South Jersey Modified League:
The Silver Capture Their 3rd Consecutive Title

Wednesday, September 2, 1998

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

The South Jersey Modified League has crowned a team that has shown many ways to capture a title. This team has used speed, aggressiveness and pitching to take home the championship trophy. The Silver won their third consecutive SJML Title with a 13-2 victory over Metal Plex at Runnemede Beaver Branch Park, winning the series three games to one. The number one ranked team in the 1998 playoffs got to the finals by defeating ATL and Nipper's Nuts. Metal Plex was impressive by defeating Jay's Elbow Room and MHC Thunder. However, the Silver was not finished capturing titles.

The Silver and Metal Plex participated in the 1998 USSSA Men's Modified Pitch Class A National Championship tournament. This tournament was held in North Branford, Connecticut. The Silver took that trophy home by going 7-0 in the tournament and defeated Tarr's of Worcester, Massachusetts by a score of 15-14. Tarr's were the 1995 ASA Major Modified National Champions. "On behalf of the entire Silver Softball team, Thank You! We would not have accomplished our dream of winning a National Championship Tournament without the SJML," stated Bernie Kitzinger of the Silver.

In the championship game, the Silver trailed 10-1 going into the bottom of the fourth inning, but they fought back to tie the game at 12-12 to send the game into extra innings. The game was reported by SJSports Online SJML Correspondent Nick Straguzzi. Tarr's scored 2 runs in the top of the 8th inning, but the Silver answered with 3 runs of their own to take home the title. Chris Pino had the winning hit with a bases loaded single. "There were times during the Championship game that several of us looked into the stands and saw Brian [McDonald] and Nick [Straguzzi] hanging in there with us," Bernie Kitzinger stated proudly. "You [SJML] absolutely share in our victory."

There were others who went to Connecticut to represent the SJML. Metal Plex, primarily players from their team, MHC Thunder, ATL, Jammers and Jay's Elbow Room, qualified for the quarterfinals before losing to Remco of Rhode Island.

Damien Stewart was voted the tournament's Most Outstanding Pitcher. He went 3-0 with a crucial save in the semi-finals striking out 15 batters in one game and 12 in another. Greg Heydit also pitched very well, posting a 3-0 record himself. From the SJML, Stewart, Carl Arrigale, Dave Rucci, Scott Riley and Chris Marrone were named to the All-Tournament Team.

Photos by Art Redd