Dog Pile Derailed!
Despite the idyllic setting of Union-Endicott's Sylvester Field or the pleasant
hospitality of the Binghamton hosts, for the Carey Seahawks their first trip, as exciting as it was, to the New York State
Baseball Championships will always be filled with disappointing 'what ifs' as their dream season ended with a thud at the
hands of a very good Victor High School team 7-0.
A five hour bus ride on Friday was followed by an afternoon practice and then a
welcoming picnic on Friday night at NYSEG stadium home of the Binghamton Mets before a reasonable 9:30PM curfew, yet Saturday
morning the Hawks seemed to be a little sluggish.
Of course, Victor's pitching ace probably put a lot of teams to sleep as he was
sharp from the get-go as he commanded three pitches for strikes keeping the bats off-balance for much of the game, and when
the ball did get put into play their defense made the plays. At times baseball can be made to be simple when following this
formula. It was a formula the Seahawks had been using for over a month so it was a tough pill to swallow when they became
the victim of three errors and six runners left on base. Again however, you must at times just tip your cap as Victor High
School was the better team and deserved their fate as victors. (Victor Won the State Championship 5-4 over Shaker High School)
Nonetheless, the 2011 Seahawks baseball team is about lifting a community. In this
instance it is three communities as Franklin Square, Garden City South and West Hempstead all were treated to their greatest
high school baseball spring ever. For these 21 young men what they accomplished will be remembered forever and never duplicated
as they became the first Nassau County Champions, the first Long Island Champions and the first team ever to be called New
York State Southeast Regional Champions in school history.
Sometimes you have to amend old adages such as it takes a village to raise a child.
Well it also takes a village to raise a baseball player. Many of the 2011 Seahawks have played in the outstanding little leagues
of Garden City South and Franklin Square since they were five years old. Many of them have spent Summer after Summer traveling
all over the East Coast honing their skills in their travel leagues. Many of them have spent much of their money and free
time on private instruction. So when they get to Carey and they are asked to start practices on Saturday nights in December
at 5:00-8:00PM there is no hesitation because they have already had a work ethic instilled in them by their parents, little
league coaches, travel coaches and specialist coaches. This is the ONLY way you build a winning program and all of those contributors
should be applauded, especially the PARENTS!!!
So without further adieu, on behalf of myself Coach Marc "Chicken Legs" Hedquist
and my outstanding Assistant Coach Mike "..To Be Honest" Farina as well as Junior Varsity Coach Pat "The Pony Tail" Frino
and Junior High Coach Ron "G" Giarraffa we would like to thank all of the following people for being a part of this celebration:
Players: Jesse "Long Socks" Bordeman, John "The Bull Dog" Daddino, Adam
"Mr. Nice" Delgado, Kyle "The Record Breaker" DeMeo, Chris "Creamy or Al" Dente, Eddie "Anyone Seen My Baseball Bat?" Eymold,
Andrew "Giggles" Gentile, Anthony "Just Give Me My Yearbook Already!" Licata, Ron "Golden Glove Winner" Licciardi, Dan "Michael
Phelps" Maloney, Steven "The Real Dragon Award Winner" Marino, Rob "Plattdeutsch" Miotto, Jesse "Sleepy's"Montalto, Tom "Another
Run Scored" Rydzewski, Nick "Daddino Better Recognize!" Safuto, Joey "Box Drills" Torregrossa, Nick "Floppy" Vilchez, Jack
"The Professor" Young, Kyle "The Quarterback" Zahradka, and Anthony "Bear in the Showcase" Zeppieri.
Families: The Bordeman Family-Thanks for all your support this year, The
Daddino Family-all 400 of them! :), The Delgado Family-Congrats on the Paul Brito Scholarship Award-Thanks to Baseball Alum
Evan for being part of it, The DeMeo Family-Thanks for the BBQ!, The Dente Family-I want that car!!, The Eymold Family-the
only family in school history to boast of two County Champions CAITLYN and Eddie!, The Gentile Family-Big Thanks to Baseball
Alums Vinny and Alphonse, The Licata Family-Thx for the BBQ, the eight foot Kristen Poster :) and the door to door escort
to Binghamton!, The Licciardi Family-Thanks from the Boys for the Dinner and looking forward to the video of our Championship
run!, The Maloney Family-Thanks for the scouting tips and help with the hotel information, The Marino Family-Thanks for the
Wonderful Photos and for keeping our Bus Trip safe!, The Miotto Family-Thank You very much for the lunch!, The Montalto Family-Thanks
for being so supportive at Every practice as well as every game!, The Rydzewski Family-Especially Grandpa Tom--but please
get behind the fence!!:), The Safuto Family-Thanks for never missing a game!, The Smith Family-Thanks for looking after my
kids at the game and for saving seats for my Family!, The Torregrossa Family-Special Thanks to Baseball Alum Tommy T. and
to Mr. T for filming last year's Dodgeball Tourny it was fun to watch on the bus ride up, The Vilchez Family-for all your
kinds words and unwavering support, The Young Family-Thanks for being so...Nice!, The Zahradka Family-Thanks for 10+ Years
of support from EVERYONE at Carey High School, and The Zeppieri Family-Big Hearts do come in Small Packages!!
