Wirzburger going 4-4 on the day. Joining the hitting parade with two hits each were Steve Pexioto, Mike Souza, Jim Watkins, Bob Bates and Lee Andrews.

Rich Bowen started on the mound and went 6 innings for the win and Pete Wirzburger finished up with one perfect inning in relief.

 The Hawks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back in defeating an excellent Warriors ball club in the 58 Division Championship game at Cranston Stadium.

On behalf of the Cranston Hurricanes we want to thank all who helped us get here . We would like to Thank the Commissioner, Umpires, City Staff for playing on the pearl that is Cranston Stadium. Most of all , we want to thank every team , every player for bringing out the best in this season for us , which was challenging. Personally, you guys continue to amaze me , the level of your play and commitment. A special shoutout to the Marlins, who are and will always be a formidable opponent. We have the utmost respect for you , and you guys are class . That said , the Hurricanes are only placeholders of this wonderful trophy. It is  not owned. Only leased year to year . Health to all …. Cranston Hurricanes --

After losing out to the Tides in 2019, Steve Mineo led the Marlins to avenge last year's defeat.  Mineo went the distance striking out 9 while scattering 8 hits. The Tides plated 2 runs in the 1st before Mineo shut the door.  The Marlins scored single runs in the second, fifth, and sixth to take the lead.  The marlins added 3 runs in the ninth to give Mineo a nice cushion and a 6-2 Marlins win. Offensively Steve Mineo scored 2 runs with 2 hits including a double in the ninth to drive in 2 runs. Steve Pex went 2-4 with 2 doubles.  Mark St. Jean and Rich Bowen each had 2-4 nights.  Due to Covid concerns the Marlins were not invited to Commissioner Petrillo's home.  However, President Trump found time to hold a rally for the Marlins near the ocean and to present the Dick Kissik RIMA Championship trophy to a Marlin.

Gerry Lafond

Photo courtesy of Anne Corriea

Gerry Lafond's dominant pitching, combined with timely hitting from Tom Petrillo,  Rob Corriea, and Scott Owen to name a few was the perfect recipe for the 58 Division Raves to defeat the Silver Foxes 10-1 at Cranston Stadium.  Both teams played excellent defense before a crowd pegged at about 10 times usual regular season attendance!  More details to come!

Details to come.

2019 RIMA Baseball Champion Tides

The Tides have been invited to President Petrillo's House on October 31 at 6:00AM for a Presidential Breakfast of bagels, muffins, and coffee.  A press "Questions and Answers" session to follow.

The Raynham Baseball Club swept through the playoffs and defeated the Raves 14-6 to win the 58+ championship for the third straight year. The RBC took a 1-0 lead in the first on a single by Mark Jaehnig and a double by Richie Figueroa. In the 3rd Richie Figueroa knocked home Franz Strassmann(single), Tony Catalano(double), and Mark Jaehnig(HBP) with a booming double. Richie Figueroa then scored on a single by Carmello Bastian. A walk to Joe Berolini and hits by Dan Doyle and Mike Roake produced a run in the 4th. Hits by Franz Strassmann, Richie Figueroa, and Mac Noblin resulted in 2 runs in the 5th. The RBC scored another run in the 7th on a single by Franz Strassmann, walks to Tony Catalano and Richie Figueroa and a RBI HBP by Carmello Bastian. With the Score 9-0 the Raves roared back in the top of the 8th. A potential inning ending error by the RBC opened the door for the Raves. Clutch hits by Mo Hevia, Tom Petrillo, Scott Owen, Ray Pensilfini and Jack Kaveny together with walks to Rob Corriea and John Smutnick produced 5 runs and brought the tying run to the plate. A grounder back to pitcher Richie Figueroa ended the furious rally. The RBC responded by scoring 5 times in the bottom of the 8th on singles by Dan Doyle and Bob Johnston, a sacrifice bunt by Mike Roake, and RBI hits by Randy Karson, Kevin Marden, Franz Strassmann (double), Tony Catalano (double) and Richie Figueroa. The Raves scored one run in the top of the 9th on a single by Peter Holmes and a double by Steve Ready to close out the scoring. Richie Figueroa had an outstanding starting pitching performance for the RBC as he gave up 5 runs (0 earned) and 7 hits over 8 innings while recording 8K’s. Franz Strassmann pitched the 9th inning and closed out the game to preserve the win. Solid defense was played by both teams. Tony Catalano, Dan Doyle, and Carmello Bastian made tremendous plays in the field for the RBC. Catchers Joe Berolini and Steve Keenan were outstanding. As one would expect, it was well played competitive game!

