Washington Township Senators 35+

A nice job yesterday by everyone! Ten hits, great defense, superb pitching. Special welcome to Pat Dewechter, who took the mound for the first time since 2004 and did a great job. The manager is LOVING the make-up of the team this year. I like our chances. Next week, we head to Delran to take on the new-look Marlton A's, who will throw Danny Hill and Gabe Masterangelo at us. John DeLeon, their big, new power hitter, is in Florida for the week, and will miss the game. And we will be without John DiPietro, Pat Dewechter, Jimmy McAllister and Frank Izzi. If anyone else can't make it, I need to know ASAP. Chris Lawrence gets the starting nod, with Frank Rose and Ken Bevenour in the pen as needed. The tentative starting lineup: 1. Alessandrini-OF
2. Stefano-OF
3. Amos-OF
4. Bevenour-3B
5. Barbara-1B
6. Laudisio-C
7. Reader-OF
8. Lawrence-P
9. Rose-SS
10. Frese-EH
11. Trotman-2B We will hit Thursday night around 6:15 at the varsity batting cages. Finally, please see the Handouts page for a letter I sent today to the Fund for the Ley Children. The Senators made a $150 donation to this great cause, this in memory of our buddy, the Tigers Teddy Ley, who we lost this past winter.

Did you know that the Senators turned their only triple play at Riverton Memorial Park vs. the Riverton Pirates? The play started when pitcher Frank Rose leaped off the mound to snare a popped-up sacrifice bunt attempt. Rose caught the ball at his shoe-tops, fired a strike to Joe Santone at second, who tossed to Dan Barbara at first to complete the triple play.

Well, it weren't purty, but it were a win! The Senators got 2007 off to a victorious start, beating the Voorhees Angels by 7-5 tally despite being out-hit by the Halos by a 12-7 margin. The Nats did what they had to do when they had to do it to get the victory, taking advantage of seven Angel errors and a bunch of late walks. John DiPietro pitched seven strong innings in his '07 debut, but Chris Lawrence managed to pick up the win after blowing the save in the eighth inning. But all's well the ends well, and both hurlers looked solid. Veteran Frank Rose was the offensive star, collecting two hits and an RBI. And Danny Barbara and Jim Stefano both made their 38 Senators debuts successfully. The Nats also welcomed back catcher Dan Laudisio, who missed the entire 2006 campaign with a torn Achilles tendon. The All-Star catcher looked solid behind the dish and had a great OBP and two RBI in four plate appearances. Next week, the Senators travel to Wesley Bishop to face their old friends the Moorestown Marlins, who beat the Sewell Sharks by a 4-3 margin on Sunday. John DiPietro gets the starting nod against the Fish, but we will use all means necessary to secure the win. I expect Chris Lawrence to work on the hill, and will not hesitate to use Frank Rose and Ken Bevenour if needed. The tentative lineup, subject to change: 1. Alessandrini-OF
2. Stefano-OF
3. Amos-OF
4. Izzi-1B/EH
5. Barbara-1B/EH
6. Bevenour-3B
7. Laudisio-C
8. Reader-OF/EH
9. Lawrence-SS
10. Rose-EH/Frese-EH
11. Trotman-2B

Jim Toth has announced that he will be the trailblazer. The big guy has decided to move up and play for the 47+ Senators, effectively immediately. It is believed that Toth will have the baseball as the starting pitcher for the 47 Sens as they begin their quest for the title on Sunday at Donio Park against the tough South Jersey Hot Stovers. "I love to play baseball," Toth said, "And I simply saw a greater opportunity to play and contribute with the 47 club this year. Let's face it: the 38 club is just stacked with talent, and the innings were going to be hard to come by. I know Mike Dunleavy needs a top-of-the-line pitcher, and I expect to be that guy for him on a weekly basis." And pitching has indeed been a burning need for the 47 club. The skill is a premium at that level of play, and an arm such as Toth's will be very valuable to a team on the edge of contention. "The 47s are ready to take their place as the class of SJMSBL's 47+ division," GM Nick Frese said, "And I know Jim Toth will be a big part of that successs. We will miss the big guy's laughs down here at 38, but this move will be a Godsend for the 47s in the here and now. I'm sure some of us will be seeing him again quite soon." The loss of Toth also makes just a tad more room for injured Senators such as Doug Crowe and Rich Kulikowski, who both hope to return to the fold before the year is out. "Both Dougie and Rich are solid performers," Frese said, "And they will be in the mix as soon as they are ready." The Senators open Sunday at Clearview High School JV field against the Sewell Sharks.