Black Sox Chopped Down by MC's Lemon Tree, 8-6 Aug 6, 2003
The Black Sox inaugural season ended on a losing note tonight at Warren Park Field #2, when MC's Lemon Tree (5-12) knocked the Sox (8-9) out of the race for 8th by a score of 8-6. The Sox needed help to sneak into the playoffs, but definitely needed to win their game tonight against the half drunk Lemon Tree. The Sox allowed three runs in the second, four in the sixth, and another run in the seventh: not a bad defensive performance at all. The Black Sox bats just couldn't get the job done when it counted, allowing innings to end with the bases loaded a few times. The Sox got three runs back in the third, one on an RBI single by Thompson, and two when Carrell hit a deep sac fly to right center, scoring Bobal from third and Thompson from second. In the fourth Bill Diemer doubled and then scored on a single by Carmine Rossetti. Carrell tripled in the sixth, scoring on a Parenti sac fly, then closed the Sox scoring with a sac fly of his own in the seventh, bringing Bobal home who had reached on an error.
The season ended in defeat, but the Black Sox first season in the Woodbridge Rec Softball League was a definite success. The evidence was clearly seen at J.J. Bitting's Brew Pub after the game, as fans and players alike had a beer in hand laughing it up about a well played season. The Sox hearts were warmed by the fan turn out. Ian Wallace and the lovely Claire made a welcome appearance, and were joined by the future in medical practice in Mike Mallow and Chris Visco. And as always, Karen, Melissa, Jillian, and Kerri were there to cheer on their favorite team, the Black Sox.
The Race for Eighth August 1, 2003- The Black Sox need a ton of help in the race for 8th, but are technically not eliminated yet. Johnny G's, RTG, and Mooterbee's are in the drivers seat, but if two of three lose their remaining games to force the tie breaker, runs scored it will be close. And all three play tough competition the rest of the way.
Black Sox Slip Past Rugs and Riffy's, 10-8 July 31- The Black Sox (8-8) got back to their winning ways last night at Boynton Park Field #1, defeating Rugs and Riffy's by the score of 10-8. It was a battle as the Black Sox got two in the top of the first on an RBI double by J.C. and a little help from the Riffy defense. Riffy's looked good knocking in four in their half of the first but, their rally was stopped by a nice play by right fielder, Jason Parenti, cutting the ball off, short stop, Jason Carrell, on the relay, and catcher, Chris Parenti to cut a run down at the plate. In the top of the second the Sox knoched five more runs: Bobal doubled in a run, Angry hit a sac-fly to score Hassler, Thompson sinlgled in a run, and Carrell cleaned it up with a 2 RBI sinlge. The rain began to come down, as Riffy's got one back in the bottom of the second. In the top of the fourth with Angry and Skillo on, Thompson hit a line drive that skidded past the Riffy right-center fielder allowing all three runners to score. The hit was ruled a 3 run HR by a very beautiful and talented score keeper. In the bottom of the fifth with the score 10-5, Thompson gave way to Bobal to pitch the rest of the way. And Bobes was up to the task, closing the door on Riffy's as the rain came down harder and harder. With rain pouring off his Yankee visor Carrell was heard saying, "The hard stuff's not supposed to come down for another couple hours." The game ended 10-8, with a ground ball to Carrell who flipped it to Skillo for the put out. The Sox last game of the season will be played Wednesday August 6th at Warren Park field #2 at 7:30 pm against MC's Lemon Tree (4-11).
Wizzards place a spell on Sox, 18-7. July 30, 2003
The Black Sox (7-8) were woken from their playoff dream by the Wizzards' bats tonight at Boynton Park Field #1. The Wizzards (8-8) jumped all over the Sox knocking three over the fence, one for a grand salami. The Black Sox looked good out of the gate, scoring five in the bottom of the first on five singles and two walks. Then got two more in the second, on an RBI ground out by Jason Carrell and a Bill Diemer sac-fly. But that was all the Black Sox could bring home. The Wizzards opened the flood gates in the third for ten runs. And the game ended in the fifth by the score of 18-7. It was a tough loss for the Sox, who were again short players at the start of the game; and were rescued from forfeit by the other Bitting franchise, The Brewers, for the second straight game.