Jimmy Clark went the distance on the mound and went 3-4 at the plate to lead the Marlins to a 10-9 come from behind victory over the strong hitting Tides. Behind 6-4 after 7 tides plated 5 runs on 3 walks and 3 hits to take the lead 9-6. The Marlins came back with 1 run to cut the lead to 2 going into the ninth . Clark pitched a scoreless top of the ninth. After a lead off batter fly out, Danny Mac to singled followed by a Steve Pex double, a single by Rod and a walk to Eddie Mederois to load the bases with the score tied at 9.  The hard hitting Cubby Karbowski lumbered to the plate and proceeded to rip a 25 mile an hour exit-velocity roller to 3rd scoring Rod with the winning run.  Danny Mac went 2-4 scoring 3 runs. 

The Raynham baseball Club survived a great comeback by the Raves to win 15-13 on Saturday and keep their championship hopes alive.  Leading 15-8 going into the bottom of the 9th the Raves  scored 5 runs and had runners on second and third with one out.  Tony Catalano pitched his heart out in an outstanding performance and was relieved by Mark Jaehnig at this point.  Mark induced a  ground ball for the first out and struck out the next batter for the final out.  This set the stage for the championship game.  This game was marked by solid pitching by Jerry Lafond and Mark Jaehnig.  The twists and turns of this game were unbelievable.  The Raves score all their 4 runs in the bottom of the 4th to take a 4-0 lead.  A crucial throw by Franz Strassmann to cut down the second run and end the inning hit the thrown bat in front of the plate and 3 runs scored as a result.  In the top of the 5th The RBC had scored 2 runs and had bases loaded with 1 out.  But alas manager Randy Karson had submitted Saturday's lineup card by mistake and this resulted in first and second with 2 out and the inning ended with no more scoring.  Randy Karson takes full responsibility and offers no excuses for this mistake.In the top of the 7th Franz Strassmann hits a bomb to centerfield with a runner on third on which a truly spectacular play is made to end the inning.  Trailing 4-2 in the top of the 8th the RBC scores 5 runs on a single by Mark Jaehnig, a walk to Tony Catalano, a single by Mac Noblin,a single by Rob Moschella,a double by Danny Doyle and a single by Bob Johnston.  Leading 7-4 into the bottom of the 9th it was far from over.  After giving up a walk and a single to start the inning, Mark Jaehnig was relieved by Franz Strassmann after an outstanding pitching performance.  In his first pitching performance in 1 1/2 years following rotator cuff surgery Franz struck out the first batter after going 3-0.  He walked the next batter to load the bases to put the tying run on first.  Bobby Bates hit a shot up the middle which was fielded by Mark Jaehnig who stepped on second and threw to first for the game ending double play and enabled the Raynham Baseball Club to repeat as 58+ Champions.  The Raves showed true class and displayed unbelievable grit and determination.  Baseball At It's Best!

Roy Hobbs Baseball Hall of Famer Paul Doucette

Paul singles to center while playing for the Silver Foxes at Roy Hobbs 2010

Paul at Roy Hobbs 2015

Paul manages his Hawks to the 2009 RIMA Championship

Paul lays off a high(?) pitch in Fort Myers

Co-founders of RIMA Baseball, now both Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame Inductees (Dick Kissik and Paul Doucette)

Paul catching May 25, 2010

Gary Dadekian, Paul Doucette, and the late Dick Kissik at the late Kevin McBurney's Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Picture courtesy of Dave Abate)

The Rhode Island Waves caught fire in the playoffs at the 29th annual Roy Hobbs World Series last November winning four games in two days to clinch the championship in the 53 Division. The team rode the hot pitching of a trio of lefties for the playoff sweep. Jim Navilliat and Rich Pacino of the Tides along with Will Bateson of Livermore, CA, did the bulk of the pitching in the playoffs. Nav pitched a complete game in the second round of the playoffs and followed up with a dominating 9-inning gem in the championship game a day later to beat the Lansing Blue Jays 6-3. Richie pitched a complete game in the semi-final game Saturday morning to get us to the championship game in the afternoon.

