Super 11′s win third in a row

May 8, 2013 By nmassari

Superb pitching, impressive displays of power and timely hitting steered the Diamond Jacks Super 11U, Team Marlins (12U) and the South Jersey Young Guns (14U) to championships this past weekend in the Battle At The Turf tournament at Diamond Nation in Flemington.

The Diamond Jacks Super 11U (5-0), below in photo, hit seven home runs and outscored its opponents 46-5 on the way to the 12U championship. But it was the Diamond Jacks’ pitching that truly stood out.

Trevor Kobryn pitched a no-hitter as the Diamond Jacks defeated the New Jersey Rangers, 9-0 in the championship game. Sean Ambrose, the Diamond Jacks’ smooth shortstop, hit a home run in the final and another blast in a playoff game on his way to being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“We basically did it with excellent pitching and defense,” said Diamond Jacks Super 11U coach Tyson Ambrose.

But the Diamond Jacks bats came through in big spots, too. The Diamond Jacks were trailing the Washington Township Minutemen 2-1 in the fifth inning of the team’s second game in pool play. Chucky Carter and Drew Conovor each rocked a two-out home run to put the Diamond Jacks in front, 3-2. The lead would hold up as Ryan Godown picked up the victory on the mound.

Conover hit three home runs in the tournament and Carter hit two dingers for the Diamond Jacks.

Tyler Joseph picked up the victory in the Diamond Jacks’ 11-1 tournament opening victory over Syracuse Sports Zone. Aidan Kane shut down the Central Penn Renegades, 12-1, and Carter got the win in an 11-1 victory over Arena Starz in the semifinals.

“It was a good tournament for us,” said Tyson Ambrose. “We’re getting there. We’re building it.”

he Diamond Jacks Super 11U (5-0), below in photo, hit seven home runs and outscored its opponents 46-5 on the way to the 12U championship. But it was the Diamond Jacks’ pitching that truly stood out.

We basically did it with excellent pitching and defense,” said Diamond Jacks Super 11U coach Tyson Ambrose.

Conover hit three home runs in the tournament and Carter hit two dingers for the Diamond Jacks.

“It was a good tournament for us,” said Tyson Ambrose. “We’re getting there. We’re building it.”

Filed Under: Slideshow

DJack Mark Monaco Named Patriots 2013 Kid CEO

May 7, 2013 By nmassari

Bridgewater, NJ- The Somerset Patriots and Mack Staffing have named Mark Monaco of Clinton, NJ as the 2013 Somerset Patriots Kid CEO.

The announcement was made at the Saturday, May 4^th game at TD Bank Ballpark. The five finalists, selected from interviews conducted at the team’s Fan Fest before the season, addressed the crowd before the game on why they should be selected as the Kid CEO.

“I was shocked. I felt everyone was very good down on the field. Everyone deserved it. I’m proud of myself and I’m happy to be chosen,” Monaco said after the announcement.

The other four finalists were Harrison Malkin, a ninth grader from Basking Ridge; Jenna Sweetman, a sixth grader from Bridgewater; Maya Jarkowsky, a sixth grader from Lincoln Park; and Alex Halpin, a fifth grader from Fanwood.

As the Kid CEO, Monaco will follow front office staff members during the games to learn about ticketing, merchandising, promotions, media, marketing, and ballpark operations. Monaco will sit in on Patriots staff meetings and write about the experiences he has in the position. He will also receive a personalized Somerset Patriots jersey, tickets to five games, a ceremonial first pitch for a game, and a meet and greet with Sparky Lyle and the players. This is the sixth year that the team has named a Kid CEO.

“I wanted to be Kid CEO because it will be an incredible experience to learn about how a large organization like the Patriots works. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone involved and to be a part of the Patriots organization,” Monaco added.

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

Jared Zimbardo Player of the Week 4/23

April 30, 2013 By nmassari

Jared Zimbardo

Second baseman, Diamond Jacks 11U Gold

Statistics from the weekend: Zimbardo batted .714 (10-for-14) with a double and a triple. He scored 10 runs and drove home eight runs. He drew two walks, was hit by a pitch and stole nine bases in the team’s five games. He slugged at a .929 clip and reached base at a .765 pace as the Diamond Jacks 11U Gold went 4-1 to reach the semifinals of the Spring Invitational tournament at Diamond Nation last weekend.