A Special Thanks also to ALL of the members of the
CAREY DADS CLUB!!!! To our Custodial Staff, especially Tim and Billy for getting
the fields playable. To the Franklin Square Little for honoring us on our return home yesterday during their games. It was
a great thrill for the kids and coaches!!! To the Garden City South Little League-Thanks to Jim Scarry for helping set up
the wonderful winter clinics!
Thanks to Bart Badalucco and Chris Cronin for being our number one fans!!(Best
of Luck in Retirement. You will be Missed!) Thanks to former Coach John Baumann for the Congratulatory Email, and Bob "Bobby
from Da Bronx-The Wizard of SpeedBall" Walpole-especially for preserving the history of Carey baseball that this site gets
to enjoy. Thanks to most recent Coach Paul "Paulie Walnuts" LaMarca for reviving my baseball career and for giving me a chance
to experience this wonderful team accomplishment. To former Athletic Director Ed Quinlan for bringing me to Carey High School
and to current Athletic Director Matt McLees who commands and gets respect from all of his Coaches as we are all lucky to
have such a sportsminded supportive leader behind us! To Frank Intagliata,Sr. for taking the first steps in building a winner
by providing the batting cages. To John Punis for the construction of the top of the line dugouts which will always honor
the late Mr. James Gottlieb. To all the guys at Athletes in Training (AIT), especially Mike Lisi and Damian Cotto. To Lou
Maietta from the LI Titans for all his expert advice and assistance with equipment purchases. To the Brito Family. To Laura
Albanese at Newsday and Andrew McClure at the LI Herald as well as Tony Bellisimo. To Coaches Eric Passman, Rich Smith and
Tom Abruscato for all your help this week.
To ALL of the former Carey Baseball players as well as the current and former students
who cheered us on. And lastly to our Teachers and Adminstrators for accomodating our student-athletes this past week. In particular,
our Principal Mrs. Angelillo, Mrs. Flynn-Collins, Mr. Kenny and former Principal Mr. Douglas Monaghan. Additionally a best
wishes in retirement as well as Thanks to our always visible Superintendent Mr. Warren Meierdiercks, District Athletic Director
Mr. Jack Salerno and Assistant Principal Lorraine Wright.
*If I have missed anyone I apologize!!
Winter Workouts Start in 181 Days See You Then!!!!!
L.I. CHAMPS!!
The beat goes on! The 2011 Seahawks joy ride will continue for one more week after
the Hawks claimed their first ever Long Island Championship after dispatching a very game Sachem North club 5-3 in front of
standing room only crowd at Farmingdale State College.
John" I Got This!" Daddino, seized the win for
the Hawks as he went the distance, striking out 13 and allowing just one earned run on five hits. For Daddino it was a satisfying
complete game as he gutted out the seventh when a few miscues made the game a nail-biter, as well as making his coaches consider
a pitching change. However, Daddino, who has led his teammates both physically and vocally the past several weeks, would not
be denied his turn at the bottom of the Dog Pile.
Leading at the dish were two fellow three year starters, Tom "Hockey Pads" Rydzewski
and Kyle "Run-n-Bases" DeMeo who each contributed offensively. Rydzewski's first inning triple quickly quieted the rowdy Sachem
crowd as it sparked a three run opening stanza that was ably assisted by DeMeo's first of two runs scored. Demeo was also
3 for 3 as his record shattering offensive stats climb through the Carey stratosphere. Also adding to the first inning spark
was Steven "Marbury" Marino whose two run single scored both Rydzewski and Demeo. Marino would later score after two consecutive
picture perfect hit and runs by Jack "The Marist Red Fox" Young and Ronnie "The Dog Pile Driver" Licciardi to give the Hawks
the early breathing room.
The Hawks would later add single runs in the third and fifth to up Daddino's safety
net as both Demeo and Harry "Larry" Smith found the RBI groove. For Demeo it was his 37th of the year moving him into the
number one spot on the Carey RBI list. As expected it wasn't a number one that really mattered to DeMeo or the rest of the
Hawks as their drive for greatness is all about the team. A team which in less than a week will be headed to Route 17 and
a trip to Binghamton for a number one that they can really hang their hat on.
Game time for Saturday will be 10:00AM as the Hawks meet the Blue Devils of Victor
High School from Western New York in the State Semi-Finals.
Champions at Last!
Fifty Three Years of Carey Seahawks Baseball from the days of the wooden bat era
and 60's stars like Russ Imbrenda, Nick De Florio and John Scott led into the swinging 70's when Franklin Square legends like
Frank Intagliata, Sr. and Lou Daddino swung the lumber while Bill Yosca and Ray Miller mowed 'em down from the mound while
legendary Coach John Baumann guided the ship.
From there the 80's came with those sweet sounding silver and green Eastons as
Hawk greats like the Tursellino Boys Phil and Steve along with Joe Supino paved the way as '88 aces John Weglarz and Keith
Berenger got everyone's favorite coach Bob "Bobby from Da Bronx" Walpole oh so close to that title.