The weary Waves played 9 games during the week – including 5 games of pool play against the top teams in the division. Others with notable contributions on the mound where Gerry LaFond of the Rockies,  Mike Brousseau of the Foxes, Arthur Keegan of the Waves, John LaRose of the Braves, Steve Laughrey of Benicia, CA, and Hector Cintron  of  Ellenton, Fla. Mikke B. had an all-around great week closing 2 key victories on the mound, shutting down the running game of the Midwest Pirates as a catcher during a dramatic 13-11 win during pool play and playing a flawless SS all week.

But the unanimous MVP of the week was Jim Navilliat. Jim did his own version  of The Natural in the Roy Hobbs tournament. He pitched 3 complete games – winning all 3 – and hit .621 for the week with 6 double and 4 triples.

Other players swinging hot bats during the tournament were Ken Callan of Pleasant Hill, CA. (.500); Buster Andrews of the Hurricanes (.467); Mike Sullivan of the Waves (.467); Tony Mateus of the Tides (.393); Mikke B of the Foxes (.385); Dave DeCosta of the Waves (.375), and Mike Goduto of the Tides (.367).   LaRose, Keegan and Bateson all hit .333, while Pacino hit .316. Mike Hayden of Walnut Creek, CA., was an on base machine – with a .589 OBP. Tony caught all 4 playoff games in two days AND tried to steal a base in the championship game!

The Waves became the first team from Rhode Island to win a division championship in the 29-year history of the tournament in Ft. Myers, Fla. It was a sweet celebration and the championship rings are on order!

Rob Corriea – Manager

RIMA Baseball has learned of the sudden passing of Reds catcher/outfielder, Steve Souza.  Steve was an immensely likable player during his baseball career, as well as being one of the best catchers in our league.   Always smiling, Steve's personality put you in a good mood even if you were on the opposing team.  He was humble about his great talent and that came through during a game against the Silver Foxes a few years ago.  While warming up Mark Ramos at the beginning of an inning, he was conversing with the home plate umpire.  Upon releasing the ball on his practice throw down to second, he immediately turned around to pick up his mask not watching the throw.  The late Silver Foxes manager, Dick Kissik, a catcher himself, looked at one of his own players and said with a big smile, "He doesn't have to watch it.  He knows where it's going."  Steve will be missed in many ways, not just on the ball field.

PORTSMOUTH – Stephen Souza, age 54, of Portsmouth, RI, died Saturday, February 10, 2018 at home. Stephen was born February 14, 1963 in Newport, RI. He is the son of the late John Souza, and Dorothy (Birkett) Souza. 

Stephen graduated from Northeastern University in 1986 with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He began his career at Hughes Aircraft later followed by Raytheon.  He was currently working for The Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

Stephen enjoyed sports, playing in the Rhode Island Senior Men’s Baseball League and coaching youth leagues for his children. He enjoyed playing golf as a member of Montaup Country Club and the Rhode Island Golf Association. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, including his four-legged friends. He was a loving and devoted son, husband, and father.

He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, creating a beautiful life with Karen (Sullivan) Souza, and their two children Stephen and Meghan. He also leaves behind his mother Dorothy and three siblings: his sister, Donna McCart and her husband Timothy of Hoosick Falls, NY and two brothers, John Souza of Honduras and Joseph Souza and his wife Mary of North Kingstown, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 1 State Street, Suite 200, Providence, Rhode Island 02908.

After several years of being the runner up, the Marlins cash in on their first RIMA Baseball championship by defeating the Braves.  After losing in the initial round, the second seeded Marlins won 6 straight.  

On the same day, Randy Karson's Raynham Baseball Club captures the 58 Division title over the Raves in their first year with RIMA.