The Race for Eighth July 25, 2003
The Black Sox playoff chances took a turn in the right direction last night with their huge victory over Englert. The Sox went into the game looking everywhere to find enough players just to play the game, with 5 Sox starters not available at game time. The Sox still have to win out to get into the top eight, but no one expected the Sox to even be in the game against Englert. 'The Mexican', Carmine Rossetti made it to the pub last night and had this to say about Englert, "Their record is real good, but the scores of their games just gave me a feeling that we were going to win." The next test for the Sox is the Wizzard's, a team that has looked strong as of late and still has an outside chance in the race for 8th. Every run will count for the Black Sox as the first tie breaker is runs scored. Pile 'em up, Sox!
Sox Take Down Englert, 8-5 July 24, 2003
The Black Sox (7-7) kept their playoff hopes alive tonight by defeating league power house, Englert by the score of 8-4 at Warren Park Field #4. The Sox got one run in the first when Thompson led off the game with a triple and was knocked in on a Zarwi ground out. Englert fired back with two runs of their own in the bottom half of the first. And then Englert got one more in each of the next two innings to bring the count to 4-2 in their favor. But, that was all the Black Sox defense would allow, turning double plays in the second and fifth to stop scoring threats. Chris 'Angry' Parenti singled in Jon 'Get faster' Fisher in the sixth to bring it to a one run game. With one out in the top of the seventh, Dan, replacement third baseman, hit his third single of the night, which was followed by singles from Mike Bobal and Brian 'B-Diddy' Donahue. This set the table for a Thompson for a 2-RBI double, scoring the tying and go-ahead runs. Alex 'Phat Al' Zarwi followed up with a 2-RBI single. And Fisher singled in the Sox fifth run of the inning. Englert got one back in the bottom of the seventh, but couldn't break the strong Black Sox defense. Sox look to keep the momentum going against The Wizard's (7-8) this Wednesday at 6:15 at Boynton Field #1.
BlackSox to Face Tough Opponent, Englert and Playoff Elimination with Small Squad July 24, 2003-Line up as of 2 PM Thursday:
1. Thompson 2. Bobal 3. Carrell 4. Fisher 5. Parenti 6. Angry 7. Zarwi 8. Ed Bittner 9. Joey G 10. ???
Sox Rained out Again July 23, 2003 The Sox (6-7) were some how rained out of their game against Rugs and Riffy's (4-10) Wednesday. It was another one of those days where rained threaten but never came, as the skies stayed clear so did the Woodbridge softball fields.. The game will be made up on Thursday July 31 at 8:45 at Boynton Park Field #1.
The Race for Eigth 7/21/03
The Black Sox playoff chances were hurt severely with their loss to RTG Materials last Thursday. As it now appears they will have to win out to sneak into the playoffs which only the top 8 teams will enter. And with a makeup game scheduled for this Thursday against league power house Englert, the outlook is grim. But the Sox welcome the challenge and will be ready to play this week. The race may come down to the first tie braeker, runs scared. So the Sox must look to pile the runs up against their remaining opponents.
Depleted Black Sox Fall to RTG Materials, 11-7 7/27/03
Carrell, Black Sox Hammer Falcons, 21-2 7/16/03
The Sox (5-6) dropped their second in a row last night to ZPA (10-1) by a score of 15-5 at Warren Park. ZPA, a league power house, showed a ton of power putting four softballs where the Sox couldn't catch them, over the fence. "I think one of them landed at second base on the other field," quoted a disheartened Thompson. The Sox showed a little life at the plate, but couldn't put it together for that big inning they needed. Anthony Sciarrillo went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI's, Jason Carrell hammered one off the fence for a triple, and Carmine Rossetti bounced one over the fence for a ground rule double to highlight the Sox offensive output. The Black Sox look to put it together for Wednesday night against the Falcons (2-8).