As 90's stars Rick Haering and Joe Bonelli moved the Seahawks into the next millennium
'Bobby Waps' passed the baton to new Coach Paul LaMarca and '00 sluggers Frank and Sal Intagliata, Scott Hosemann and Terry
Huang while pitchers Brian Gottlieb, John Molloy and Luke Zahradka controlled the 'hill.' Yet through all the greatness Lady
Luck never seemed to lend a hand to all these spectacular players who donned the Orange, White and Black.
Fast Forward to 2011. Twenty one focused, dedicated, determined and refuse to lose
Carey kids finally said enough is enough! And with that, led by Carey High School offspring John Daddino, and fellow aces
Jesse Montalto, Ronnie Licciardi and Kyle DeMeo this next generation finally garnered the school's first County Championship
after they blanked the MacArthur Generals in the second and deciding game of the 2011 'AA' Nassau County Baseball Finals 3-0
to lay claim to greatness.
With a standing room only crowd at Farmingdale State College, the Hawks executed
a textbook game plan that included strong pitching, sound defense, smart baserunning and gutsy tenacity that yielded the elusive
Championship hardware.
Even more satisfying was the manner in which it was achieved as the Hawks, after
knocking off the powerful Calhoun Colts in the Semis, had to go through the MacArthur Generals who have long been the benchmark
for greatness as they were appearing in their 12th final in the last 18 years.
Still these Hawks showed respect but never any fear and that was never more exemplified
then it was on the mound as Jesse "Rip Van Winkle" Montalto patiently maneuvered his way through the Generals lineup as he
would eventually go the distance allowing just three hits while striking out nine. When the ball was put in play the middle
play duo of Kyle "Mr. Text Messages" Demeo and Tom "Relax, You'll Get Your Banner!" Rydzewski skillfully dished to first where
Ronnie "Golden Glove" Licciardi vacuumed it up.
If it did go deep outfielders Harry "Smitty" Smith and Eddie "I Got Jokes" Eymold
tracked it down. Together, this defensive combination would make just one run hold up which did arrive in the fourth inning
as the Hawks scored yet another prototype run as a one hopper through the box was followed by a bunt basehit and a hit and
run which led to a defensive miscue and the winning run.
The Hawks snagged two more runs as they put up single runs in the fifth and sixth
as vocal leader Anthony "Tony Lips" Licata and Anthony "Zep" Zeppieri along with Jack "Dodgeball Champion and Baseball Champion"
Young all found holes on the field as the 3-0 lead would become insurmountable as the seventh inning arrived.
Then with two outs at approximately 10:30PM on May 31, 2011 Carey Seahawks gold
was finally unearthed when Rydzewski scooped a runner in the hole and calmly darted one to Licciardi to begin the greatest
Dog Pile the 'Square had ever seen!
As the Orange Wave of excitement swept over Farmingdale State College the Carey
Crazies finally had the last word: Champions!
Congrats to all of these fine young men and their families on this marvelous achievement!
And it's on to the Long Island Championship game as the Hawks continue to dream about another Dog Pile!
Hawks Get Jump on Generals
Led by the battery of John "Diamond" Daddino and Anthony "Tony Teeth" Licata the
Hawks barreled their way to a 10-1 victory over the MacArthur Generals in the Nassau County 'AA' Championship opener at Farmingdale
State College.
Only in the crazy world of Carey baseball can a starting catcher loosen a tooth
in pre-game warmup and then go on to a 2 for 4 hitting performance with two RBI's, but that's what Carey got from their Senior
Captain Anthony Licata. Nothing else should be expected. And of course, another Senior Captain also had a standout day as
John Daddino worked his way through 5 2/3 innings of grueling heat to garner his first championship series pitching win. On
the day, Daddino was truly brilliant as he gave up just one infield single, no runs allowed, and 10 strikeouts as his 'get
on my back fellas' drive continues.
The top of the order also brought their 'A' game as Tom "Nice Throw :(" Rydzewski,
Eddie "One Hand" Eymold and Kyle "No Warmups for You" DeMeo contributed five hits with six runs scored as they set the pace
for the remaining Hawks. Harry "The Librarian" Smith and Jack "Jack Black" Young added several base-knocks and several RBI's
to keep the offense going through the middle of the order.
The Hawks return to Farmingdale Tuesday night at 7:30PM as the Home team in Game
Two of the three game series.
Farmingdale Bound!!!
For the second time in three years the Seahawks are heading down the turnpike as
they advance to Farmingdale State University to meet MacArthur High School in the 2011 AA Finals after a sterling two game
sweep of Calhoun in the Semi-Finals.
In what could easily be described as one of the most exciting games in school history,
the Hawks battled back from a first inning 4-0 deficit to edge the Colts 6-5 to advance.
Jesse "The Chin :)"Montalto was simply brilliant as he recovered from a first inning
stumble to record his most satisfying victory to date. His numbers may have appeared modest: seven strikeouts, five runs allowed,
and 10 hits but what couldn't be measured was his desire as he refused to break even after bending multiple times during the
game. His signature moment came at the end as he calmly struck out the final batter with the tying run on second to help the
Hawks move on to their next destination.