Angel Claudio scattered 10 hits and struck out 8 in an outstanding complete game pitching performance as the Raynham Baseball Club defeated the Raves 13-2.Raynham's offense collected 21 hits and was led by Mark Jaehnig with 4 hits, Tony Catalano and Bob Johnston with 3 hits apiece and Bill Powell, Angel Claudio, Tony LaGreca and Kevin Marden contributing 2 hits to the attack.  Mark Jaehnig and Tony Catalano stole 3 bases each while catcher Joe Berolini threw out 2 Raves Runners.  Janet Miller, Bill Powell and Michael Roake played solid defense in the outfield.  Both teams played excellent defense. Jerry Lafond pitched well in defeat. Bob Trembly led the Raves attack with 2 hits including a booming 2 run double.  This was a well played game which was much closer than the final score would indicate.  This game was about competition and good sportsmanship.  We tip our caps to the Raves for a job well done. - Randy Karson

2017 Champion Marlins

Register your teams at this link:

https://mastermindsinc.wufoo.com/forms/z1ai24cp0b5f0p9/

Pirates and Raves Maintain Stronghold on RIMA Baseball Divisions

Pirates defeat Marlins 8-1 

Raves beat Warriors 15-2

2016 RIMA 50+ Division Champion Pirates

It Only Takes One

“I love those guys!”  That was a common phase heard around RIMA baseball fields when the names of Dick and John Kissik were heard since our league started in 2008.  Unfortnately, Dick Kissik passed away on April 27, 2016 with family at his bedside.  Both Dick and John played RIMSBL ball, along with many other current RIMA players, for several years before Dick and Tommy Petrillo discussed starting a 50 and over league to help accommodate the older players.  Dick was the catalyst in encouraging Tommy to experiment with a new league that would initially be comprised of 5 teams where parity and fun would be its ultimate goal.  Although age and talent differences affected a couple of the teams for a number of years, parity among the better teams started to take hold, with 4 different teams winning the title over the first 5 seasons.  Now entering its 9^th year, the league has 12 teams over two separate age divisions.  Dick couldn’t be prouder of the swift evolution of RIMA Baseball.  Dick was always looking to extend the number of games for all players.  Early on, Dick connected with Tom Giffen, the founder of Roy Hobbs Baseball of Fort Myers, Florida, and soon RIMA baseball was sending sever teams to play the Roy Hobbs National World series in different age groups.  This was Dick’s favorite tournament.  Always loyal to his silver foxes players, he would relish the fact that his players would play against younger players in the RIMA regular season just to get them ready for senior divisions at Roy Hobbs.

Dick Kissik honed his keen hitting eye as a youth while batting rocks with his older brother John while growing up on a rural apple orchard in Cumberland Rhode Island. “We used to bat rocks on the dirt road and had the usual ground rules that most kids had.” He said. “Between the trees is a double, grounders were an out, etc.” He learned how to track pitches while playing Wiffle Ball with friends as he grew older. In his high school years, Dick blossomed into a great catcher.  1962 was the year when he was most recognized. As battery mate for one of the top pitchers in the state of Rhode Island, Dick led Cumberland High to its first state title in 30 years! Following that accomplishment, Dick was part of a baseball team made of Rhode Island teenagers to make an 18-game trip to Pan America. While there, Dick Kissik was voted MVP and returned home with a rather large trophy. After graduation, Dick spent one year at Providence College, hitting nearly 0.600 before being drafted by the Los Angeles Angels organization. Dick played baseball in 1964 & 1965 with the Thetford Mines Miners in Quebec, Canada, The extremely rural setting, and some bad breaks, made his situation difficult, so Dick made a tough decision that ended any dreams of him becoming a major leaguer. But the near 50 year marriage to his wife Linda was well worth it, as they raised 3 very creative and successful children.  Dick continued to play amateur baseball and softball until he discovered that there were hardball leagues available to those of us who had thought those days were long over. Dick managed and played in the Rhode Island Men’s Senior Baseball League (RIMSBL) for several years before co-founding the Roy Hobbs Baseball affiliated Rhode Island Massachusetts Association (RIMA) in late 2007. As manager/player of the Silver Foxes, Dick led his 50+ team for 8 years and also played in the newly formed RIMA’s 58+ Division under Winn Willard.  Again, Dick’s ultimate pride was leading the Silver Foxes Baseball Club of Rhode Island at the Roy Hobbs World Series over 7 seasons. One of Dick’s admirers was teammate Joe Castiglione, radio broadcaster of the Boston Red Sox. Dick displayed tremendous leadership and guidance for RIMA baseball. He is respected by ALL baseball players who know him and he always believes that his players have the ability to win every game in which they play, regardless of the opponent.  “It only takes one, guys!”  He would yell out to his players when a rally was in order.  Dick served in the National Guard and was a Town of Cumberland policeman before driving 18-wheelers for a living. Now retired, Dick remains a true baseball man in every way, which is to say, you’ll never see him wearing batting gloves and never settling for excuses during a game. And when Dick took his turn at bat, even with very limited maneuverability in his later years, his teammates, especially the younger ones, would come to the top of the dugout to watch him hit.  The silence of his teammates while watching him hit made the “crack” of bat-hitting-ball sound even more impressive. 