Quote from coach: “Jared is a phenomenal athlete,” said Diamond Jacks 11U Gold coach Chas Crane. “He can do anything on the baseball field. He works extremely hard and really has fun playing the game. He has had a great season to this point, leading the team in most offensive statistics. Most impressively, he is hitting .533 on the season.”

Age: 11

Bats: Right.

Throws: Right.

Uniform #: 2. “I like Derek Jeter but it was my second choice. I wanted No. 24, because Robinson Cano is my favorite player, but that number was already taken. Derek Jeter is my second favorite player.”

I’ve Been Playing Baseball…: “I started playing when I was 4 but I stop playing because I got sick. I didn’t start playing again until I was nine.” (Jared was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 5 and battled the illness until he was 8 years-old. “I started playing again when I was 9 because I love baseball so much. I think I work harder than other kids to make up for the years I lost.”

My Favorite Position: “I love and play all positions. I enjoy pitching the most.”

My 2^nd Favorite Position: “Shortstop.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a player): ”Hitting a home run to advance my team to a championship game last fall. We went on to win the championship.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a fan): “Throwing out the first pitch before a Somerset Patriots game two years ago, then meeting Joe Torre during the game. I got to meet Joe Torre, took pictures with him and he autographed my glove. I just used it this weekend. I think it brought me good luck.”

Favorite moment from this past week: “I made a play on a rundown between third base and home plate. The runner collided with me and knocked me over, but I held onto the ball to get him out.”

Favorite song on my Ipod: “Troublemaker” by Olly Murs and Flo Rida . “I just like the words to it and the beat.”

If not baseball…: ”I like to wrestle.”

Pre-game ritual: ”I don’t have one, but I have a pre-at bat ritual. I like to do push-ups in the on-deck circle.”

Favorite MLB team: “Yankees.”

Favorite MLB player: ”Robinson Cano of the Yankees.”

Favorite TV show: ”SpongeBob SquarePants.” “I think he’s funny.”

Favorite book: “New York Yankees: The Most Successful Team in Major League History” by Matt Christopher.

Favorite class in school: “Math.”

Favorite movie: “Iron Man.” “I like the action and the cars he drives, and the technology in the movie.”

When I grow up I want to be…?: ”An MLB player.” “If not, a lawyer because I like to argue with people.”

School/extracurricular activities: ”I wrestle, play rec basketball and Pop Warner football. I love playing kickball and flag football, too. I love all sports.”

Three for dinner: “My grandfather, Ricky Loften, my great-grandmother, Doris Minor and Jackie Robinson.”

The rest of the nominees: Andrew Maryanski, Diamond Jacks 14U Gold, Danny Serretti, Diamond Jacks Super 13U, Brian Nicolas, Diamond Jacks 13U Gold, Chucky Carter, Diamond Jacks Super 11U.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Super 12′s win second championship

April 30, 2013 By nmassari

Super 12′s win their second championship of the spring winning the Hit Doctor 12U Spring Kick Off.

Super 12′s win second championship of the spring winning the Hit Doctor Spring Kick Off.

Filed Under: News, Slideshow

Super 11′s Make It Two In A Row

April 25, 2013 By nmassari

Super 11′s win 11U Spring Invite. The Diamond Jacks Super 11U squad went 5-0 and outscored its opponents 54-22 on the way to the 11U Spring Invitational championship.

Tournament MVP Trevor Kobryn pitched 5.2 innings of efficient relief in the championship game to give the Diamond Jacks a chance to rally back from a huge deficit against the Hamilton A’s.

Trailing 6-0 in the first inning, the Diamond Jacks (photo right) rallied to a 13-9 victory. The Diamond Jacks had defeated the Robbinsville Rebels, 13-3, Forge, 9-6, LVBA 11U, 7-3 and Legends 11U Navy, 12-1, to reach the final.

“We had to out-slug teams this weekend,” said Diamond Jacks Super 11U coach Tyson Ambrose, whose team is now 12-1 at the 11U level.

Chucky Carter hit three home runs and Tyler Joseph and Sean Ambrose each hit one home run in the tournament for the Diamond Jacks.