The Monsters from Mooterbee's Scare Sox into Defeat. 7/7/03
Applebee's Grill and Bar (7-3) took out the BlackSox (5-5) by a score of 9-3 tonight at Warren Park in Woodbridge, NJ. The loss dropped the Sox to a .500 record and forces a victory against a quality opponent to gain a playoff birth.
The BlackSox bats appeared to be a little scared off the Mooter. They managed two runs in the bottom of the first on a Bill Diemer two run double, and picked up another run on an RBI single by "Phat Al" Zarwi in the fourth. But, that was it for the BlackSox scoring efforts on the night. The defense also looked porous at times, but definitely played well enough to win the game. "If the bats liked to play with Mooter we would have taken that game," said Thompson at JJ Bitting's Brew Pub. The Sox got a surprise visit from the Wu-Tang at the bar. Simon showed up sporting a new 'Wu-man-chu" and showing off his girl, Mia. Hopefully the visit from the Tang will give some energy to the BlackSox offense. The only way to beat their next opponent, ZPA (9-1), will be to outscore them. The Sox look forward to the challenge Wednesday night at Warren Park Field #1, game time 6:15 PM.
Strawberry's and Cream for the Sox 7/3/03
The BlackSox (5-4) got back on track last night taking down Strawberry's Pub (5-4) by a score of 10 to 5 at Boynton Park. The game started out reminiscent of Tuesday night as Thompson began the game by walking in a run in the first, but then ended the inning by recording his first strikeout of the year with the bases loaded. Brian Donahue drew a bases loaded walk in the second inning to even up the score. Then Thompson singled in a run and Darcy hit a sac fly in the same inning to give the Sox a two run lead. Strawberry's evened it up in the third by getting two runs of their own, but Jason Carrell tripled and Bill Diemer brought him home with a sac fly in the bottom half to take the lead back. The Sox were down one run going into the bottom half of the sixth when they busted out for six huge runs where Carrell, Fisher, Thompson, and the Bash Brothers, Chris and Jason Parenti all had RBI singles. The Sox defense held strong in the seventh with third baseman, Jason Hassler stepping on his bag and throwing to first for the game-ending double play. It was a sweet victory for the Sox who look to get a winning streak started against Applebee's Grille and Bar (6-3) Monday night at Warren Park
Lawyers Take Walks and the Sox Take the Loss. 7/1/03
The Sox dropped their second straight Tuesday night 26-9 to Ricigliano Law Firm at Warren Park. The loss knocked the Sox to .500 and hurt the Sox playoff standings. The Lawyers brought their bats, but didn't use them for a while. And for good reason, Thompson was walking the whole house. The Lawyers put 12 runs up in two separate innings in a not-so-fun route of the Sox. Player of the game for the Sox was slugger Jason Parenti who went three for three with a solo home run and two RBI's. The Sox lace 'em up again Wednesday night against Strawberry's Pub (5-3).
BlackSox Get Their Arace Kicked June 26, 2003
The Arace Assault (5-3) handed the Sox (4-3) their third loss of the season last night, 10-0 at Warren Park. The Sox hit the ball hard all night but right at the Assault defense, which held the Sox to only three hits.The Sox bats didn't show up, but the defense flashed some leather at times. A sick, diving grab by right-center fielder Jon Fisher was only outdone by a brilliant double play turned by Anthony Sciarrillo. Game one of the Mike Bobal experiment wasn't as bad as the score indicates. Bobal was around the plate all night and held off the Assault as long as he could. The Sox just have to wake up the bats for next week as they'll play back to back nights, Tuesday and Wednesday. The first game the Sox will face a solid team in Ricigliano Law Firm (6-1) at 8:45 at Warren Park Field #1.