The impression that Dick made on the men who become boys for a few hours a week will last much, much, longer.

Dick and John Kissik

Dick and Joe Castiglione

Artie Bedard Finally Gets His Chance to Represent the Champions

The Raves repeated as champs of the 58 division by beating the Hawks 3 to 2 Sunday in a hard fought, well played, game.  The Raves had to play from behind all game.  The Hawks scored in top of the first inning when Paul Doucette stole home as Steve Keenan gunned down the runner at second trying to steal in a 1st and 3rd situation. The Raves finally got on the board in the 5th when Peter Holmes had a 1-out single; he then stole second and scored on Jack Kaveny's single to right center.  The Hawks regained the lead with a run in the 6th.  Tim Bennett lined a double to left to drive in the run.   The Hawks nearly scored another run, but Holmes gunned down Bennett at the plate on a hard ground ball to second.  The Raves tied it again in the 8th when Rob Corriea lead off with a single and immediately stole second base.  Raves team photo representative, Artie Bedard, walked after connecting for several foul balls.  Corriea was forced at 3rd on a grounder to short with Bedard taking 2nd.  A wild pitch got Artie to 3rd where he scored on Tommy's Petrillo's sacrifice fly to LF.  Gerry Lafond retired the Hawks in order in the top of the 9th.  It looked like the game would go into extra innings, but with 2 outs, Marty Simas singled off the fence in right center (that’s right, “singled”).  Steve Keenan hit a Texas leaguer to left field with Jack Kaveny (running for Marty) taking second.  Then, Mike Robin singled hard through the middle scoring Kaveny from second base to win the game, and the RIMA Baseball 58 Division Championship, for the Raves.

Robin pitched the first four innings and Lafond the last 5 to get the win. They scattered 7 hits and struck out 3.

The Raves mustered only a nine hits. Billy Harkins continued his playoff mastery on the mound for the Hawks pitching the game’s first 7 innings.  Ron Zack was the hard luck losing pitcher throwing the last 2 innings. Holmes and Robin led the way for the Raves with 2 hits each.

Congratulations to ALL players in the 58 Division!  2015 was the best year for this competitive group of players, many of whom do not participate in the RIMA 50 Division.

Best of luck to all of our players that will be participating in the Roy Hobbs World Series in the coming weeks!

SCOTT MASON AND MIKE SUTHERLAND HOLD THE HOT HITTING MARLINS TO 4 RUNS

WIN CHAMPIONSHIP 12-4

MIKE AUCOIN'S LINER TO LEFT SPARKS PIRATES RALLY

David Levine makes the play to Mike Luce for the final out of the season!

Another great season thanks to these gentlemen! (Billy, Benny, and Steve.  Not shown: Ray and Ralph) 

Billy pitching in the semifinals at the 2010 Roy Hobbs World series 

Billy Desa, one of the original ball players in the RIMA Baseball organization passed away Monday night (Dec 21).  Bill is being memorialized by his teammates as a real gentleman and competitive baseball player.  The big lefty had a heart of gold with his generosity on and off the field.  Bill played with the Silver Foxes before joining the Hawks, playing in both the 50 and 58 Divisions.  Billy was a first-teir pitcher at The Roy Hobbs World Series playing for Dick Kissik's Silver Foxes. Those who saw Bill play in his mid 70's admired his abilities as a pitcher, fielder, and hitter.  When not playing baseball, the retired Fall River police officer, could be found at his bar or playing in a Rock 'n Roll band.  Bill loved to talk to people.  As a matter of fact, there is a legendary story that was witnessed by the Silver Foxes and the Hawks a few years back in Rehoboth on Father's Day.  Bill was pitching and the Hawks had T J Pugliese on second base.  While looking in for a sign, many of us heard a cell phone ringing.  Bill, who's hearing was diminishing, suddenly stepped of the rubber and reached into his back pocket.  He pulled out a phone, looked at who was calling, and answered the call.  All the while, Dick Kissik was yelling at him to pay attention to the runner on second.  Bill couldn't hear him, or anybody else. TJ ran to third without a throw.  When Bill had realized what had happened, he exclaimed "It was my son calling to wish me Happy Father's day!"  You had to love it...and Billy.