Filed Under: News

Sean Savage Player of the Week 4/15

April 20, 2013 By nmassari

Sean Savage Player of the Week 4/15

Sean Savage

Catcher, Diamond Jacks 14U Gold

Statistics from the weekend: Savage was 4-for-7 with two runs scored and drove in five runs as the Diamond Jack 14U Gold reached the semifinals in the Spring Invitational at Diamond Nation. Savage delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat All-Out Baseball I, 11-10, in the quarterfinals. The Diamond Jacks 14U Gold went 4-1 in what was a brutally difficult 14U field and had to beat that very strong All-Out Baseball I squad to reach the semifinals. Sean came up with two outs and the bases loaded in the eighth and hit a shot through the middle of the diamond. “The pitcher was throwing pretty hard and he threw a 2-2 pitch on the outside corner,” said Savage. “I hit it up the middle and the shortstop dove and almost had it. It ticked off his glove and went into center field.”

Coach’s comment: “Sean was outstanding for us in the tournament,” said Diamond Jacks 14U Gold coach Sean McKeown. “Not only was he great behind the dish, but he was hot offensively. He had he game-winning hit in the bottom of the eighth inning to take us to the semifinal game. He was a key part of our success in the tournament and will only get better as the season progresses.”

Age: 14.

Bats: Right

Throws: Right.

Uniform number: 4. “I wanted No. 5 but it was taken, so I just took the closest number. I like number 5 because I really like Joe DiMaggio and Albert Pujols.”

I’ve Been Playing Baseball…: “Nine years. I started playing in a PAL league in Berkeley Heights.”

My Favorite Position:“Pitcher.”

My Second Favorite Position: “Catcher.” “I started catching my first year of travel in second grade. I like throwing people out and blocking the ball. Blocking the ball gives me pride in what I do when I’m catching.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a player): “A complete game two-hit, seven-inning shutout for Columbia Middle School (Berkeley Heights) on April 10.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a fan): “Going to Yankees Stadium to see Alex Rodriguez’s 500th and 600th home runs. I was supposed to go early in year with friends but something happened and we had to change the day we were going. So we went later in the season and were lucky to see him hit his 600th.”

Favorite moment from this past week: “The walk-off single to put the Diamond Jacks in semifinal game on Sunday. My teammates ran to first base and jumped on me and tackled me.”

Favorite song on my IPod: “Hall of Fame” by The Script. “I like the meaning behind it and I like hearing it on MLB commercials.”

If not baseball: “Basketball. I play on my school team, a travel team and an AAU team. I play small forward and guard.”

Pre-game ritual: “I hit off a tee in the garage before each game. I hit into a net my dad set up. It helps me get focused for the game and reassure myself what I need to do at the plate.”

Favorite MLB team: “New York Yankees.”

Favorite MLB player (Why)?: “Mark Teixeira, Yankees.” ”Because he is always trying his hardest, playing his hardest and is a natural leader.”

Favorite TV show: ”Intentional Talk” on MLB Channel. “I like listening to Kevin Millar, and the rest of those guys, looking in on batting practice. Some of the segments they have are pretty funny.”

Favorite book: ”The Life You Imagine: Life Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams” by Derek Jeter. “He talks about never taking a break and what he went through and stuff that was not easy.”

Favorite class in school: ”Social Studies. I like learning about past stuff, wars, famous people and what they did.”

Favorite movie: ”Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.” “Jim Carrey does funny stuff, weird stuff with his neck. The Miami Dolphins mascot gets kidnapped and he tries to find him.”

When I grow up, I want to be…?: “A successful baseball player. If not a baseball player, then a lawyer. My uncle is a really good lawyer. He’s told me stuff he does and I would like to do that.”

School/extracurricular activities: “I play middle school baseball and basketball and I tutor. I tutor mostly in math. I help other kids with their work and work with them after school.”

Three for dinner: ‘My grandfather (Donald Joseph Savage, Sr.), Jackie Robinson, and Will Ferrell.’ “My grandfather passed away a few years ago and I would like to see him again. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. I saw part of ’42′ the other day. He overcame all this stuff and still played well. Will Ferrell is one of the funniest guys you could ever meet.”

Did you know: Sean’s middle school baseball team in Berkeley Heights is facing a middle school team from neighboring Mountainside on Saturday and the game is being played on Gov. Livingston High School’s field. Gov. Livingston High School draws from Berkeley Heights and Mountainside. “It’s a big rivalry game. All the high school coaches come. It’s a big crowd and we get to play on the high school field, which is beautiful. The high school coach Mr. (Chris) Roof will be there. A lot of people come out to the game and we get to see people we’ve known for a long time.”