June 20, 2003 And Again�
That's right, again. This rain out wasn't just any old rain out, this was a rain out of a rain out. The Sox were scheduled to make up a game from May 21st against Englert (6-0), one of the league's power houses. It was an exact repeat of yesterday in terms of weather, early rain and then nothing the rest of the day. And the BlackSox were again teased into thinking they had a shot to play. It eased the pain a bit when the New York Yankees were also rained out of their day game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at the Stadium that same afternoon. That game will be made up as part of a day/night doubleheader on September 13th. The make up games for the BlackSox have yet to be scheduled. The BlackSox (4-2) will look to shake off the dust and play The Arace Assault (4-3) next Wednesday, June 25th at 7:30 at Warren Park Field #1. The Assault haven't let up too many runs this season and could pose a test for the Sox offense. The Sox will have to get firstbaseman, Carmine Rossetti up out of his accountant's chair doing his no rain dance again.
Sox Rained Out�Again. 6/18/03
And down came the rain�again. The forecast was for rain all day. We got some rain in the morning, but for the majority of the day no rain fell. And with weather.com changing their prediction from light rain to cloudy, the Sox thought they might sneak this game in. However, 3:30 rolled around and the call was made, "And the games are�..(wait longer)�.canceled. (I'm starting not to like that guy.) Nonetheless, the BlackSox (4-2) were washed out of their fourth game this season. The Sox were slated to play RTG Materials (4-3), a team right in the playoff race with the Sox. When co-manager, Mark Darcy heard the news he had this to say, "That's absolute bull*(Carrell's car horn) that they couldn't get the fields ready for tonight, it stopped raining at 9 am, that's Woodbridge township�refund!" Needless to say the Sox were not happy about not playing. The BlackSox are scheduled to make up a game tomorrow (6:15 Warren #4) against another quality opponent in Englert (6-0). Weather.com has forecast nothing but rain tomorrow, nothing new for the Sox. They'll just have to hope the rain holds off and the Woodbridge grounds crew doesn't have Darcy asking for another refund.
No Rain, Sox Hold Off Seeman's -June 11, 2003
The BlackSox (4-2) picked up their fourth win of the season last night fighting off a tough opponent in Seeman's Chiropractic Express (2-4) by the score of 14-13. Rain threatened all day and the prediction was that the Sox wouldn't see the field for the fourth straight week. Even reliable the weather.com had forecast thunderstorms for three in the afternoon continuing on through the night. However, game time approached and the sun snuck out from behind the clouds. The Sox would finally play a softball game. And what a game it was. Mark Darcy led off the bottom of the first with one of his four singles and scored on Jon Fisher's two RBI triple. The BlackSox threatened in every inning but were held in check through the first four. That sun that the Sox were so glad to see had found a home right in the batter's eye and slowed down both offenses. But the Sox made the adjustment and the roof flew off in the bottom of the fifth with a six-run outburst from the BlackSox bats. The meat of the order came through with back-to-back-to-back triples from Carrell, Diemer, and Fisher. And they weren't done there, adding four more in the sixth. Jason Hassler clubbed the Sox first home run of the season, a three-run inside the parker. The Sox defense settled in with that nine run lead allowing only five hits and three runs through six innings. But, the game was far from over. With the nine run lead and the Sox defense playing so well behind a solid six innings from pitcher Sean Thompson, the game looked in the bag. BlackSox shortstop, J.C., even thought he had a cup on right before the inning started. That's when the Seeman hitters adjusted their eyes and began to look at every pitch Thompson threw and the ball wasn't landing where it should have. The first four 'batters' walked and the Seeman tenth-hitter knocked a double driving in two. That's when the wheels fell off for Thompson. When all was said and done Seeman's had taken a one run lead, with the go ahead run 'earned' on the ninth walk issued in the inning. But, the Sox were the home team in this contest. Rossetti led off the inning with a bomb to deep left, but the Seeman leftfield made a spec play on it. Chris Parenti and Brian Donahue both knocked one-out singles and gave the Sox some life. Thompson then got back a little pride doubling in the tying run. Seeman's loaded the bases by intentionally walking slugger Mike Bobal. And the game ended with Mark Darcy shooting one over the drawn in outfield to take back the game for the Sox. A cry of "Walk this!" was heard from somewhere near first base as the game ended. A great come-back win and a great night at J.J. Bitting's Brew Pub for the BlackSox.