Calling hours are December 29 from 4:00 to 7:00.  There will be no church service.

Crapo-Hathaway Funeral Home

350 Somerset Avenue
Taunton, MA 02780
Phone: (508) 822-3318

Raves Suffer First Loss in 2 1/2 Seasons

The Pirates/Warriors franchise collected its third straight RIMA Championship with 4-1 win over the Marlins.  Details to come.

Mike McDermott's bases loaded double to deep left provided the Pirates with a much needed cushion late in the game.

     The Wrentham Pirates and RI Marlins played a baseball game that left everyone wondering who would be the last team standing.  The Pirates came into the game with their ace pitcher Scott Mason ready and well rested.  The Marlins answered with crafty left handed pitcher Rich Bowen who also is experienced pitching big games. 

    The Pirates scored first when right fielder Bob Pappetti singled and then advanced to second on a wild pitch.  That brought Mike Trudeau to the plate who promptly singled scoring Pappetti for the game’s first run.  The Marlins threatened with runners on base in the first three innings but could not score.  “The strength of the Pirates has been always their defense.  They’re solid in every position on the field,” Stated Brian Gibbons.

     The Pirates increased their lead in the fourth inning when Mike McDermott belted a one out double to the left center field fence scoring Mike Trudeau, who earlier singled, and scored Pappetti for the second straight time.  “You would think with a 4-run lead that should be enough to win the game, but that’s not the case when you’re playing the Marlins. The Marlins are loaded and have a high powered offensive lineup from top to bottom,” declared Pirate center fielder Mike Aucoin.

     The game remained 4-0 until the top of the eighth inning when Jimmy Watkins of the Marlins hit a line drive homerun over the fence in right field.  Prior to that homerun, the Pirate defense held their own with great defensive plays by Mike Trudeau and Mike Sutherland in the infield and Kurt Jackson in the outfield.  Right fielder Mike Rodgers also had one of the best catches in the outfield when he ran into the fence and caught the ball with total disregard for his safety, or the condition of the fence!  

     Pirates’ catcher George McNellege sealed the game in the top of the ninth with two fowl ball catches from Marlins hitters.  Bob Pappetti, Mike Trudeau and Mike McDermott lead the way for the Pirates with two hits apiece.  The Marlins hit the ball hard and kept the Pirate players busy through all nine innings of play. “My hat goes off to the Marlins who hit the ball hard each time up.  They battle us every game,” acknowledged Manager Mike Luce.

Scott Mason pitched a brilliant complete game.

Jimmy Watkins' line drive homer over the right field fence was the only run allowed by Mason.

The 9th inning belonged to George McNellage, as he had 2 putouts, including the clincher (right), with the tying run at the plate.

2014 Champion Pirates

For 5 and ½ innings the Pirates and Waves played a very intense game that included solid defense all around.  Both pitcher, Mike Saffelle and Mike Sutherland pitched great and held opposing hitters to only a few hits on each side.  In the bottom of the sixth, the Pirates came up with 10 runs to blow the game wide open.   Key hits with one out by Mike Aucoin and George McNellage opened the door to a very explosive inning.  Kurt Jackson and Bob Papetti had big hits in that inning as well.  The Waves mounted a comeback, but the sharp Pirate defense was too difficult to penetrate.  John Smutnick had 3 hits for the Waves and Ed Medeiros had two.  Arthur Keegan played tremendous behind the plate for the Waves.  Dave DeCosta, Jack Kaveny and Tony Stall hit the ball hard all day and keeping the Pirate outfield busy.  Mike Aucoin and Kurt Jackson combined for 7 hits for the top seeded Pirates.  Mike Trudeau, George McNellage each had 2 hits.  “We were lucky to get to Mike Saffelle in the sixth inning” said Coach Mike Luce.  “He is one of the best pitchers in our league!”  Mark Mercurio and Al Vicki combined to close out the last 4 innings of the game.  The Pirates will now take on the Marlins who are riding a 10-game winning streak.  