Early on, however it seemed things would get away from the Hawks which, fortunately,
they never did and when the offense settled in it was only a matter of time before they got their own offense revved up.
In the bottom of the first Tom "Sick Hat" Rydzewski singled and stole two bases
followed by an Eddie "Easy-E" Eymold single to make it 4-1. Eymold would later score on a Harry "SHHH" Smith sac fly that
had a kooky sidebar as Kyle "Nutella" DeMeo was ruled out at third for leaving early.
Still the 4-0 margin was halved and the Hawks confidence, as well as Montalto's,
was back. Then in the third, after what could be the greatest catch since the Joe Gregorio '09 clincher, Eymold stole a sure
two run Home Run from over the left field fence for the Hawks to boost the home team's spirit. Smith then responded by making
sure the ball went completely out as he got the Hawks within one as his solo blast on an 0-2 count got the Hawks to 4-3. After
several scoreless frames, with some disappointing baserunning by the Hawks, that one run margin flipped in the bottom of the
sixth after Anthony "Mr. Newsday" Zeppieri doubled home both Smith and Anthony Licata, who previously doubled, to give the
Hawks their first lead of the game at 5-4. Moments later the margin moved to two as the Hawks took advantage of some shoddy
Calhoun defense. With the 6-4 lead in tow, it was onto the seventh where the first two outs were quickly recorded. A solo
blast ensued followed by a double and it was nail biting time for sure before Montalto with a capacity crowd urging him on
whiffed the final batter to start an Orange Crush frenzy.
For the Senior Hawks, as well as for their friends and family, it was a spectacular
way to finish their last home game at Carey Field. The Hawks will now get back to work to focus on the MacArthur Generals
whom they will meet on Monday May 30th Memorial Day at 11:00AM at
Farmingdale State University. Game Two will follow on Tuesday at 7:30PM.
A special thanks to all the Carey Crazies for their support and see you all at
Farmingdale!
Hawks Clip Colts
Feeding off the leadership of starting pitcher John "Pit Bull" Daddino, the Seahawks
drew first blood in their Semi-Finals opener with a solid 6-2 win over Calhoun.
Daddino went the distance striking out 13, walking four and allowing just two seventh
inning runs as he moved his own season record to 6-1. He was also a recipient of some good defense as the middle infield of
Kyle Demeo (3 for 4) and Tom Rydzewski made several key putouts including one in the sixth to quash a possible 2nd and 3rd
nobody out scenario.
At the dish, Rydzewski also did it with his legs as his steal of third led to a
throwing error that culminated in a 1-0 lead. The aggressive Hawks also took advantage of two Calhoun miscues in the fourth
to go up 3-0 as the 'putting the ball in play' addage reaped them several freebies. In the sixth they earned them the old
fashioned way as Harry Smith 2 for 3 with a double, Ron Licciardi 2 for 3, Anthony Zeppieri 2 for 3 and Eddie Eymold all had
baseknocks to put up three insurance runs that would later prove to be beneficial.
The series returns to Carey on Wednesday at 4:30PM.
Seahawks Semi-Finals Bound!
Throw strikes, play good defense and execute small ball fundamentals and you have
a recipe for success. For the 2011 Seahawks that trifecta of sound baseball has them headed to the County Semi-Finals for
the third straight year after they disposed of the Farmingdale Dalers 4-1 in a two game Quarterfinals sweep.
Jesse Montalto, despite a nine day layoff between starts, simply found a way to
get it done as he struck out four, walked none and allowed just five hits and one earned run in a complete game gem.
On the defensive side of things the Hawks infield perfected six assists and 12
putouts as they enjoyed a rare day of real grass and a real clay infield to maximize their skills with the leather. They were
led by Ronnie Licciardi's 10 putouts. Kyle DeMeo led the assists category with three as the infield foursome had one of their
best games of the year.
As for the sticks, the Seahawks were kept from double digit scoring for only the
second time in three weeks but the small ball engine kept the offense going as the Hawks executed three Sacrifices and a perfect
hit-n-run to give them a four run fourth inning lead that they never relinquished.
In the inning, Demeo's hit by pitch was followed by Steven Marino's perfectly executed
hit-n-run. Marino then swiped second before Jack Young singled home DeMeo. Harry Smith walked to load the bases before Licata
squeezed home Marino. Anthony Zeppieri's squibber plated Young and from there it was all about Montalto who powered his way
through seven innings to earn his 7th win of the year.
The Final Four Hawks will open on the road in the Semis against a yet to be determined
opponent starting Monday or Tuesday. Updates to follow.
Seahawks Seize Game One
Through wet and soggy slop the Seahawks opened their 2011 playoffs with a bang
as they bested the Farmingdale Dalers 20-4 to claim game one in their 'AA'Quarterfinals opener.
John Daddino bulldozed his way through five innings allowing just two earned runs
while striking out 10 to get the win. Kyle Zahradka polished off the last two innings in a non-save situation.
