Hampstead Reds

The Hampstead Reds claimed the 3-foot high Quintown Major League trophy Saturday morning, June 30th, after defeating the Fremont Marlins 6 - 1 in Fremont. It had been 10 years since the Hampstead Reds had taken the top title. Manager Ed Riemitis distributed the individual trophies to his players after the game, citing short stories and his observations about each player. Mike Carace turned in a tremendous pitching performance, effectively neutralizing the Marlins’ top hitters, striking out 11 batters and giving up only six hits. The Reds struck early with two runs each in the second and third innings and added two AFLAC runs in the top of the 6th. Hot bats belonged to Jason Carace with three hits, Matt Willey and Jeff Manzick each with two hits, and Mike Carace, Mike Keenan, Matt Murrell, Scott Randall and Jay Riemitis each had a hit. Jeff Manzick’s first hit drove in the first two runs for the Reds and gave the team the spark that they needed. Scott Randall turned a heads-up double play by tagging the base runner heading to second and firing to first in time for the second out. The series nearly ended two days earlier with Fremont as victors when the Marlins took the field in the bottom of the 6th inning of game number two with a four run lead. The Reds rallied for five runs to force the series to game three. Coach Riemitis thanked his players, his coaches Pete Keenan, Vinnie Carace, Steve Clark and Doug Willey, and all of the parents. He shared with the players and their parents that he felt this was the best group of players he has coached in his nine years as coach, not because they won more games but for their attitude and behavior. The Reds plan to celebrate their title-winning season at an upcoming team party. Congratulations Hampstead Reds!!!