Name: Owen Smith

Email: owenjsmith@myfairpoint.net

Phone: 6033150900

We are a New Hampshire 50+ team playing in the Roy Hobbs 53+ World Series in Fort Meyers November 8-15. Since our owenjsmith@myfairpoint.net New Hampshire Mets Team Page: http://www.leaguelineup.com/teams_baseball.asp?url=nelbl&sid=692401475&divisionid=152933&teamid=2835482

This message was sent via the Contact Form on the RI & MA Senior Baseball League web site on LeagueLineup
http://www.leaguelineup.com/rimabaseball

All players and managers MUST read and adhere to the league rules! 

As a reminder, SMOKING and DRINKING of alcoholic beverages at each venue is strickly prohibited!

Winning Manager is reasonsible for calling for "lights out" at Coventry Rice field after each game.  The Home team manager is responsile for calling in rainouts by 4:30 PM to prevent Coventry lights from being turned on.

Winning team is responsible for putting the bases away at Diamond Hill

Playoffs are double eliminination using Winners/Losers bracket format with #1 seed vs #8 seed, etc. Winners bracket finalist must be beaten twice.

Each player must appear in 10 games to qualify for the playoffs.

Send game results to rimabaseball@yahoo.com

Have fun and have a safe and healthy season!

Roy Hobbs Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque

 From the Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame Programwritten by Glenn Miller

Kevin McBurney was several weeks shy of turning 57 when he died on June 4 of this year. His impact on baseball and his Rhode Island community can be gauged by what folks said when nominating him for the Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame, and also on his memorial page.  Kevin was a powerhouse organizer of Roy Hobbs Baseball in his home state and a supportive teammate and manager.

Joe Pavao wrote this on the Manning-Heffern Funeral Home tribute page: "What a great spirit he had. I played baseball with him and as a teammate he was the greatest."

Paul Lonardo wrote this: "Wherever you are, I hope there's baseball, and if there isn't, I know you will start your own league.  I hope you find peace playing on a field of your dreams."

The phrase from the men who nominated Kevin was crucial in his election to the Hall of fame...for his inspirational leadership, passion for the game, organizational skills, and playing ability.

Kevin, an attorney, was a Roy Hobbs pioneer in Rhode Island, working to start leagues there many years ago. He was also an outstanding player, one who played in an elite collegiate program at the University of Miami.  Yet, the nominators said he never bragged about his own accomplishments and was always willing to help less talented players.

Dick Kissik in his nominating comments wrote, "As a coach, he would build the confidence of the average players and would work with them to improve their baseball skills."

Dave Abate wrote that he played with Kevin for 13 years and that Kevin had been a star high school player who was there for all of his teammates.

"Besides being a very good player, he was also a good person," Abate wrote.  "He would always help players improve thier baseball playing abilities and for those who couldn't afford all the costs of playing baseball in their league, or go to the World Series, he was there to help them."

Kevin was involved in adult baseball in Rhode Isaland for more than 25 years, starting when many teams were involved in MSBL.

Now, at a too-young age, Kevin McBurney is gone from the world of baseball and Roy Hobbs in Rhode Island, but his legacy and memory live on in the hearts of his teammates and friends...and in the Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame.

 Gary Dadekian, Alex, Dave Abate, Dick Kissik, Ashley

Tom Giffen reading Hall of Fame plaque to Kevin's children Ashley and Alex,

with Dave Abate and Jack DeHeer

Dave Abate's acceptance speech for Kevin's induction:

"Thank you to Tom Giffen and the Roy Hobbs Hall of Fame committee.  On behalf of the RI/MA Baseball League, and Kevin's baseball family, I graciuosly accept this award for our, and my, friend Kevin Barry McBurney.  Kevin would be humbled by the award that you have bestowed upon him.  His love for the game and for his baseball friends was paramount to him.  The way Kevin celebtrated his baseball was being on a field the whole year and Kevin got to live that, and that meant more to him than any trophy or plaque.  May Kevin's perpetual smile shine down on us in the months and years to come as a reminder that you, our teammate, is still with us.  Congratulations, Kenin Barry McBurney."

Gary Dadekian, Paul Doucette, and Dick Kissik

Jack DeHeer, Dick Kissik, and Dave Abate

Playing in Rehoboth, MA and Cumberland & Cranston, RI with mixed teams going to Ft. Myers, FL to play in the Roy Hobbs World Series yearly!