On the offensive side of things Harry Smith led the way with three hits including
a Home Run to go with three runs scored. Eddie Eymold was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Kyle DeMeo went 2 for 3 with a double
and four RBI's. Steve Marino was 2 for 3 with three RBI's. Ron Licciardi and Anthony Licata (3 RBI's) each had a pair of hits
while Anthony Zeppieri had one to go with three RBI's.
Once the weather settles the Hawks will travel to Farmingdale for game two as they
hope to close out the Dalers in two. Game time is scheduled for 4:30PM Tuesday.
Seahawks Sweep Bellmore, Earn Bye
Needing a win to keep pace with the remaining second place finalists in order to
have a shot at a playoff bye, the Seahawks took care of their end of the bargain as they defeated the Bellmore JFK Cougars
9-5 to earn a series sweep.
And then upon returning to Carey the news that Hicksville upset Farmingdale gave
the Hawks a hard earned number four seed which provides an opportunity for the pitchers to get some rest, stay on their pitching
days cycle and lastly avoid the 'one and done' playoff opening round which starts this Saturday for eight other teams.
As for the Bellmore finale, Ron "Finger Nails" Licciardi kept the steady pitching
coming as he whiffed 11 batters while only allowing the powerful Cougars lineup four earned runs as he gritted and gutted
his way to his third win of the year.
Kyle "Coach" DeMeo led the hitting attack with a perfect 4 for 4 at the plate with
a double, three singles and two RBI's. The big hit of the day however came from the bat of Steven "Stevon Marinobury" Marino
who launched a three run Home Run over the centerfield fence in the fourth inning to help restake the Hawks to a four run
lead that they never relinquished.
The enthusiastic Hawks, as well as their exhausted parents and fans will now get
a few days to recoup before taking the field Monday as they open at 4:45PM in the 2011 Quarterfinals against an opponent yet
to be determined.
Seahawks Soar on Senior Day
For 13 lucky Seniors this would be their last regular season home game at Carey
High School, and they certainly made the best of it as they ran all over the Bellmore JFK Cougars 10-1 to clinch second place
in Conference AA-III.
Jesse "The Fairleigh Flash" Montalto recorded his team leading fifth win as he
went the distance allowing no earned runs while striking out 12 on just five hits.
Tom "Tommy Elbow" Rydzewski had another dazzler at the dish as he went 4 for 4
with four RBI's to pace the Hawks attack. Anthony "How Ya Doin" Licata went 3 for 3 as he and 'Ski' had seven of the Seahawks
10 hits. The defining moment on offense however came via a routine ground out to first by Jack Young who then watched as both
Kyle DeMeo and Steve Marino came racing around to score as a giant game of running bases broke out.
The win guarantees the Hawks a home playoff game and a 4,5 or 6 seed when the playoffs
begin this weekend or Monday.
**Special thanks to Mrs. Zahradka for all of the balloons. Special thanks to Elisabeth
Mora and Marissa Sciacca for the Congratulations Seniors sign. Special thanks to Danny Fey for helping with the scoreboard.
And lastly thanks to all of the parents for making Senior Day a success. Hopefully, we can have a few more games as the Hawks
look to make a playoff push.
Hawks Cage Cougars
Looking to draw first blood in their crucial second place showdown with Bellmore
JFK, the Seahawks raced out to a 10-1 lead before holding off a late 7th inning rally to take game one 10-6 and claim sole
possession of second place in AA-II.
John Daddino won his third in a row as he went six innings, striking out 11 while
only allowing five hits and a run. Kyle DeMeo, despite not getting the save stopped the bleeding in the bottom of the seventh
to ensure the victory.
Anthony Licata was 3 for 4 at the plate with two RBI's. Jack Young was 2 for 4
with a double and an RBI, while Eddie Eymold, DeMeo, Steven Marino, Nick Vilchez and Ronnie Licciardi all had one hit apiece
as the Hawks encountered their first Spygate episode as illegal bats were all the rage on this day!
The Hawks return home Tuesday for their regular season finale. Game time is 4:45PM.
Seahawks Blitz Beach
Making sure history didn't repeat itself, the Seahawks made sure there would be
no game three let-up like there was against VS Central as they bombarded the Long Beach Marines 21-5 to sweep the series and
move to 8-4 on the season with a huge second place matchup starting on Monday at Bellmore JFK.
Ronnie Licciardi led the way with his bat and arm as he went 4 for 4 to finish
at an incredible 9 for 9 (1.000) in the three game set. On the hill he was again briefly betrayed by some poor defense but
yet he still went six innings with 11 strikeouts and no earned runs allowed.
Also contributing at the plate were Eddie Eymold who went 3 for 4, Kyle DeMeo 2
for 2 (3 RBI's), Steven Marino 3 for 3, Harry Smith 2 for 2, and Anthony Zeppieri 2 for 2 as all told the Hawks hammered out
18 more hits to help them close out the series with a final tally of 45 runs on 53 hits and a margin of victory that read
45-5.
The Hawks close out the regular season next Wednesday before placing their spot
for the 2011 post-season.
Quarter Century Seahawks
Firing on all cylinders the Seahawks conducted a 25 hit baseball blitzkrieg that
left their poor hosts from Long Beach begging for mercy as they walloped the Marines 18-0 to move to 7-4 on the season.
