Washington Township Senators 35+

The Associated Press today reported that former two-time Senators 38+ MVP Joe Santone and former 28+ Senator and Tri-County great Dan Barbara are both considering a return to the diamond in 2007 as 38+ Senators. The news was confirmed by agents for both players, and by Senators GM Nick Frese. "I have to admit it: I said 'wow' when I was contacted by representatives from their camps," Frese exclaimed. "I mean, you're talking about two of the greatest players in Senator history here. Who the heck would want to face THAT lineup?" Santone, the former shortstop for both the 28+ and 38+ clubs, is a career .368 hitter with 163 RBI and 15 homers lifetime. The smooth fielding middle infielder says he missed the game, and if schedule and conditioning permit, he would love to get back on the field. "I stopped playing to devote more time to my son, Joey, and the team I was coaching," Santone said, "But through it all, I missed playing myself. As of right now, I would be 50/50. Schedule is a factor, as well as the actual physical side of it." As for Barbara, who holds a lusty .392 lifetime batting mark in his five seasons of SJMSBL play, he is also missing getting his weekly hacks. "I have a busy schedule with Township baseball, but getting into shape is my biggest concern right now," Barbara said. "Nick has told me that he'd love to have me if I can make eight games. Right now I'm still on the fence. We'll see." Frese could be gleefully seen mulling lineup possibilities as he pondered the news. "How's a middle of the lineup consisting of Frank Izzi, Ken Bevenour, Dan Barbara and Joe Santone strike you," Frese asked. "With all those big boppers -- plus speed guys like Mark Alessandrini, Jim McAllister, Dale Amos, Dan Laudisio and Jim Stefano ahead of them -- the sky's the limit for this club offensively. "Playing time would certainly be a premium given such a scenario," Frese said, "But we have the right mix of guys on this club. They all understand these things and will adapt. And also, everyone misses their share of games. We'll do our best to keep everyone happy. Winning sure helps." The older players seem certain to suffer some loss of playing time, though, should all the dominos fall in the plus column. "Guys like me and (hurler Frank) Rose understand these things, as we've been through 'em before with the 28s," Frese said. "Time marches on, like it or not, and I will put the best players on the field as often as possible." That's what the rest of the SJMSBL is afraid of.

The Washington Township Senators have finally announced the much anticipated signing of Doug Crowe, the former Glassboro Blaze hurler/infielder. But the announcement was tempered with the news that Crowe may well be disabled for the entire 2007 campaign due to various injuries and ailments. "We have been talking with Doug's agent since the Fall," said Senators GM Nick Frese, "And we were finally able to get a deal done. We are thilled to have Doug on board, even if we do have to wait a while to have him on the field with us." Crowe is scheduled for surgery early in 2007 for diverticulitis, a condition which affects the colon. While being CAT-scanned for the surgery, a stress fracture was discovered in the righthander's back. This combination of ailments is certain to shut him down for most of the 2007 campaign. "Doug is the type of player who fits right into the Senator mold," Frese said. "He comes to the yard every Sunday looking to compete and win. And of course, the manager likes nothing better than position players who can also help on the hill. We are hopefully that Doug will be able to play towards the end of the year, and that he will be able to join us in Florida in November. But those types of decisions will have to wait until probably mid-May, when the rosters become final. Meanwhile, all we can do is wish him the best and wait until he is well enough to answer the bell." A Turnersville resident, Crowe threw a few fallball innings for the Senators club in September, and he did impress with his velocity, and also showed good offensive skills. But the unfortunately, the Nats will have to wait a while to see them on display with the big club. In other news, the GM would like to correct one mistake from a prior email. New addition Jim Stefano is a LEFTY hitter, LEFTY thrower, bringing another much-needed, much-valued southpaw into the fold. "I guess I must have been looking at films of Jim him in a mirror. Hey, it happens." Frese admitted. "That's the only way I can explain a mistake like that. But I can spot a player even using a mirror, so we'll take him anyway." Stefano has asked for and received uniform #2 as a Senators. And the outfielder can't wait for April. "I have been working out very hard and will be in great shape for the season," said the new Senator flyhawk. In other club news, Frese has buckled to the many complaints and announced that the team will no longer wear the pinstriped jerseys. The Senators will only wear the red jerseys moving forward. "Yeah, we're gonna retire the pinstripes for now," Frese admitted. "There is some talk of us going to vests sometime in the not-too-distance future, but for now will stick top to the red tops with either pinstriped or gray pants. This will help keep expenses down for the new guys, and simplfy matters a bit." The first league meeting will be held in late January, and the Club's annual costs are expected to be emailed to all participants around that same time frame. Cost-per-player for league entrance has officially been upped to $100.00 due to increases in insurance costs. There has been discussion of matching MSBL National and dropping the age bracket to 35-and-over, but this is not yet finalized.

The Washington Township Senators are happy to announce the signing of Jim Stefano to a contract for the 2007 SJMSBL baseball season. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, and the new addition has not yet selected a uniform number. Stefano, formerly of the United States Over 30 Baseball League's Moorestown Wolf Pack, led that circuit in batting in 2005 with a stellar .583 mark. A solid defensive outfielder with great speed, Stefano bats and throws lefty. Senator manager Nick Frese expects his new addition to hit near the top of an already potent lineup. "Jimmy is a prototypical top-of-the-order guy," Frese said, "And I'll certainly find a spot for him up there. Talk about nice problems -- we now have three all-star caliber speed guys in Mark Alessandrini, Dale Amos, and Jim. Put them all in the outfield at one time and NOTHING is getting through." Stefano said he is likely to miss some games -- much like most of the Senator roster -- but he is genuinely thrilled to be here in Washington Township. "I promise the team I will give them everything I have, every game," said the speedster. Frese also had hopes that Stefano would join the juggernaut on their expected trip to Florida come November. "I haven't talked to Jimmy about that as yet," Frese said, "But you can bet that conversation is forthcoming. I would like nothing better than to have him with us in Tampa for the tournament. It's going to be a blast!" The Senators are expected to have their usual busy winter with roster moves, and although he would not get into specifics, manager Frese indicated there might be more to come. "Will there be more changes prior to the first pitch? I gotta believe there will be," Frese said. "If I've learned nothing else in this game, I've learned that change is the only constant. You learn to live with that." In other Senator news, the GM submitted paperwork to Washington Township for 2007 field use, and the club also offered to buy a new set of Hollywood bases for the high school baseball program. "Kevin Murphy and the troops, including Billy Alvaro, have been very good to us over the years," Frese stated. "We are hoping to be able to give just a little bit back this year, if they'll let us." The Senators are also looking to secure Deptford High School for Sunday morning use. The second field option will allow both the 28 and 38 Senators to more easily juggle their always complex schedules. As league champions, the 38 Senators will have home field preference at Washington Township for the 2007 season. The Senators expect to commence indoor practices sometime late in February, but there is some question right now as to where they will be held. "We had a good thing going at Triton High School last year," Frese said, "But there are some things going on over there this year they may keep us out. I hope that's not the case, because that was a great situation. If we can't get in there, we'll have to come up with a Plan B, I guess."