Rain, Rain, Go Away June 4, 2003
The BlackSox couldn't shake the weather again as they were rained out of their third straight game today. The game will be made up July seventh at 8:45 at Warren Park Field #2. With another make up game scheduled for the week before that the Sox are looking at four games in a nine day span: July 1st, 2nd, 7th, and 9th. The weather has the Sox spirits down a little with cabin fever setting in, however the three week break should allow time for some injuries to heal up. While the injury bug hasn't kept anyone off the field yet, sore arms and strained hamstrings have had the BlackSox management holding their breath at times. Team manager, Sean Thompson, had this to say: "Normally I'd be upset about such a long break from playing, but with Big D's arm hanging and J.C.'s hammy holding him back on the bases it's not all that bad to get some time off. I'll tell you what I am worried about though, the start time of those make up games. Is that 8:45 PM?" Sleeping habits aside, let's hope the rust doesn't grow too thick on the BlackSox bats, they will need the offense next week. Seeman's Chiropractic Express has a record of only 2-3 for the season, but has faced some tough competition thus far and could pose a threat to the Sox playoff chances. The Sox will have first baseman Carmine Rossetti doing his 'no-rain' dance for next week in hopes the weather doesn't take a whole month away from the Sox.
Different week, same story for the Sox. The BlackSox were rained out for the second straight Wednesday and were washed out of their shot at the two top teams. That's right, for the second straight week and undefeated team has lost their chance to lose their first game to the BlackSox. The Sox management was looking forward to the return of outfielder, Alex Zarwi. The bruised-eyed warrior hasn't seen the field since spring training, and now with scheduling conflicts Zarwi is lost to the Sox until June 18th. The BlackSox will be playing back to back that week with the May 21st make up being played on June 19th at 6:15. The BlackSox (3-2) look forward to lacing the cleats back up next week against Applebee's Bar and Grill (3-2).
The Sox were washed out of their shot at undefeated Englert this Wednesday. Next week the Sox see another undefeated team in Ricigliano Law Firm.
BlackSox Hurt by Huddy's May 15, 2003
The BlackSox (3-2) dropped a hard fought game last night to Huddy's (4-1) 21-12. Huddy's jumped out to an early lead knocking three balls off the fence in route to a 5 run lead. The Sox got two back in the bottom of the first behind a single from Mark Darcy and an RBI triple from Jay Carrell. The Sox offense struck big in the bottom half of the third with six runs, highlighted by a run scoring triple from Bill Diemer who finished 3 for 3 with 4 RBI's. Huddy's grabbed the lead in the top of the fourth and outscored the Sox 15 to 4 the rest of the way. The BlackSox look to right the ship next week against another tough opponent in Englert (5-0).
Sox Roll Tide over Moe's Tavern May 8, 2003
The BlackSox (3-1) won their second game in a row last night at the tough-to-find Boyton Field, defeating Moe's Tavern (0-4) 18-8. The Sox fell behind early as a two out, three run moon shot by Big "Moe" Vaughn brought the score to 7-2. But the BlackSox offense broke out in the third with four runs and then exploded in the fourth putting up an 8 spot. The Sox defense allowed only one run in the rest of the contest which ended an inning early by the mercy rule. First baseman, Carmine Rossetti went 3 for 4 with one RBI and showed off the wheels scoring three of the Sox 18 runs. Outfielder Jon Fisher showed up for this game, unlike the Yankee tailgate, going 3 for 4 with 4 RBI's. Clutch Carrell showed a lot of heart by toughing out a pulled hammy and going 2 for 3 with one RBI. Second baseman, Mike Bobal went 2 for 4 and turned a sweet double play in the third inning. And Jason Parenti returned from a Caribbean Island and stayed hot going 4 for 4 with 4 RBI's. The BlackSox look for three in a row next week against Huddy's (3-1).