Equaling the offensive 'wow' factor on the defensive side was John "Johnny One
Sleeve" Daddino who posted a career high 17 strikeouts with no walks and just one fifth inning bloop single allowed that barely
eluded a diving attempt by rightfielder Anthony Zeppieri. Other than watching catcher Anthony Licata throw balls back to Daddino
or Around the Horn the defense was treated to a rare day off for the most part.
As for the Seahawks bats it was an old fashioned feeding frenzy as 13 different
Hawks reached base safely on base knocks starting with Tom Rydzewski who had a career high 5 for 5 day at the plate. Also
going the multiple hit route was Eddie Eymold, who had three hits. Ron Licciardi, who went 3 for 3. Licata who muscled out
two hits, Harry Smith and Zeppieri who cashed in two hits apiece. Nick Vilchez, Dan Maloney, Kyle DeMeo, Adam Delgado, Jack
Young, Chris Dente, Rob Miotto and Nick Safuto (Bases Clearing Double) all had one hit each to complete the rather impressive
stat sheet.
The Hawks go for their third consecutive shutout on Thursday in the series finale
at home.
Hawks Storm the Beach
With long time Carey PE Teacher and former Coach Bob Walpole (1978-2000) in attendance,
the Hawks broke in their new scoreboard, which was generously donated by Coach Walpole, by shutting out the Long Beach Marines
6-0 in the 10th annual Bob Walpole Classic to move to within half a game of second place in Conference AA-III play.
Jesse Montalto was named the game's MVP as he registered a career high 14 strikeouts
while allowing just one hit. Kyle DeMeo had three more RBI's to go along with two singles. Tom Rydzewski chipped in with two
doubles and Jack Young had one two-bagger. Ronnie Licciardi had two singles while Steven Marino, Anthony Licata and Anthony
Zeppieri all had one each. Defensively Licata logged in two more caught stealings to his growing resume behind the dish.
The Seahawks travel by sea to Long Beach as the one hour trip should hopefully
get them home before midnight tomorrow as they look to swipe the only road game of the series. Game time is slated for 4:45PM
at Long Beach High School.
Egg Sandwich
With a scoring margin of 26-2 in their favor after the first two games
of the series, the high flying Hawks came crashing to the ground hard as they plummeted to a 2-1, 9-inning loss to VS Central
in the three game series finale. There has never, and there never will be, a high school team that is good enough 'to just
show up' and the Hawks despite thinking they could dance the night away at the expense of the Eagles ended up with an embarrassing
egg on their face loss that should hopefully remedy their work ethic for the remainder of the year.
Two games after stroking thirty four hits, all the Hawks could muster
were four hits in nine innings. That coupled with poor base running, failure to execute hit-n-runs, failure to hit cut-off
men, and risky coaching combined with the wiffleball bat swings left the Hawks with a knockout punch to the gut and a place
in the standings (7-6) that has seen all too many Carey teams land...mediocrity!
The Hawks get to stew in their Egg Soda til Monday before hosting Long
Beach in the 2011 Bob Walpole Classic, as he also will be on hand to christen the new scoreboard. Game time is 4:45PM.
Seahawks Blank Birds
Duplicating the previous day's feat the red hot Hawk bats blasted 17 hits
for the second consecutive game as they blanked the VS Central Eagles 11-0 to move within one game of second place in Conference
play.
John Daddino went six innings with seven strikeouts while allowing just
two infield singles. Dan Maloney pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the second straight day as he was once again aided
by two dazzling Jack Young plays at shortstop.
At the dish, Kyle DeMeo (2 more RBI's) and Ronnie Licciardi (2 Doubles)
led the way with three hits apiece while Steven Marino and Homering Harry Smith (3 RBI's) each had two. The hammering Hawks
rest the lumber tomorrow before going for the sweep on Friday. Game time is 4:30PM.
Seahawks Rout Eagles
Four days of digesting the Calhoun sweep was more than enough for the
hungry Hawks who took out a week's worth of frustration on Valley Stream Central as they routed the Eagles 15-2 to bump back
over .500 to 4-3 in league play.
Eleven different Hawks laced hits as they notched a total of 17. Tom Rydzewski
had three hits, Steven Marino, John Daddino, Ron Licciardi, and Anthony Zeppieri each had a pair while Kyle DeMeo, Nick Vilchez,
Harry Smith, Anthony Licata, Eddie Eymold and Pat Amato all had one base-knock apiece.
Jesse Montalto got the win as he went six innings allowing just three
hits while striking out 10. Dan Maloney pitched a perfect seventh as he was aided by two dazzling Jack Young plays at shortstop
as the Seahawks enjoyed a solid team win to break their three game schneid.
Colts Cruise Past Hawks
Any efforts to salvage the series finale was quickly eclipsed as a sloppy
Hawks defense committed four errors to go with several misplays in the first three innings as they were swept away by the
Calhoun Colts 6-3 to drop their record to 3-3 after two weeks of Conference AA-III play.