The rest of the nominees: Joey Possumato, Diamond Jacks Super 14U, Kyle Dean, Diamond Jacks 13U Gold and Pete Gallo, Diamond Jacks 12U Gold.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Super 14 Back to Back

April 15, 2013 By nmassari

The Diamond Jacks Super 14 squad had an outstanding effort on the mound in running off six straight victories to the 14U championship.

Alex Santini and Jack Mahala started the tournament in spectacular fashion on Saturday for the Diamond Jacks Super 14 team when they combined to pitch a perfect game in an 8-0 victory over Baldwinsville Swarm Gold.

Cameron Miller followed that with a complete game effort as the Diamond Jacks defeated Stealin’ Home, 7-3, later on Saturday.

The Diamond Jacks set themselves up nicely for the playoffs when it cruised to a 17-5 victory over All Out Baseball II in its Sunday opener. The Diamond Jacks trailed 5-2 before erupting for 15 unanswered runs. Andrew Pierson, at right in photo at right with co-MVP Joey Possumato, led the barrage with a triple and six RBI. Pierson also closed out the game on the mound for the Diamond Jacks.

“After we were down 5-2, we couldn’t do anything wrong,” said Diamond Jacks Super 14U coach Travis Anderson. “That was a really good win for us.”

The Diamond Jacks entered the playoffs as the No. 3 seed, so were faced with having to win three straight games to secure the championship. and four games in all on Sunday. The team never blinked.

After defeating Tri-Township, 9-1, and Gallagher Baseball, 12-2, the Diamond Jacks were pitted against a very strong New Jersey Hurricanes squad in the final.

Pitching remained the theme for the Diamond Jacks as Ryan Riuk pitched a complete game shutout to steer his team to a 2-0 victory and the 14U Spring Invitational championship.

“Playing four games in one day is tough and winning them all is even tougher,” said Anderson. “The big thing was everyone contributed. We played great defense the whole tournament. I don’t think we made an error in the six games.”

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Ryan Godown Player of the Week 4/8

April 12, 2013 By nmassari

Ryan Godown

Outfielder/pitcher, Diamond Jacks Super 11

Statistics from the weekend: Ryan contributed in every way to the Diamond Jacks Super 11 championship in the King of the Diamond Tournament at Diamond Nation last weekend. He hit three home runs in the tournament, two of which tied a game and one that broke up a no-hitter with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning of the semifinals against Gallagher Baseball. The Diamond Jacks went on to defeat Gallagher in extra innings then edge N.J. Rangers, 5-2, in the championship game. Godown also pitched well in relief on Sunday.

Coach’s comment: “Ryan has a big hit mentality,” said Diamond Jacks Super 11 coach Tyson Ambrose. “He has hit four home runs on the season and all came in clutch situations. Ryan played strong defensively in the outfield and pitched well in the third game of pool play. Overall, Ryan played well all weekend.”

Age: 11

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Uniform #: “26.” ”It’s my number because my dad (also Ryan Godown) is a race car driver and 26 the number of his car.”

I’ve Been Playing Baseball…: “Six years. Since I started playing rec ball in East Amwell (NJ).”

My Favorite Position: “Pitcher. What I like about it is you’re in on every pitch. You’re never standing around.”

My Second Favorite Position: “First base. It’s fun. I love that the throws come to you on ground balls in the infield.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a player): “Hitting my first home run. It was two winters ago for the Diamond Jacks. I was leading off an inning and it went over the fence in left-center.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a fan): “Watching Mariano Rivera’s 200th save on TV.”

Favorite moment from this past week: “Hitting the tying home run in the semifinal game. The pitch was outside and I hit it over the right field fence.”

Favorite song on my Ipod. “Suit and Tie” by Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z. “I just like the rhythm of it.”

If not baseball: “Basketball. I play on a travel team in the winter and I do camps in the summer. I play point guard or small forward. I like playing point guard because you get to bring the ball up.”

Favorite MLB team: “Yankees.”

Favorite MLB player?: “Alex Rodriguez. Because he is a good, well-rounded player who I look up too.”

Favorite TV show: “SpongeBob SquarePants.” ”He’s just really funny.”