BlackSox have a Corona May 1, 2003
The BlackSox (2-1) got back on the winning track with a victory against Corona Construction (1-2) last night at Warren Park. The BlackSox took a one run lead into the top of the last, and made it interesting by allowing one run and then escaping a bases loaded situation. Second baseman, Steve Majocha, led off the bottom of the inning with a single to left and then moved to third with some help from the Corona defense. With the winning run on third SS, Jason 'clutch' Carrell, knocked a solid ground ball through the drawn in infield to bring the victory home for the Sox. Overall it was a solid night at the plate for the Sox, led by Bill Diemer who had two triples and 3 RBI. First baseman, Carmine Rossetti made it to the game by pissing off some co-workers and then chipped in with a 2RBI triple in the forth. The BlackSox look to get a winning streak started next week against Moe's Tavern (0-3).
Johnny G's String up Sox, 4/24/03
A black night in BlackSox history. Nothing seemed to go the BlackSox way last night at Warren Park in a game that ended in only 5 innings. Johnny G's pulled off 3 double plays with one ending the game, an unheard of total in a slow pitch softball game. Cold temperatures and blistering wind didn't help the Sox cause as they collected only 2 runs in the contest. The defense surrendered a very porous 14 runs all in the first three innings. Pitcher, Sean Thompson suffered his first defeat of the season walking 5 batters. "I couldn't find the plate," stated a frustrated Thompson. Later that night at JJ Bitting Brew Pub, SS Jason Carrell quoted, "Did we even play tonight?" A great summary of a very forgettable night for the BlackSox.
Looking Ahead. 4/21/03
The BlackSox came out of the gates running on opening night, dropping HatCo 19-12. The core of the team looked sharp at weekend batting practice, and they�re looking to keep the ball rolling this Wednesday in game two. The schedule lists Johnny�s G�s as the BlackSox next opponent, who got blown out in week one 19-2 by ZPA. Comparing week one results, the BlackSox appear to be the superior team in this matchup. However, co-Manager, Sean Thompson, warned his team not to underestimate their next opponent. �Anything can happen in this league, it�s damn slow-pitch softball,� said Thompson. Co-Manager, Mark Darcy, added, �as long as their second baseman wears jean shorts to the game, we�ll be OK.�
BlackSox take apart HatCo in opener. 4/16/03
The BlackSox opened their inaugural season in fine style, defeating HatCo 19-12. The offense showed no signs of early season rust, putting an eight spot up in the top of the first highlighted by Bill Diemer�s 2 RBI triple and Mark Darcy�s 2 RBI double. The BlackSox grabbed the early lead and never looked back. A spectacular play by right fielder Jason Parenti in the bottom of the second seemed to take the air out of the HatCo offense. From there, the defense gained confidence and held back some late inning rallies. A sac fly from Jason Carrell and an RBI single by Jon Fisher capped a four run fifth for the Sox. And Mike Reitmann added to the total in the top of the seventh with an RBI single knocking in the Sox 19th run of the night. This sportswriter was thoroughly impressed with the debut of the rookie BlackSox.
News 4/15/03
The Blacksox are entering their inaugral season in the Woodbridge Township Wednesday Night Softball League with high hopes. The Blacksox know they'll experience their share of growing pains as they list only two veterans on the roster. Spring training holdouts and last minute roster moves have kept the Blacksox front office busy. And with the home opener only a few days away, the Blacksox brass are still on the waiver wire. And rumor has it two late additions will be made on the final day of preseason signings. The schedule was released April 7th, listing Hatco Corp as the Blacksox first opponent. Barring Inclement weather the game will be played at Warren Park Field #2 on Wed. April 16th. With a few regulars either on the list of injured reserves or away pretending to be Mexican, the opener should be a test and provide the Blacksox with a good read on their depth