Wasted on the way was a solid outing by Ron Licciardi who scattered six
hits over six innings while allowing just one earned run. Unfortunately when you match up against a team that takes advantage
of extra outs you are asking for big trouble. Such was the case as the Colts raced out to a 2-0 lead after two infield errors
and two mental lapses in the top half of the first. To the Hawks credit they responded in the bottom of the first with a John
Daddino two run triple off the centerfield fence.
In the third, after issuing two walks to start the inning, the Hawk gloves
abandoned ship again as they kicked the rock around again for two more unearned runs to make the deficit 5-2 which became
6-2 heading to the bottom of the fourth.
After back to back singles with no outs by Licciardi and Eddie Eymold
the offense came up short as a strikeout and a 6-4-3 double play extinguished the rally. The Hawks reached first and second
in the fifth as well only to see that rally also fall by the wayside as clutch hits continued to elude Hawk hitting.
The Hawks next head to Valley Stream Central starting Monday away at 11:30AM
as they look to get back to their winning ways.
Clutch Colts Clip Hawks
Taking adavantage when they could, the Calhoun Colts clipped the Seahawks
7-3 as they went an impressive 9 for 14 with two outs to score each and every time they had runners in scoring position. On
the flip side the Hawks went 2 for 7 with two outs while they stranded 12 runners to ensure a second consecutive loss.
Jesse Montalto was tagged for the loss as the attempt to escape several
jams came up a little short as the Colts notched five runs in the third and fourth innings with two men down. A costly error
and a missed opportunity to turn two on a flyout left the Hawks vulnerable to the potent Colts offense which seized its chance.
Offensively for the Hawks, Kyle DeMeo had two more hits while Chris Dente,
a double, and Adam Delgado had their first base knocks of the year.
The Hawks will look to salvage the series as they return home on Thursday
for the finale.
Calhoun Claims Opener
In their first opportunity to take on last year's champs, the Seahawks
fell flat as the Calhoun Colts out-cooked the Hawks 6-1 as the three magic ingredients, throwing strikes, good defense and
timely hitting, were on display as the Seahawks dropped their first league game of the year.
Starting pitcher John Daddino, while effective, ran out of gas after four
innings as did reliever Kyle Zahradka who also put in a good effort. Rob Miotto was noble in his first pitching appearance
of the year as well. Regardless, the Hawks up and down bats struggled mightily as only a Steven Marino solo blast in the seventh
plated any runs for the Seahawks. Kyle DeMeo had two hits while Eddie Eymold, Anthony Zeppieri, Anthony Licata and Tom Rydzewski
all had one apiece as the Hawks left runners on base in every inning as the 'big' hit eluded them all day long. Compounding
matters was the inability to put the ball in play as the Hawks whiffed a season high 10 times.
No worries though as the Hawks will gear up for game two which will take
place on Wednesday as they look to even the series at Calhoun before returning home on Thursday. Both game times will be 10:30AM.
Swept Away!
Facing their first close moment of the series after allowing
the Pirates to get within two runs at 5-3, relief pitcher Ron Licciardi came in to snuff out a potential Mepham rally as the
Seahawks cruised from there 10-3 to gain a three game sweep in their 2011 opening set.
For the Pirates the end couldn't come soon enough as the Hawks pummeled
Pirate pitching for a 28-4 margin in the series. Leading the way with his bat as well as his glove was Licciardi who notched
a 2 for 2 day. Steven Marino finally had his breakout game as he went 3 for 4 with a double and two singles. Kyle DeMeo, Nick
Vilchez, and Anthony Licata all registered multiple hit games as the Hawks took care of business all day long with a sterling
eight two out base hits as they clearly defined clutch hitting. Congrats as well to Nick Safuto for getting his first career
Varsity hit!
The Seahawks continue their homestand on Monday as they welcome County
Champ Calhoun in the next 'big' series. The vacation week schedule for the upcoming will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
all at 10:30AM.
Seahawks Shutout Pirates
Narrowly escaping a mini-Nor'easter, the Seahawks slid just
under the raindrops for their second straight win over the Mepham Pirates 11-0 to raise their record to 2-0 (4-2 Overall)
in League play.
Jesse Montalto was razor sharp on the hill as he went just five innings
in the rain shortened affair. He gave up just two hits while whiffing ten batters to garner his second win of the year.
And as expected the Mepham field brought out the Carey whipping sticks
just as it has done the past four years as eight different Hawk hackers reached base safely. Harry Smith led the way with
his first long ball of the year to give the Seahawks a 2-0 lead which is all they would need. Anthony Licata provided the
only multiple hit game as he went 2 for 4 with two RBI's. Kyle DeMeo also had two RBI's to raise his team leading total to
15. Steven "Stephon Marinobury" Marino notched an infield single to go with three runs scored while Tom Rydzewski, Vick Nilchez,
Joey Torregrossa and Jack Young all contributed singles to the 9-hit statsheet.
The Hawks return home on Thursday as they shoot for the sweep. Game Time
is 4:30PM.
Seahawks Plank Pirates
After a mini two game skid the Seahawks found their groove again as they
planked the Pirates of Mepham 7-1 to open their 2011 League season a winner.
