Bergen Concrete

In the handouts section is a copy of the league bylaws included in that document is the Code of ethics. All coaches, parents and players are responsible to read and know the repercussions of any ethics infractions. The board of directors will enforce any penalties. Thank You President Philip Romero

After going undefeated (6-0) in pool play, and dropping the first game of the final four (double elimination tournament), the Wood-Ridge/Moonachie Little Leagues 12 Year Old All Star team fought back and won four games in less than 48 hours including a double header sweep of Lyndhurst National in the Championship round on Sunday July 18, 2004 in Wallington. After dropping that opening game to Lyndhurst National by a score of 5-2 in extra innings on Thursday July15, 2004 the team was determined to get to the championship game and redeem themselves against the only team to blemish their record in District 5 play. The District 5 Championship is the leagues first since 1985 and sent the locals to Livingston NJ to represent the town, league and district in Sectional play against teams from West New York National, Milburn/Short Hills, Fort Lee, and the host town of Livingston American. On Friday July 16, 2004 the locals knocked off a feisty host team Wallington by a score of 9-5 eliminating Wallington. The game was scoreless until the top of the 4th inning when the locals struck for 6 runs to take the lead it never relinquished. The pitching dual was thrown a curve when our starting pitcher Shannon Sullivan’s back tightened up in the second inning and Tony Veltri had to be summoned from 1st base in relief. Veltri was a rock on the mound allowing only 3 earned runs on 5 hits and striking out 3. The defense put forth its usual stellar performance in helping Veltri notch his 4th pitching victory of the tournament. Hitting stars for the locals included Shannon Sullivan with a double and single good for 2 RBI’s, Tony Veltri’s 2 hits and 2 runs scored, Danny Connor’s double, run scored and RBI, and Robby Francis who reached base 3 times, scoring twice and knocking in a run. Alex Aitkens iced the game with a 2 run homer in the 6th inning. On Saturday July 17, 2004 the team sent Lyndhurst American home with a hard fought 12-9 victory. Knowing we needed to score a lot of runs due to a pitching shortage, the see-saw game that saw four lead changes was put out of reach when the locals scored 5 runs in the 4th inning. The team fell behind 3-0 in the first inning and had to climb back and did so with the following hitting stars: Alex Aitkens 3 hits (2 doubles) 3 runs scored and 4 RBI’s, Shannon Sullivan 2 hits, 1 run scored and 3 RBI’s, Eddie Lopez’s RBI single, Sean Code’s hit and run scored, Tommy Lacey’s 3 runs scored and Tony Veltri and Jennifer Keller with 2 runs scored each. Starting pitcher Danny Connor and relief pitcher Tommy Lacey left it all on the mound and gave everything they had scattering 9 hits, 9 walks, and striking out 4. Tommy Lacey pitched 4 heroic innings to ensure he and his teammates made it to the championship game the next day. On Sunday July 18, 2004 the tired but determined team needed 2 wins against Lyndhurst National to capture the District crown. The first game saw the local’s defeat Lyndhurst National 9-3. Winning pitcher Alex Aitkens improved his tournament record to 2-0 by allowing only 2 earned runs, surrendering 5 hits, 3 walks and striking out 4. He also contributed to the teams overall great defense with 5 assist including a remarkable barehanded stop on the mound. Second baseman Thomas Fugnitti also made an over the shoulder catch in short right field to take a hit away from a disappointed Lyndhurst National batter. Hitting stars were Aitkens with a double, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI’s, Tommy Lacey a hit and 2 runs scored, Sean Cody a hit, run scored and RBI, Tony Veltri with a hit and RBI, Danny Connor’s double and run scored, and Fugnitti with a hit and run scored. During this game the District Administrators advised the teams that if Wood-Ridge/Moonachie won the game there would be a second game for the championship due to scheduling deadlines and forecasted rain the next day. Although not expecting a second game and having already played 3 tough games in less than 48 hours the kids were up to the task. With rain approaching the locals beat Lyndhurst National 7-1 for the first District Championship in 19 years. The locals jumped on Lyndhurst National for 3 first inning runs with Nick Romero getting it all started by leading the game off with a base on balls. Winning pitcher Shannon Sullivan took a shutout into the 6th inning before surrendering the only run. She scattered 8 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5. she alos helped herself with 2 hits one a double for a run scored and RBI. Other hitting stars were Danny Connor with 2 hits and an RBI, Robby Francis with a hit and 2 runs scored,Alex Aitkens 1 hit 1 run scored and 1 RBI, Tony Veltri 1 hit, 1 run scored and 1 RBI. The defense was very strong up the middle with infielders Aitkens and Tommy Lacey combining for 6 assists and 1 putout and centerfielder Danny Connor tracking down 2 long flyballs along the fence.

After capturing the District 5 12 Year Old Championship the 12 Year Old Wood-Ridge/Moonachie Little League team traveled to Livingston American Little League field to compete in the Section 2 championship tournament. Game 1 on Tuesday July 20, 2004 pitted the locals against a scrappy Millburn/Short Hills team. It was a classic pitching dual and the hometown team was well represented on the mound by Tony Veltri. Tony pitched his heart out giving up only 2 runs on 4 hits 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the youngsters suffered a 2-1 setback at the hands of Milburn/Short Hills. Tony also reached base twice getting the teams only hit and scoring on Giorgio Scalone’s ground out fielder’s choice. Game 2 on Wednesday July 21, 2004 saw the hometown youngsters come out with a determination that resulted in a 10 run mercy decision against Ft. Lee. The final score was 10-0 in 5 innings. Winning pitcher Alex Aitkens faced only one batter over the minimum and threw a no hitter while walking only one and striking out 11 batters. Aitkens helped himself with 2 hits and a run scored and a RBI. Jennifer Keller almost ended the game in the 4th inning with runners on 2nd and 3rd she lined a sharp single to left centerfield scoring the runner from 3rd with the 9th run and the runner from second being thrown out at the plate on a very close play. Giorgio Scalone hat the big hit in the locals 8 run 4th inning with a bases loaded double plating 3 runs. Shannon Sullivan’s RBI single in the 5th ended the game. Other hitting stars were Thomas Fugnitti with a hit and RBI and Tommy Lacey with 2 runs scored. Game 3 on Thursday July 22, 2004 was another nail biter. The bats were again silenced by a strong pitching performance from the host Livingston’s pitcher and the locals lost another heartbreaking 2-1 decision and being knocked from the sectionals. The game was a scoreless tie going into the 5th inning. Losing pitcher Shannon Sullivan was up to the challenge herself giving up only 2 runs while walking none and striking out 6. Once again Tony Veltri got the locals only hit and scored the only run on a double steal attempt. Although disappointed at not advancing further the team made a most respectful showing and impressed many opponents and spectators. The fans from Wood-Ridge and Moonachie were also complimented for their spirit and support and it went a long way in showing others around the state what a fine and proud community we represent. ALL SHOULD BE PROUD AND CARRY HEADS HIGH.

Great job guys keep working hard and we look forward to seeing all of you next year.. Good job coaches and thanks for the support parents..