Favorite book: “Safe at Home.” by Mike Lupica. ”It’s about a catcher in high school who is playing on the junior varsity. He moves up to varsity when the varsity catcher gets hurt.”

Favorite class in school: “Math.”

Favorite movie: “Moneyball.” by Michael Lewis. ”I liked how the A’s come back, winning those 20 games in a row.”

When I grow up I want to be: “A Major League Baseball player.”

School/extracurricular activities: “Playing basketball and baseball for East Amwell School.”

Three for dinner: “Angels outfielder Mike Trout, N.Y. Giants wideout Victor Cruz and N.Y. Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony.” “Trout’s a really good player, one of the best rookies ever. I like Victor Cruz’s salsa dance and the Giants are my favorite team. Carmelo Anthony is just an amazing shooter. I’m a Spurs fan but I really like Carmelo.”

The rest of the nominees: Tristan Spalter, Diamond Jacks Super 11U, T.J. Rawkowski, Diamond Jacks Super 13U, Scott Becker, Diamond Jacks 13U Gold.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Andrew Papantonis Player of the Week 4/1

April 5, 2013 By nmassari

Statistics from the weekend: Andrew went 6-for-10 (.600) with a double, two triples and a home run. He drove in six runs and drew four walks. He triggered a four-run second inning when he rocked a two-run triple to left-center field and later scored to send the Diamond Jacks Super 14U squad to a key 4-3 victory over Team Citius from The Bronx in the first round of the Easter Extravaganza.

Coach’s comment: “Andrew did what he does best and that is driving in runs, getting on base and supplying the energy that the other players feed off of,” said Diamond Jacks Super 14U coach Travis Anderson. “He came up with the big hits when we needed them and played great defense at shortstop. I’m very proud of Andrew and the team for playing well and winning the tournament.”

Age: 14

Bats: Right

Throws: Right

Uniform #: “2. Because Derek Jeter wears number 2 and he’s my favorite Yankee.”

I’ve been playing baseball…: “10 years.”

My favorite position: “Shortstop.”

My 2^nd favorite position: “Third base.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a player): “Getting moved up to be the starting shortstop on the Diamond Jacks Super 14s last summer. Coming into the Diamond Jacks, I didn’t know what to expect. When I realized they needed a shortstop, I just worked really hard for it and it eventually paid off.”

Favorite baseball memory (as a fan): “Sitting behind the Yankees dugout and getting to see all the players come out onto the field when I was about 10 years-old.”

Favorite moment from this past week: “Winning our recent tournament (Easter Extravaganza) and getting the MVP.”

Favorite song on my IPod: “Run This Town” by Jay-Z.

If not baseball…: Football. “I just finished my last season with the Hunterdon Huskies.” Andrew played quarterback for the Pop Warner program in northern Hunterdon County.

Pre-game ritual: “Taking a jog around the field, putting on my eye black and listening to Eric Thomas’ “Secret to Success” speech. That’s, hands down, my favorite speech ever.”

Favorite MLB team: “New York Yankees.”

Favorite MLB player: “Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals because of the amount of talent he possesses.”

Favorite TV show: “30/30” on ESPN.

Favorite book: “The Autobiography of Chris Kyle: The American Sniper.” I just finished it a couple days ago. My mom got it for me for Easter.”

Favorite class in school: “Science.”

Favorite movie: “Act of Valor.”

When I grow up I want to be…: “A U.S. Navy SEAL or a professional baseball player. I’ve had a lot of relatives in the military and I’ve been fascinated by it and wanted to be a SEAL since I was little.”

School/extracurricular activities: “Head of Student Advisory Council and a Student Ambassador.”

Three for dinner: “Charles Darwin, Pope John Paul II and Jackie Robinson.”

“Darwin was an absolute genius. I’m fascinated how his brain worked and the ideas he came up with. Pope John Paul II really showed his faith and was such a great person. Jackie Robinson, in my opinion, was the most courageous player who ever played baseball.”

The Other Nominees: Brennen Donnelly, 11U Gold, Luke Pillarella, 12U Gold, Sammy Raymond, Super 12U, Brian Nicolas, 13U Gold, Ryan Morash, Super 13U and Jack Chernow, 14U Gold.

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Super 14s win 14U Extravaganza

April 2, 2013 By nmassari

Congrats to Super 14 for winning the 14U Extravaganza.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Sean Savage Player of the Week 4/15

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