John Daddino, who has mastered the Pirates since his Sophomore year, did
the deed again as he went the distance, striking out 14 while yielding just one run on five hits. Daddino also paced the hitting
attack as he went a perfect 3 for 3 with a double and an RBI.
Complementing Daddino's effort was Kyle DeMeo who launched a three run
shot, his second of the year, to put the Hawks up 5-1 after four innings. DeMeo also had two singles to go with his Home Run
which were good enough for four RBI's on the day.
Anthony "Bullseye" Zeppieri, who got plunked twice by Pirate pitching,
Harry Smith, Nick Vilchez, Eddie "Easy-E" Eymold and Rob Miotto all added base hits to the win.
The Hawks head to the Mepham launching pad for game two as the series
continues on Tuesday. Game time is 4:45PM.
Trojans Trip Hawks
After three weeks of poor weather the Seahawks finally got a taste of
some beautiful Spring weather as they travelled to Garden City for their final Non-League (Or as Mr. Kelly Calls It--None
League) contest of the year.
Unfortunately, the good weather didn't translate into a win as the Hawks
dropped their second consecutive close game 5-2 to even their 2011 record at 2-2 as they begin league play on Monday vs Mepham.
Despite the loss, the Hawks found some real positives as Kyle Zahradka
went 5 and 1/3 innings striking out six while scattering seven hits as he continues to climb his way back to form. Tom Rydzewski
stretched his multiple hits streak to four games as he notched two more singles to go with an RBI. Anthonys, Licata and Zeppieri,
both hit the ball hard as did Kyle DeMeo, Steven Marino and Nick Vilchez but sometimes a tip of the cap to the other team
for playing good defense is in order which it was on this day as solid Trojan glovework kept the Hawk offense in check.
Defensively the Seahawks played perfect defense as several two out singles
were just enough runs for the 5-1 Trojans as they bumped off the Hawks for the second time this year including scrimmages.
The work in progress Seahawks now gear up for 15 games in 30 days as the
2011 title chase commences.
Hawk Hiccup
Holding a 5-3 lead with one out in the top of
the 7th, the Seahawks seemed to be on their way to a third straight non-league win until the dreaded in-between pop up struck
yet again at Carey field. The one out single was conviently followed up by the Quinlan Rule, as per Carey's former Athletic
Director, that says if you leave it close enough for the umpires to play a part then you are asking for trouble as pitcher
Kyle DeMeo's sure strike three curve on the next batter was not called and on the very next pitch the batter laced a double
to set up second and third. From there, a double defensive meltdown on consecutive errors by the Seahawks infield led to both
the tying run and eventual winning run to score as the Seahawks watched their lead vanish.
Showing some resilience of their own the Hawks set up their own second
and third in the bottom half of the frame with just one out before a groundout and strikeout quashed the rally.
Wasted on the way was Jesse Montalto's second straight strong effort on
the hill as he went six innings allowing just three runs while striking out seven. Also lost in the shuffle was Nick "Dave
Kingman" Vilchez's County leading fourth Home Run as the Hawks squandered a 5-0 lead that saw them sleepwalk through the final
five innings scratching out just two seeing eye singles. As with any other sport once you've got a team down you've got to
go in for the kill and not 'let them hang around' as the 2011 Seahawks got their first taste of Baseball Lessons 101.
After a brief respite the Hawks hit the turf running this Saturday in
their Non-league finale vs Garden City before welcoming Mepham in league play on Monday.
Saturday Sweep!
The 2011 Seahawks broke the seal on their 54th opening day with a Saturday
afternoon sweep in a rare split team doubleheader. They easily defeated last year's nemesis the Freeport Red Devils 18-0 in
the 11:00AM contest before besting the Knights of Floral Park 9-2 in the nightcap.
Jesse Montalto went the distance posting a 10 strikeout-2 hit gem over
Freeport as he was the beneficiary of a 15 run second inning explosion that was highlighted by Nick Vilchez's two towering
Home Runs and Kyle Demeo's Grand Slam. Demeo also had a double and a sac fly to boost his RBI totals for the day to a whopping
seven. Tom Rydzewski and Harry Smith each went 3 for 3 to set the table all day for the big boppers. Eddie Eymold and Anthony
Licata also had multiple hit games while Anthony Zeppieri contributed a triple to the 17 hit barrage.
After a one hour intermission and more landscaping detail, excluding the
two hours of work prior to the opening game, the Hawks bats went back to work as Vilchez picked up from where he left off
as he blasted his third Home Run of the day to make it 2-0 and the soaring Seahawks never looked back as they coasted 9-2
over Floral Park. Rydzewski, Licata and Eymold all added two more hits apiece while Demeo, who went 4 for 4 with three doubles,
completed his day with a 6 for 7, 8 RBI's, Grand Slam and four doubles performance that highlighted the days festivities.
On the mound, Kyle Zahradka muscled his way through five innings allowing
just one earned run while striking out seven to gain his first varsity win after sitting out last season with arm trouble.
The Hawks complete their Non-League schedule this week as they host Syosset
before heading over to crosstown rivals Garden City before the AA-III grudge matches begin on April 11th. Check the schedule
page for any updates if weather issues pop up.
